Why do we have Catholic schools in the 21st Century?How do Catholic schools contribute to the Australian community?Who is responsible for Catholic schools in Queensland?What role do parents play in Catholic education?Why do Catholic schools have fees?How are these school fees determined?How do Catholic schools cater for families from a range of income levels?How do Catholic schools cater for students with disabilities?How do Catholic schools cater for students who are gifted and talented?How do Catholic schools cater for Indigenous students?Are Catholic school teachers paid the same amount as teachers in state schools?Do Catholic schools work from a different syllabus from other schools?What part does Religious Education play in the curriculum of a Catholic school?Are students in Catholic schools able to participate in a range of co-curricular activities?There are many options open to young people in their final years of schooling. How do Catholic schools support young people to prepare for life after school?Are Catholic schools involved in ongoing government review and reform of the education system in Queensland?How are quality and effectiveness assured in Catholic schools?Are Catholic schools in Queensland dealing with changes in the 21st Century?Where can I obtain further information about Catholic Education in Queensland?Why do we have Catholic schools in the 21st Century?"Catholic schools, like State schools, fulfil a public role, for their presence guarantees cultural and educational pluralism and, above all, the freedom and right of families to see that their children receive the sort of education they wish for them." - The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium, Congregation for Catholic Education, 1998 Parents and students choose Catholic schools for many reasons. Research shows that these reasons include:
How do Catholic schools contribute to the Australian community?About one in five Australian students is educated in a Catholic school. Therefore Catholic schools make a significant contribution to the social, cultural, economic and political life of the nation. Students are encouraged to learn and develop their skills, explore their own values and discuss the Catholic perspective on a range of current social issues. Who is responsible for Catholic schools in Queensland?In 2006, twenty-three Catholic school authorities are directly responsible for the operation of Queensland's 286 Catholic schools. These authorities are comprised of:
The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) is a peak body for Catholic schools in Queensland which has various responsibilities delegated to it from the Bishops of Queensland and Leaders of Religious Institutes, to support and advance Catholic education across Queensland. The very nature of the role and responsibilities of QCEC calls the Commission to work sensitively, collaboratively and effectively with all the Catholic education authorities and organisations and especially in close partnership with parents and parishes. This role also involves the Commission working with State and Commonwealth Governments and education and training providers in other sectors and in other Church sectors. What role do parents play in Catholic education?Parents are seen as partners with schools in the education process and the contribution made by parents to Catholic schools is essential and invaluable. The Queensland Catholic Education Commission works closely with the Queensland Federation of Parents and Friends to ensure collaboration with parents on significant issues which impact on schools. Parents are closely involved in Catholic education at the local school level as well as at diocesan, state and national levels Why do Catholic schools have fees?As there is a shortfall between the costs of running a school and the amount funded by Government, a reasonable fee structure is necessary for Catholic schools to operate and provide quality learning environments. Schools strive to keep fees as low as possible. School fees are made up of two components: In general, even when the income from school fees is taken into account, Catholic schools operate at a lower resource level than Government schools. In 2009, the Diocesan Tuition Fee for Catholic PRIMARY SCHOOLS will be: One child - $1,048 per year For parent/carer holders of a means tested Australian Government Health Care Card, the Diocesan Tuition Fee for Catholic PRIMARY SCHOOOLS will be: One child - $320 per year How are the school levies/fees determined?Generally, Catholic schools are responsible for setting their own school fee levels. This is done in consultation with their appropriate school authority. The level of school fees collected varies from school to school and will depend on location and the needs of the particular community. How do Catholic schools cater for families from a range of income levels?Catholic schools cater for families of all income levels and categories as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census. Parents/carers who hold a means tested Australian Government Health Care card are entitled to significant fee discounts. Famililes who do not hold a Health Care card and who are experiencing financial difficulty are also enttitled to fee assistance. Further information will be available from the school Principal. No student will be denied enrolment in a Catholic school because of their family's financial situation. New and existing parents should discuss this with the school Principal who will treat the matter confidentially and respectfully. How do Catholic schools cater for students with disabilities?Each of the Catholic school authorities has guidelines for the enrolment of students with special learning needs, for example, students with intellectual, visual, physical or hearing impairment. Each school has an enrolment process which is designed to be thorough and fair in assessing the needs of students at the time of enrolment. The purpose of the enrolment process is to ensure the best possible support can be provided for these students. State census data in February 2006 shows there are 2,222 students (2% of totalenrolments) who meet the definition of having special needs enrolled in Queensland Catholic schools. Significantly, the number of students with disabilities being educated in Catholic schools in Queensland has increased by 15.1% from 2005 to 2006. The Queensland Catholic Education Policy on INCLUSIVE PRACTICES IN QUEENSLAND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS states: "Queensland Catholic education continues to be challenged to respond to the needs of all in its learning community. Learning is centred in the strengths, interests and needs of all students including those with special education needs." A copy of this policy is available on the Queensland Catholic Education Commission website.
