THE Queensland Catholic Education Commission has welcomed in the new year with a function for its key partners in education in Queensland.
About 90 people, including Queensland’s Assistant Education Minister Saxon Rice and Deputy Leader of the State Opposition Tim Mulherin, along with Bishop Brian Finnigan and Bishop Joseph Oudemann and chair of Catholic Religious Australia – Queensland Josephite Sister Moya Campbell, attended the function at the Francis Rush Centre in Brisbane on February 5.
Acting Director General of Education Queensland Annette Whitehead and Indep-endent Schools Queensland executive director David Robertson also attended.
QCEC executive director Mike Byrne said the function was an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and professional relationships as the new school year got under way.
“We are privileged in Queensland to enjoy a strong spirit of co-operation and collegiality across government, Catholic and independent education sectors,” he said.
“Events like this are an opportunity to build on these relationships.
“2013 is shaping as another busy year and one that will require many professional conversations to achieve the best outcomes for Queensland children.
“From the QCEC perspective, the Federal review of school funding and the State budget situation are presenting ongoing challenges.
“Planning for the move of Year 7 to secondary in 2015 will also gather momentum this year.”
In his address, Mr Byrne assured flood-affected communities of the support of all in the Catholic education community and recognised the vital work that schools, and especially principals and staff, played in the recovery efforts within their local communities.
