Catholic Education WA Executive Director Wayne Bull said in WA, unlike other states, Catholic schools do not receive state government funding for capital despite parents, who are exercising school choice by enrolling their child in a Catholic school, contributing school fees on top of paying taxes.

The momentous occasion provided a unique opportunity for our Year 11 and 12 students to gain firsthand insights into the workings of the Australian Parliament and the impact of successful policy implementations in their area.

This year marked a very special celebration with the 25th Anniversary of LifeLink Day – with the occasion on 6 June being held exactly 25 years ago that the very first LifeLink Day for primary Schools launch was held.

Enriched by her personal journey, Coby said her hope for St Mary’s is for every child to receive a quality Catholic education which meets the needs of every student and family.

The new College will serve an area which is expected to see its population grow by 46 per cent between 2021 and 2031.

Titled ‘Standing Tall, Strength in Numbers,’ the sculpture conveys a story of strength through collaboration, community, and connection to a place, encouraging viewers to reflect on the power of collective action.

A figure of 81,736 students (Kindergarten to Year 12) were enrolled at the 162 Catholic schools – a 1.8 per cent increase compared to February 2023.

Former La Salle Principal, now CEWA Executive Director, Wayne Bull, with former students Aaron Haji-Ali and Zoe Sparkes, now working at St Mary’s College, Broome, were commissioned for 2024. Joining them was Brother Berkeley Fitzhardinge, former principal of La Salle.

The collaboration aims to enhance Catholic education in Western Australia by leveraging the strengths of both institutions in providing Catholic-based education and formation.

The heart of the Mercy Exchange lay in the open, engaging, discerning, and fruitful table conversations centred around the Mercy Charism and legacy.