Newsletter 15: 3 November 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Last Friday the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) hosted an online Virtual Symposium in place of the planned NCEC Conference. During the symposium the upcoming bicentennial celebrations in recognition of 200 years of Catholic education in Australia were highlighted under the theme Faith in our Future, and the bicentennial website was launched.
The contribution of our schools and their graduates to Australian society throughout this time has helped shape the nation we are all privileged to enjoy today. Formal celebrations to mark this bicentenary were due to be held from October 2020 to October 2021. However, due to pandemic restrictions, the celebrations will now be held during the 2021 school year.
The official launch of the celebrations are to occur in the week commencing 22 February 2021 and will involve local, diocesan, and state and territory events. A National Mass will also be celebrated on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on 24 May 2021.
During the symposium the Chair of the NCEC, Mr Nicholas Moore and the CEO Ms Jacinta Collins, recalled that from the humblest of beginnings in 1820, over the past 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of non-government schooling in Australia. One in five school age students attend a Catholic school. 768,000 students are enrolled in 1,751 Catholic schools across the country and are educated by 98,000 teachers and staff. Nearly 40 per cent of our Australian Catholic schools are located outside of metropolitan cities in regional, rural and remote communities.
There is information and resources available on the website which will be added to throughout the months ahead. Parramatta Marist features prominently as it enjoys direct lineage to Australia’s very first Catholic school. Sacred Heart College Adelaide has already provided some excellent historical photographs which can be viewed in the gallery section. Schools, Dioceses and national Catholic Education Authorities such as MSA are encouraged to add further pictures, events and resources.
Students, staff and individuals are invited to submit personal stories, memories and reflections on their experience of Catholic education. Key resources available for schools include:
A National Song composed by Fr Rob Galea, which is available on the website.
Fence Banners are being provided for all schools and Catholic educational sites around Australia at no cost through the relevant governing authority ie Diocesan education office or Marist Schools Australia.
Lapel pins depicting the logo are being produced and will cost $2 each. Orders to be placed with Kathy Campbell by Monday 9 November.
200 Years of Catholic Education Logo and Theme
As of 1 November the Logo and theme can be displayed on materials, resources, social media, newsletters. Please refer to the Style Guide found on the Resources page on the 200 years website. Templates will also be developed for posters, social media banners and email signatures in the next few weeks. For further information about the 200 Years Celebrations, contact the Project Officer, Kathy Campbell via kathy.campbell@ncec.catholic.edu.au.
We look forward to these celebrations in 2021 during which the rich contribution of we Marists to Australian Catholic Education will feature.