The importance of a strong sense of community will be the focus of celebrations for Queensland’s 292 Catholic schools when they celebrate Catholic Education Week (next week) from 22-28 July.
Catholic schools across the State will mark the week with liturgical celebrations, open days, grandparents’ morning teas and carry out ‘acts of kindness’, among a host of activities designed to highlight the importance of strong relationships between families, parishes and schools as well as links with the wider community.
Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) Executive Director Mike Byrne says this year’s theme “Celebrating Community”- Family, Parish, School invites Catholic schools to celebrate the value of “community” and affirm its presence as a central aspect of the Catholic tradition.
“Catholic schools prioritise programs and activities that develop strong relationships between families, parishes and schools and in doing so enrich the school learning environment.
“Catholic school communities are also outward-focussed and recognise their valued partnerships with the wider community in a spirit of service and welcome,” Mr Byrne said.
Catholic Education Week will be officially launched by Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane at a celebration to be attended by around 500 students, teachers, parents and friends of Catholic education from across the state at St Thérèse – The Little Flower Church, Kedron on Wednesday 25 July.
A highlight of the launch will be the presentation of the 2012 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards to seven outstanding contributors to Catholic education by Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Penelope Wensley AO.
General Peter Cosgrove, Chancellor of the Australian Catholic University and Australian of the Year in 2001, 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 and Brisbane during the week to share his experiences of community building.
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 hosts a reception for Members of Parliament and representatives of the Catholic education community on Tuesday 24 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 2012,” Mike Byrne said.
About 138,000 or 18.5% of all Queensland students and almost 60% of students in non-government schools are educated in one of Queensland’s 292 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 17 Religious Institute authorities.
For more information about Catholic Education Week 2012 please visit www.catholiceducationweek.com.au, or contact your local Catholic school.
Released by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission
July 20, 2012