A year of promise and growth
Schools
As students across the State begin the 2026 school year, Catholic Education South Australia executive director Dr Neil McGoran previews the year ahead.
As school returns for 2026, with it comes a wave of anticipation and hope. Across South Australia, our 101 schools welcome more than 56,000 students into a new year of learning, growth and discovery.
For our youngest learners stepping into Reception, or for those navigating the transition to secondary school, or for our Year 12s preparing for their final year, Catholic education stands as a guiding light – supporting every learner on their unique journey.
For more than 180 years, Catholic schools have been places of faith, learning, and community – ever since Bishop Francis Murphy established the first Catholic school in Adelaide. Today, that tradition remains strong, shaping not only minds but hearts, and nurturing a faith life and values that extend far beyond the classroom.
This year is particularly significant as we prepare for the Synod in the Archdiocese of Adelaide in 2026 – a moment of listening, discernment, and renewal for our Church. Dialogue Week this month will invite students, staff and families to share their voices on how we can build a Church that listens and works together. It’s an opportunity for our communities to reflect deeply on how we embody the face of Christ in our time.
Catholic schools are more than places of academic excellence – they are communities that partner with families and parishes to educate and nurture the whole person.
For students and families joining Catholic education, this is the beginning of something remarkable. For staff new to our schools, it’s the start of a rewarding vocation. And for all of us – students, families, and educators alike – the year ahead is filled with promise, purpose and hope.
As we return to classrooms, let us embrace the opportunities to flourish academically, emotionally and spiritually. Let us celebrate the dedicated staff who make it all possible and strengthen the relationships that unite our communities. Together, we look forward to a year of growth, good health, exceptional learning and rich faith formation.
Best wishes for a joyful and inspiring 2026 academic year.
