Across the country the various Catholic Education Authorities are starting to generate a number of useful documents that shine a light on the true situation regarding funding and equity in Catholic Schools.

Here are a few links to critical articles:

In February 2024, the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) made a submission to the Productivity Commission’s Philanthropy Inquiry responding to the Productivity Commission’s draft report. NCEC Response

CSNSW:  Data, not drama: new issue brief confirms Australia’s highly equitable school system

Link

 Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA)  Non government schools receive 40 per cent less in government funding according to Productivity Commission data

At the July Conference a number of Principals generously agreed to be filmed to give us a snapshot of profiles across the nation. In the coming newsletters we will share links to these.

Let us introduce Michael Lee from St Mary Mackillop College, Canberra

https://vimeo.com/1009078263/5b908b98af

Dr Stephen Kennaugh and Mick Egan attended the initial conference planning meeting on 16 September to prepare for Sydney 2026.

CaSPA Strategic Plan

The CaSPA Board are delighted to once again work with Dr Neil Carrington in developing our next strategic plan. A significant portion of our March Board meeting will be devoted to this.

Join AITSL’s implementation trial to foster cultural responsiveness in schools

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is inviting schools to express their interest in taking part in a short implementation trial scheduled for Term 4, 2024 and Term 1, 2025 this year.

The trial will evaluate the impact of AITSL’s Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness Self-Reflection Tool on teacher attitudes, values, and beliefs about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and living cultures – to ultimately improve understanding for all students. Express your school’s interest in the trial below. Please note that school participation in this trial requires permission at the principal level.

https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/cultural-responsiveness/building-a-culturally-responsive-australian-teaching-workforce/join-our-implementation-trial-to-foster-cultural-responsiveness-in-schools

For any inquiries, please contact AITSL via email at indigenouscc@aitsl.edu.au

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• CaSPA Board met via Zoom on 19 September to discuss AERO Research priorities for 2025.
• Also on the agenda was preparation for our joint meeting with ACPPA coming up in October. The is a great deal of common ground for joint advocacy with our primary colleagues at the moment.
• Dr Stephen Kennaugh (CaSPA President) attended the Catholic Education Leaders Gathering in Canberra, hosted by NCEC and attended by political leaders from both major parties.
• Dr Stephen Kennaugh and Mick Egan met with researchers from ACU putting the finishing touches to the empowering women project, the report will be released soon.
• Update of comparative data from ACU regarding the 2023 Principal Wellbeing Report. The presentation compared CaSPA Data with the data for all school leaders in Australia. Top 4 concerns for CaSPA Principals were: Sheer Quantity of work, Staff Wellbeing, Teacher shortage and Student wellbeing.
• ACU Survey to continue in 2024 and looking for more acceptance of the data and recommendations from some sections of education in Australia.

Profiles of all the CaSPA Board are available on the CaSPA Website: https://caspa.schoolzineplus.com/current-and-past-board-members

Dear Colleagues,

As another term draws to an end we see another cohort complete their senior schooling and take the opportunity to celebrate this. On the national scene education is in the spotlight with quite divergent cases being put forward especially regarding funding. At these times it is critical for Principals to engage with politicians at all levels to present the accurate and compelling reasons to support Catholic Education. We have distributed to the State and Territorial Directors a presentation that explains the current funding arrangements and how this disadvantages our Catholic schools and all non government schools as our communities are subject to a 'capacity to contribute' deduction that government schools are not. This can decrease a community's funding up to eighty percent. These funds then need to be made up with fees from parents and other sources. At present the national Catholic Education Commission is developing some resources for distribution surrounding funding as well as each political parties stance on education for our communities to disseminate. It is most important that we understand and advocate for our fair share of the funding pool.

Catholic Education Leaders gathering

The NCEC  hosted its annual Catholic Education Leaders gathering from 10-12 September in Canberra with a Parliamentary Reception and Forum.

