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As this will be the last Communique before the school holidays, and my final edition, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and holy Christmas and a wonderful and joyful holiday break.
This has been another year of many challenges for Catholic school communities and each community has responded wonderfully to its own particular set of circumstances.
As we have all negotiated our way through COVID, floods and any number of other challenges, it has been inspiring to see Catholic schools always striving to do the best for the young people entrusted to them.
I hope the coming holidays will provide a celebration of the Christmas message, an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and a chance to refresh in readiness for 2023.
As I prepare to leave QCEC, I once again thank all involved in Queensland Catholic education for their dedication and commitment. Catholic schools are making a real difference in the lives of young people every day and it has been my privilege to be a part of that.
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The Queensland Bishops have asked QCEC’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris Woolley, to act as Executive Director taking effect from 1 February 2023 and until further notice.
I would like to thank Chris for accepting the acting appointment as it will give the Bishops time to complete a recruitment and selection process to fill the role on a permanent basis.
These arrangements will provide certainty for QCEC staff and ensure the important work of the Commission and the Secretariat can continue with minimal disruptions until a permanent appointment is made.
Image: Chris Woolley
Read LessIt was a great pleasure to visit St Agatha’s Primary School, Clayfield, recently and reconnect with a former student of mine, Year 3 Teacher Thea Cowdroy-Ling and the school’s Principal Anne-Marie Maw.
Thea was recently featured in the Queensland College of Teachers World Teachers’ Day spotlight stories.
In reflecting on her own role as a teacher and mentor, Thea was kind enough to mention the part I had played in influencing her decision to become a teacher while she was a student at Mt Alvernia College during my time as principal there.
It was a very rewarding experience to see Thea’s passion for teaching and learning being passed on to another cohort of students.
Read more about Thea’s story here.
Pictured L to R: Thea Cowdroy-Ling, Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM and Principal Anne-Marie Maw
Read LessCongratulations to Mr Jack de Groot who has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Parramatta.
Jack will commence his new role on 30 January 2023, and he will be the first Executive Director to work within the newly created Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Limited – a new incorporated entity and governance structure, which commences from January 2023.
Image: Jack de Groot (source: Catholic Outlook)Sally Egan will finish in her role of Deputy Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) on 10 February 2023.
QCEC has worked closely with Sally on numerous issues and we thank her for the time she has dedicated to the Catholic education sector.
We wish Sally all the best with her future endeavours.
Image: Sally Egan (source LinkedIn)Congratulations to Skylah Birch and Jozephyne Kruger from St Mary’s College, Maryborough, who were among 18 winners named in the 2022 Premier’s Coding Challenge.
Skylah and Jozephyne won the Pairs category for Years 9–10 Python/HTML. There were also a number of other Queensland Catholic school students who received Merit and Highly Commended Awards.
Entrants were required to develop an app, game, animation or website, and submit a short video showcase. The awards run annually to increase interest in STEM education. Find out more here.
