Year of growth ahead for Catholic education
Schools
As students across the State begin the 2023 school year, Catholic Education South Australia director, DR NEIL MCGORAN, welcomes new families and looks forward to a year of growth.
It’s safe to say that, over the last few years, we have experienced a set of unprecedented challenges.
However, the rhythm of life – and school life – seemingly returned to a ‘new normal’ as activities recommenced in the second half of 2022. We found joy and energy in being together; in welcoming and reaching out; in meeting one another in person; in telling stories and listening to others; and in celebrating the many gifts that are present in our school and office communities.
Now is the time to look forward to 2023 and the many gifts this year will bring. Without doubt, we have much to celebrate this year.
Following last year’s launch of our Towards 2027: Expanding Horizons and Deepening Practices strategy that saw student numbers climb over 50,000 for the first time, 2023 will be a year of continued expansion and growth for Catholic education.
To meet growing demand,
64 capital development projects are underway at 54 schools, with 35 planned for completion this year. Highlights include:
- Nazareth Catholic College, Findon – a new senior campus on Findon Road to cater for 800 senior students, set for completion in 2023.
- Xavier College, Two Wells – the opening of additional classrooms and a gymnasium for the growing enrolments and the expansion to include Year 9 in 2023.
- St Francis of Assisi College, Renmark – a new learning facility for students in
Years 10-12 and a gymnasium. These will be completed in time to welcome the college’s first Year 10 cohort in 2024, as it expands to Year 12 by 2026.
That said, Catholic schooling is about much more than buildings and infrastructure. Our identity and mission are centred in the person and message of Jesus and experienced within a culture of dialogue and inclusion. We are committed to working in partnership with families, and to truly raising the hearts and minds of children and young people in our system of 103 schools across the State.
While there is much to celebrate, we are also acutely aware of the pressures on families being impacted by rising living costs and the ongoing effects of the COVID pandemic. We continue to offer school fee remissions to those families who need it, in addition to fees being frozen at 86 Diocesan Catholic schools for 2023.
I would particularly like to thank our 8500 passionate staff for their resilience over the past few years. With constantly changing restrictions and requirements, they have amazed us with their commitment to the spiritual development, wellbeing and learning of children and young people.
And finally, to our students, staff, and families and to all who have an interest in Catholic education, I would like to offer you my best wishes as we continue to learn and reconnect in 2023.
May it be a great year of growth for us all.
Jump to next article
Comments
Show comments Hide comments