The event included around 80 leaders including NCEC Commissioners, chairs and directors of State and Territory Catholic education authorities and Catholic diocesan systems, representatives of Religious Institute & Ministerial Public Juridic Person school authorities; Catholic School Parents Australia and Catholic School Primary Principals and Secondary Principals Associations.

The forum was an opportunity for Catholic education leaders to focus on the progress of NCEC national priorities - Faith, Excellence and Access. We welcomed the Minister for Education Jason Clare MP, the Shadow Minister for Education Senator Sarah Henderson, Dr Jordana Hunter Education Program Director from the Grattan Institute, Adj Professor Susan Pascoe, Fabian Harding from the Federal Department of Education, Dr Nicholas Marosszeky Senior Data Analyst NCEC, as well as a range of speakers and presenters. 

This was an important opportunity to engage with our Catholic colleagues across the country and to showcase the value and contribution of Catholic education with politicians and policy makers and the first time we have been invited to the forum. 

The Board recently met in Brisbane and we were joined for the first time by AERO. They requested any future topics for research to be tabled so they can relay this to their board. If any of our members have thoughts on national research topics that we could relay to AERO please send them to Michael Egan for tabling at our next Board Meeting.

I hope that you are able to get a break these holidays and enjoy the conclusion of another fruitful Term of learning.

Best wishes

Dr Stephen Kennaugh GAICD
CaSPA President

Jacinta Collins

Source: Eureka Street

20^th August 2024

The discourse surrounding religious freedom in Australia has become increasingly contentious, especially in the context of schooling. As a former Australian Senator and now as the executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission, I have noted with concern the growing perception that holding religious beliefs and values — and making choices based on them — is somehow discriminatory or at odds with modern society. This misconception must be addressed, particularly as it undermines the very principles of diversity and inclusion that Australia has committed to uphold.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. It is enshrined in international law which Australia has ratified, and is also recognised, albeit in a limited way, in our Constitution. Australia’s commitment extends, not only to the freedom to worship, but also to the right to live and teach according to one's religious beliefs and values. For parents, this includes the right to choose an education for their children that aligns with their faith and moral beliefs. Choosing a faith-based school is not an act of exclusion or discrimination; rather, it is a deeply personal decision for parents driven by their desire to raise children in an environment that nurtures not only their academic and cultural development, but also their spiritual formation, understanding of religious teachings, and eternal relationship with God.

In a pluralist society like Australia, diversity is celebrated in many facets of society. We claim to value different perspectives, cultures and lifestyles. Yet, when it comes to religious views and expressions, there is an increasing tendency to marginalise them or regard them as outdated or discriminatory. This is particularly evident in the debate over religious schools and their place in the broader educational landscape with our schools being denied critical resources such as Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships.

Yet, religious schools are one of the fastest growing segments of schooling and play a vital role in Australia’s education system, serving families from a variety of religious backgrounds. Catholic schools have educated millions of young people for over 200 years and have a long-standing tradition of providing quality education that is accessible to all who choose it, regardless of their socio-economic background. The Catholic sector has grown alongside the government sector and is the largest provider of schooling outside of government, and the largest provider of faith-based schooling, currently enrolling 20 per cent or some 805,000 students and employing 109,000 staff across 1,756 schools.

Our schools are guided by a distinct ethos, one that emphasises Catholic social teaching and gospel values such as forgiveness, compassion, respect, and social justice - values that are not only integral to the Catholic faith, but also resonate with the broader community. Our graduates go on to make a meaningful contribution to society through their families, and in ministry, business and not-for-profit organisations, politics and leadership, philanthropy, volunteering and community outreach. The notion that it is somehow discriminatory for religious schools to operate and teach according to their beliefs, or to employ staff who support those beliefs, is a misunderstanding of both the nature of faith-based schools and the rights of the families who choose them.

