Your Stories, Celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia

‘We must teach more by example than by word’

– St Mary MacKillop

Sr Jillian Havey OP AM

PRINCIPAL OF ST DOMINIC’S PRIORY COLLEGE, NORTH ADELAIDE SA – As far as I can see there is no greater calling than that of the teacher. Teaching is a sacred act and a demanding one. I think all Catholic schools do a great job of teaching most offer an experience that helps people to be true to themselves and to give back to the community and that is very important, to make the most of their gifts.

Nicholas Moore

CHAIR, NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATION COMMISSION – It’s a remarkable achievement that Catholic education has successfully responded to meet the needs of Australia’s changing population, and economic and social circumstances over 200 years. As we celebrate this significant milestone, it’s timely to take stock of all that has been achieved and to look ahead to identify how we can better deliver an excellent standard of Catholic schooling for generations of young people to come.

Angus Tulley

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CATHOLIC EDUCATION ARCHDIOCESE OF CANBERRA & GOULBURN – One of the most humbling experiences in my life happened when I was enjoying the fare at a local food outlet. Just before I placed my order, I saw one of the chefs lean over and whisper in the ear of the young guy at the till. As I went to pay for my dinner, I was told that it was on the house, the chef was covering the cost of the meal. Once I was told his name I recognised who he was. Now in his late teens he had only been at the school where I had been Principal for Years 7/8. He smiled broadly and said this was a way of saying thanks for the kindness I had shown to him. I firmly believe that my disposition to show kindness to others comes from the kindness and care that I have experienced in Catholic Education.

Dylan Anderson

ST MICHAEL’S PRIMARY NOWRA, WOLLONGONG DIOCESE – Dylan’s Catholic education had such an impact on him that he’s now back at his old primary school as a teacher, sharing a class with his Year 5 teacher Maree Hamilton who inspired his love for education. “Maree taught me to see the child before the student. As teachers we can have a big influence on our students. Our job is to live like Jesus – to love everyone.”

Jeni McCarthy

TEACHER, ST BERNARD’S PRIMARY, BATEMANS BAY – Teaching in a Catholic School for 15 years has allowed me to develop teaching as a vocation, not only a profession. My role in the Canberra Goulburn Catholic Education community has encouraged me to remain anchored in my faith, and to be the ‘heart, voice and hands of Christ’ in everything I do each day, making a difference in a child’s life and in their learning.

Kate Rigby

YEAR 8, St PATRICK’S COLLEGE, LAUNCESTON TASMANIA – Catholic education has impacted my life in many positive ways. The things I have learned, and the experiences I have learned from, have allowed me to become a kind and compassionate human, develop my own understanding of Catholicism, and expand my overall cultural understanding of the world. I hope students continue to be exposed to the fact that the basis of almost all religions is being a good person and doing good for others, and that they should strive to do this their whole life.

Paul and Jan Watkins

MARRIED EDUCATORS ORIGINALLY FROM THE UK – Jan and Paul have worked within the Diocese of Toowoomba and often at the same school for 40 years. “I have fond memories of when we first joined Toowoomba Catholic Schools, back then it was relatively small and like a family and our children also grew up within this family.” – Jan. “We always depended on each other as we had no family close by, we appreciated the support of our local school communities.” – Paul.

Jacinta Collins

NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – Catholic schools have served Australian families for over 200 years. As we build on the rich legacy of those that came before us, we have faith in the future of Catholic education and our shared mission to both educate and enliven the faith lives of future generations of children and young people.

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