Catholic Education Western Australia’s (CEWA) year-long 50th Anniversary celebrations were launched at a reception on Sunday, 21 February at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).
Distinguished guests who joined the celebrations included presiding Bishops and Bishops Emeritus of Western Australia, leaders and members of Religious Congregations, the Shadow Minister for Education, the Honourable Donna Faragher MLC, the Honourable Samantha Rowe MLC, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Notre Dame Australia, Professor Francis Campbell, previously serving Directors of CEWA, Catholic school Principals, Directors of Catholic agencies and representatives from Catholic School Parents Western Australia.
Recounting the 50 years since CEWA became a single State-wide system, CEWA Executive Director Dr Debra Sayce paid tribute to the “rich heritage of Catholic education in Australia”.
“50 Years Together is the simple statement that sums up a momentous development – the coming together of Catholic schools across the four Catholic dioceses of WA, from Wyndham and Kununurra in the far north to Albany and Esperance in the south, to work in unison for the benefit of WA students,” Dr Sayce said.
“Many of the qualities and characteristics that are most admirable in
our schools are inherent in the values of our faith tradition. Others were born
of necessity in the early days of Catholic education – the commitment to faith
formation, the resourcefulness,
the partnership with parents, families and parish, and the care for those at
the margins of society.”
“Over the years, these qualities have remained, but thanks to our coming together as one system, we have been able to share the successes of individual school communities more broadly and we have been able to better share resources so that every student has more opportunity and more equitable access to education, no matter their location or background,” she added.
“We honour those who came before us, some of whom led Catholic education through challenging times, and we draw inspiration from their example when we face challenges in our current time.”
Dr Sayce also honoured Bishop Holohan’s commitment to education and governance of the Catholic education system.
Dr Sayce cited that, as the Chair of Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA), Bishop Holohan has greatly contributed to a system with sound and progressive governance, setting a strong foundation for Catholic Education Western Australia’s future growth and success.
Echoing the message of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter on the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as patron of the universal church, Dr Sayce encouraged those present to rediscover the value, the importance and the necessity of the work of educators in bringing about a new normal from which no one is excluded.
Guests at the PCEC were welcomed to Country by Noongar Elder and former CECWA Commissioner, Dr Robert Issacs AM, who travelled from the Kimberly.
Dr Robert Issacs AM was joined by Noongar students from Trinity College, Emmet Hodder-Ryan and Colby Sibosado who played the didgeridoo.
The evening featured addresses by current CECWA Chair, the Most Reverend Gerard Holohan DD, Bishop of Bunbury and Dr Peter Tannock AM, former CEWA Director, CECWA Chair and UNDA Vice-Chancellor, as well as the screening of a short film sharing stories from past Catholic educators, system leaders and current students.
Perth Archbishop, the Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB commented on the importance of CEWA in the life of the Catholic Church in WA and blessed the gathering.
CEWA celebrates 50 Years Together in the same year that communities across Australia commemorate the national bicentenary of Catholic Education.
The reception featured student musicians from Sacred Heart College who played their rendition of Faith in the Future, a song composed to mark the national bicentenary of Catholic Education.
The National Catholic Education Commission will be joined by CEWA, Catholic
schools and education systems in each state and territory throughout the year
for the 200-year celebrations.