Courtesy Catholic Education WA
Catholic Education Western Australia’s half-century celebrations as a combined State-wide Catholic education system, see Catholic schools continue to grow, and their students thriving in our ever-changing world.
The contribution of Catholic schools in Western Australia is a story that goes well beyond the provision of quality direction in education and faith.
In the past decade, parents have chosen to send their children to Catholic schools in record numbers, with enrolments up by more than seven per cent in the ten years to 2020.
Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) believes this trend will continue, as parents recognise the Christian values and pastoral care that form the foundation of Catholic schools, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis last year and the continuing recovery period experienced so far in 2021.
There are currently 163 Catholic schools in Western Australia, educating more than 78,000 students, not just in the metropolitan area but in some of the most remote places in the State. Catholic education also provides employment for 11000 West Australians.
Most people would not be aware, but those
numbers place CEWA as the 7th largest employer in Western Australia,
side-by-side household names in the iron ore industry and other
well-known large retail companies.
quality direction in education and faith. Photo: Matt Biocich.
continues to engage with government to improve understanding of the overall contribution Catholic schools make to the education landscape, as well as the financial contributions parents make to the State in choosing a Catholic education.
Prior to the recent State Election, CEWA
launched the “Every Child Counts” campaign,
which it will extend in the lead up to the next State Budget in September and
beyond that to the next Federal Election: https://www.everychildcounts.net.au/
CEWA Executive Director, Dr Debra Sayce said more than ever before, there was a growing call for the State Government to ensure fairer funding for education during the Premier’s second term, and primary and secondary school principals were working closely with parents to ensure a collaborative approach.
“The savings to the WA Government are estimated to be almost $800 million as a result of students attending Catholic schools instead of State-operated alternatives,” Dr Sayce said.
“It is time for that contribution to be acknowledged and we are keen to ensure all MPs and Ministers understand the important role our schools play in the State’s education system.
“In addition to saving the State Budget hundreds of millions of dollars every year by educating more children than ever in Catholic schools, replicating CEWA’s facilities around the State would cost the WA Government more than $5.1 billion in capital expenditure.
“Almost all CEWA’s capital costs – from buying land to constructing buildings – are currently funded by private contributions only, with no direct government contribution at either the State or Federal level.”
This material funding discrepancy is based solely on the choice of parents to send their children to a Catholic school and is not calculated on the educational or pastoral needs of delivering services to each individual student.
CEWA also continues to provide fee relief for COVID-19 impacted families as well as the ongoing low-fee school program, which contributes to further savings for Government and ensures all parents wanting a Catholic education for their children can access one.
“Fair and timely provision of additional and recurrent school infrastructure and equitable funding for Catholic schools is an ongoing area of advocacy for CEWA,” Dr Sayce said.