Queensland’s 296 Catholic schools will highlight how they are striving to make a difference in the lives of young people and in their local communities when they celebrate Catholic Education Week from 21-27 July.
Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director Mike Byrne says Catholic schools strive to make a difference by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.
“Catholic Education Week is a special opportunity for schools to highlight their distinctive ethos and share the great things they are doing with their school, parish and wider communities,” Mr Byrne said.
Catholic schools across the state will mark the week with a range of activities including liturgical celebrations and ‘acts of kindness’ designed to highlight their focus on social justice.
Catholic Education Week in Queensland will be officially launched by Most Rev Bishop Joseph Oudeman, Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane, at a celebration to be attended by around 400 students, teachers, parents and friends of Catholic education from across the state at St Mary’s College, Ipswich on Wednesday 24 July.
A highlight of the launch will be the presentation of the 2013 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards to seven outstanding contributors to Catholic education by Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelope Wensley AC.
Anthony Ryan, CEO of the Edmund Rice Foundation, is the official Ambassador for Catholic Education Week. He will meet with various groups of students, staff, parents and parishioners in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Brisbane and the Gold Coast during the week to share his stories about making a difference.
The Queensland Government will share in Catholic Education Week celebrations and recognise the important role Catholic education plays in Queensland when Minister for Education, Training and Employment, Hon John-Paul Langbroek MP joins with QCEC Chair Professor Peter Sheehan to host a reception for Members of Parliament and representatives of the Catholic education community on Tuesday 23 July.
“On behalf of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission I extend best wishes to all in the Catholic education community for a joyous and successful celebration of Catholic Education Week 2013,” Mike Byrne said.
About 141,000 or 18.5% of all Queensland students and almost 60% of students in Non-government schools are educated in one of Queensland’s 296 Catholic schools. More than 17,000 teachers and staff are employed in Catholic education state-wide.
Queensland’s Catholic schools are operated by five Diocesan education authorities in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Brisbane as well as 15 Religious Institute or incorporated school authorities.
Released by QCEC
July 17, 2013