Parents who enrol their children in religious schools do so because they believe in the value of an education that integrates culture and learning with faith. This choice is an expression of their religious freedom, not an attempt to impose their beliefs onto others. To argue otherwise is to overlook the diversity of educational options available in Australia and the importance of respecting parental choice and rights. One of my often-used examples is the growing community-run Nature School in Port Macquarie where parents who desire an education for their children based on ecology and nature enrol their children. Like other ideological schools such as Montessori and Steiner, The Nature School is funded in part by the government, but we don’t see debate about the selection of staff for these schools.

It is quite hypocritical that many of the organisations calling for limitations on faith-based schools are at the same time being ‘discriminating’ about their own membership. For example, would the Australian Greens Party, be willing to accept members from the coal mining sector?

Religious freedom and other protections, such as those against sexual discrimination, are not mutually exclusive. They can and must coexist in a balanced manner. The challenge lies in finding a path forward that upholds the rights of all individuals while fostering a society that is genuinely inclusive. One way to achieve this balance is through clear and consistent legal protections for religious freedom, alongside robust anti-discrimination laws. Such protections should ensure that religious institutions, including schools, can operate according to their beliefs without fear of reprisal or being forced to compromise their values. At the same time, these laws must also safeguard the rights of individuals who may not share the same beliefs, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. Catholic schools manage this balance on the whole very well.

'It is not about privileging one set of beliefs over another, but about creating an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist peacefully. This is the essence of true inclusion — one that does not merely tolerate differences, but embraces them as a strength.'

In the absence of proactive legislation to uphold religious freedom, the clumsier but often-used approach of exemptions in legislation protect institutions from unfair discrimination lawfare. This is the current status for faith-based schools in Australia. While it is not wholly desirable and does not address the increasing prevalence of state legislation impinging on faith-based schools, it does offer some safeguards for our schools to continue to build a community of faith.

While it seems, that for now, the Albanese Government’s commitments to introduce religious discrimination legislation have stalled, any path forward must include a broad community and political consensus that protects religious freedom and respects the rights of Australians to hold religious and other beliefs, and ensures families can raise and educate their children according to these beliefs. In a pluralist society, policy making must be based on respect and fair treatment which requires dialogue, understanding, and a willingness to accommodate differing views. It is not about privileging one set of beliefs over another, but about creating an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist peacefully. This is the essence of true inclusion — one that does not merely tolerate differences, but embraces them as a strength.

Jacinta Collins is the Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission and a former Australian Senator for Victoria.

Name: Peta Sparkes

Current School: Penola Catholic College, Emu Plains, NSW

Previous Position: Assistant Principal

First Year as a Principal: 2024

My big picture for my current school is: Keep my staff, keep them learning and growing so every child is able to feel safe, respected, successful and proud of their achievements at school.

The Joy of becoming a Principal is: Being able to resource teachers and staff so that our students can achieve their very best whilst at school.

Favourite Book: Elephants on acid and other bizarre experiments

Favourite Food: Thai Param long song

Interests / Hobbies: Gym, gardening and entertaining with family and friends.

My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Making an appointment at the gym on the way home, so I know I have a time to finish work and begin time with my family and friends. Knowing at the gym I have to work hard and can’t talk, allows me to decompress the day and put a pause on any challenging situations. It is amazing how the next day brings solutions that the previous day I didn’t see.

Advice for an Aspiring Leader: Seek feedback and find mentors who see your gifts whilst supporting you to grow.

Favourite Leadership Quote: “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept” Lt General Morrison.

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: The toughest experiences, the best lessons.

Name: Miss Angela Collins

Current School: St Mary’s School, Goondiwindi

Previous Position: Assistant Principal – Mission and Identity, St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba

First Year as a Principal: 2023

My big picture for my current school is: To create and foster a dynamic and thriving learning environment for students from Prep through to Year 10

The Joy of becoming a Principal is: Working with dedicated staff who want the best for their students and seeing students achieve their potential

Favourite Book: Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Favourite Food: My mum’s Chinese Beef

Interests / Hobbies: Exercise and going to the Movies

My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Separating work and home

Advice for an Aspiring Leader: Be true to yourself

Favourite Leadership Quote: “Be curious not judgemental”

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Perspective is Everything.