How do Catholic schools cater for students who are gifted and talented?Many of Queensland's Catholic schools have programs to encourage students to explore new ideas and expand their knowledge. Information about these programs is available from the school.
How do Catholic schools cater for Indigenous students?Catholic schools welcome Indigenous students and a variety of specialist educational and pastoral care strategies have been introduced to assist the steadily increasing numbers of Indigenous students enrolled in Catholic schools. The Townsville Diocese in fact has the highest number of Indigenous studnet enrolments in Catholic schools in Queensland. Catholic school authorities have appointed Indigenous personnel who offer support for students and their families and professional assistance for teachers of Indigenous students. State census data in February 2006 shows that 3,214 Indigenous students are enrolled in Catholic schools in Queensland representing approximately 2.7% of all students. In 2006, there are 32 Indigenous teachers and 135 Indigenous workers employed in Catholic schools across Queensland. Catholic school authorities have policies and guidelines in place which support the enrolment and education of indigenous students. These policies and guidelines have been developed within the context of a number of national and state-wide Catholic education policy and position statements.
Are Catholic school teachers paid the same amount as teachers in state schools?Teachers in Catholic schools are employed under the Teachers' Award, Non- Government Schools, which prescribes salaries comparable with those of teachers in government schools. Salary rates are determined as part of the negotiation of certified agreements. All teachers in Catholic schools must be registered with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). In 2006 approximately 7,850 teachers are employed in Queensland's Catholic schools. Up to 80 % of the income received by Catholic schools is spent on staffing costs.
Do Catholic schools work from a different syllabus from other schools?In aiming to help students integrate faith and life, the Curriculum in Catholic schools is designed to support the holistic development of students - spiritually, intellectually, physically, culturally, socially and emotionally. In P-10, Catholic schools develop their curriculum primarily from syllabuses developed by the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA). These include Pre-school Curriculum Guidelines (Preparatory Year Curriculum Guidelines from 2007) and year 1-10 syllabuses in the eight key learning areas (KLAs) of:
Many schools also offer additional courses to extend the learning of young people. In the senior phase of schooling, Catholic schools offer a broad range of programs based on Queensland Studies Authority Syllabuses, Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and various school developed programs and courses to meet the needs of all students.
What part does Religious Education play in the curriculum of a Catholic school?Religious Education is an important component of the curriculum in Catholic schools. All Catholic schools are required, by the Bishop of the diocese, to implement a religious education program which is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Religious Education curriculum supports the faith development of children through developing their knowledge of and practice in prayer, sacraments, liturgy and scripture. Students are encouraged to explore values and discuss the Catholic perspective of a range of current social issues. As well as the formal religious education curriculum, the Catholic ethos permeates all aspects of the life of Catholic schools. Students are provided with opportunities to participate in liturgical celebrations and many schools provide opportunities for students to attend reflection days and retreats. Students are also encouraged to be involved in a range of activities which promote social justice.
