Catholic Education Western Australia has signed a new memorandum of understanding, ‘In Communion and Mission’ (ICM), with the Bishops of WA and eight other governing bodies of the 163 Catholic schools operating in Western Australia.
The collaboration established through the ICM is a Catholic Education first and will help to ensure a strong, united voice for Catholic education in our state.
The MOU was developed following extensive consultation in 2022 to re-affirm both cooperation and a united commitment to the delivery of a quality, Christ-centred and child-focused education for families who choose a Catholic school.
Parties to the agreement have committed to work proactively and cooperatively to realise the vision of Catholic education to be Christ-centred and child-focused through shared goals and actions.
Chair of the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) Ms Eva Skira AM said in initiating the MOU, CEWA hopes to build on the rich history and vision of the Bishops of Western Australia, religious orders, and laity.
“To further a shared mission for Catholic education in Western Australia, ensuring our schools continue to offer educational choice for WA families who seek a Catholic education for their child,” Ms Skira said.
“I am excited by the opportunity these closer ties present to our organisations.
“I look forward to working together and building on our strong partnership for the benefit of current and future generations of Catholic school students,” she said.
Signatories to the ICM include Catholic Education Western Australia, the Archbishop of Perth, Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB DD, Bishop of Bunbury, Most Rev Gerard Holohan DD, Bishop of Geraldton and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Broome, Most Rev Michael Morrissey DD, along with Edmund Rice Education Australia Ltd, John XXIII College Council Incorporated, Loreto Ministries Ltd, Norbertine Canons Incorporated, Marist Schools Australia Ltd, Mercy Education Ltd, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and the Servite Friars.
The ICM operates in alignment with the Bishops’ Mandate for Catholic Education.