QUEENSLAND’s 309 Catholic schools are remembering the past and looking to the future as they celebrate Catholic Education Week with the theme A Spirited Tomorrow.
Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry said it was exciting to once again highlight the achievements of Catholic education, after celebrations were put on hold in 2020.
“Catholic Education Week [July 25-31] is a time for us to reflect on the breadth and depth of Catholic education in Queensland and it’s great for our school communities to be able to come together to celebrate once again,” Dr Perry said.
“There are more than 300 schools stretching from the Torres Strait to the Gold Coast and west to Quilpie and Mt Isa providing a high quality, faith-based education.
“The smallest Catholic school in the central west has just 19 students while the largest in Brisbane has more than 1900 students and, in Catholic Education Week, we are celebrating the wonderful diversity of our schools.
Dr Perry said the sector grew in 2021, providing affordable options for families seeking a Catholic education for their children.
“In Catholic Education Week we will be celebrating the special nature of our learning communities right across Queensland.
“Schools will be celebrating in their local communities and many Brisbane schools will join in the official launch of Catholic Education Week at St Stephen’s Cathedral in the city on Tuesday 27 July.”
Celebrations in school communities will include liturgies, community outreach activities, grandparents days, and a host of other celebrations as unique as each school.
This year also marks 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia.
“The bicentenary of Catholic education in Australia has been a moment to examine our past while fixing our sights on the future,” Dr Perry said.
“Our theme for Catholic Education Week, A Spirited Tomorrow, reflects the vision of Catholic education our schools aspire to provide.
“It’s an education that is full of life and hope, developing young people able to make a positive contribution and meet their challenges with resilience.”
Dr Perry said one of the highlights of Catholic Education Week was the presentation of the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards.
“The awards recognise some of the people who make an outstanding contribution to their Catholic school communities,” Dr Perry said.
Find out about the award recipients here.