Are students in Catholic schools able to participate in a range of co-curricular activities?Catholic schools support students' development in the academic, spiritual and physical aspects of formation. The fact that students are offered a wealth of opportunities to be involved in the life of the school beyond the academiccurriculum enhances the vitality and community of the Catholic school. Students are encouraged to be involved in a wide range of cultural, sporting and service opportunities and experiences.
There are many options open to young people in their final years of schooling. How do Catholic schools support young people to prepare for life after school?Students in Catholic schools come from a diversity of backgrounds and have a variety of interests, skills, talents and life aspirations. The curriculum in Catholic schools is designed to cater for this diversity and offers a full range of programs to suit students' needs. Catholic secondary schools provide highly successful vocational education and training courses to prepare students for the world of work and academic courses for those seeking entrance to university or other forms of tertiary education. There is an excellent record of achievement in both vocational and academic areas of schooling in Catholic schools. The longstanding reputation for academic excellence in Catholic education in Queensland has more recently been enhanced by the recognition of Queensland Catholic schools as national leaders in vocational education. Students graduate from Catholic schools with qualifications which form a sound foundation for their future careers. A feature of Catholic education in Queensland is the growing trend towards collaborative initiatives with government and other non-government education sector schools and agencies to support young people preparing for life beyond school. The Catholic sector's involvement in the Queensland Government's Education and Training Reforms for the Future initiative Getting Ready For Work Or Further Study is a prime example.
Are Catholic schools involved in ongoing government review and reform of the education system in Queensland?Catholic education works in close partnership with government and other education providers in helping shape the future of education in Queensland. In particular, Catholic schools and educators continue to be closely involved in the development and implementation of the state government's Education and Training Reforms for the Future (ETRF) program which by 2007 will be embedded in schools across the state. Catholic schools have participated in the trial of the full time preparatory year of schooling and from 2007 all 211 eligible Catholic primary schools in Queensland will offer this program. Catholic schools have implemented other legislated changes in the Senior Phase of Learning including the extension of the compulsory school leaving age and the requirement for ongoing participation in ‘learning or earning'. Catholic education is also a partner in ongoing consultations on the Queensland Curriculum and Reporting Framework (QCAR) impacting on Years 1-10 and the Review of Syllabuses for the Senior Phase of Learning.
How are quality and effectiveness assured in Catholic schools?Catholic schools work in close partnership with parents and others in school communities in ongoing processes of review and renewal which assist them to ensure that Catholic schools continue to best meet the needs of the community. Many Catholic schools have established bodies which involve members of the community, including parents, in strategic planning and in the formation of policy which enables the school t o draw on the wisdom and expertise available in the school and wider community. Both State and Commonwealth Governments require Catholic schools to meet the requirements for educational and financial accountability. Financial statements presented as part of this process must be signed off by a qualified auditor.
Are Catholic schools in Queensland dealing with changes in the 21st Century?Catholic schools are future-focused and play an active role in shaping the educational vision of the state of Queensland. This is done in partnership with the state sector and other non-government school authorities. Catholic schools are at the leading edge of initiatives in curriculum change, student protection, the use of technology in learning and other issues which impact on the education of young Queenslanders. Catholic schools must operate according to a range of legislation, including legislation regarding:
Catholic schools in Queensland are actively committed to working with the quality assurance processes of the Queensland Studies Authority and the Queensland Non- State Schools Accreditation Board.
Where can I obtain further information about Catholic Education in Queensland?Queensland Catholic Education Commission GPO Box 2441, Brisbane. Q. 4001 1st Floor, The Catholic Centre, 143 Edward Street, Brisbane. Q. 4000 Ph: 07 33369 306 Email: director@qcec.qld.catholic.edu.au Website: http://www.qcec.qld.catholic.edu.au/
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