In a move described as unjust by the Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst Ms Kate Fogarty, the Allan Labor Government has excluded the vast majority of Catholic school families from the $400 School Savings Bonus announced in yesterday’s State Budget.
‘There are almost 87% of Catholic School families who will miss out on this much-needed support across our 56 schools which educate 20,000 (1 in 5) students in the Sandhurst Diocese.
‘Our families also face cost-of-living pressures, however, only those who hold healthcare cards (approximately 13%) are eligible for the program.
Read more: Fair funding for all Victorian families
The Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd Mass for Healing and Justice took place at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo on Friday 31 May.
Almost 1700 people attended the Mass, including students and staff from Catholic primary and secondary schools of the Bendigo region, diocesan priests, Sisters of Mercy and invited guests. The Mass was also live streamed to primary and secondary schools throughout the Sandhurst Diocese.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay with concelebrants Fr Brian Boyle and Fr Denib Suguitan. Students representing all schools present played a leading role in the Mass, including procession of the symbols and flags, reading, dancing, singing, playing didgeridoo and clap sticks.
The Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Ms Kate Fogarty said she was proud that the Catholic Education community could to come together, fully committed to waking alongside our nation’s First People.
Read more: Reconciliation Mass
What a brilliant way to mark the start of Harmony Week 2024!
There were smiles all round at a morning tea hosted by the students and staff of Doxa School Bendigo, who showed us the true meaning of Harmony Day.
With the theme ‘Everyone Belongs’, Catholic Education Sandhurst staff mingled with students, parents and Doxa staff while enjoying absolutely delicious food and great conversations.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone who made today such a meaningful event.
Tuesday 30 January
The first day of school is a milestone for all students, however, it's especially significant for our newest learners as well as their parents and carers. Hundreds of Foundation students from Catholic Schools in the Sandhurst Diocese experienced their first day of school this week with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy. Easily spotted in the playground, the newest students were wearing uniforms with room to grow and sporting backpacks that appeared too large for tiny backs. In the classrooms there were new pencil cases and lunch boxes, rules to learn, and new friends to make. Some Foundation students stayed for an entire school day, while others finished at lunchtime, easing into the routine of school.
Read more: Back to school
Students from Catholic primary schools in the North-East took to the stage this week to perform at the Festival of the Sacred.
The concerts, which were held over three days at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Monday and Tuesday and The Cube in Wodonga on Wednesday, showcased the extraordinary talents of students from St Patrick’s, St Bernard’s and Our Lady’s Wangaratta, St Joseph’s Chiltern, Sacred Heart Primary Corryong, St Mary’s Myrtleford, St Joseph’s Beechworth, St Mary’s Rutherglen, St Joseph’s Benalla, St Augustine's and St Monica's Wodonga, St Francis of Assisi Baranduda and St Michael's Tallangatta.
Well known songs from musicals such as Matilda and Pippen had toes tapping and the solo and choral performances were simply spectacular. High energy dances and drama presentations, were also a feature of the festival performance.
The Australian School of Performing Arts (ASPA Ed) team has been working alongside specialist Performing Arts and Classroom teachers throughout the term to prepare the students for Concert Day.
The program ensures that all students in Sandhurst Primary Schools have access to a quality Performing Arts experience in their primary years. The Festival of the Sacred program also develops teacher capacity in the development of best practice and teachers are supported with extensive resources to support the delivery of the program.
Read more: Cue the applause
Friday 25 August, 2023
There was excitement at St Liborius in Eaglehawk last week, as students took to the stage for the all school production of the Disney classic, Frozen.
The Liborius Centre was transformed into a winter wonderland, with performances taking place on Wednesday 16 August and Thursday 17 August to bring the much loved animated film to life.
The show featured all the well-known Frozen characters, including Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the rest of the crew, as well as iconic tunes like 'Let it go' and 'Do you want to build a snowman'.
Under the direction of Music Teacher Claire Sexton, students showcased their acting, dancing and singing talents, delighting audiences with their performances. The striking set design and colourful costumes were also a highlight.
Congratulations to Claire and her production team, along with the talented students of St Liborius Primary School for an outstanding production.
Friday 16 June, 2023
More than 800 students took to the stage this week to perform at the Term 2 Festival of the Sacred. The concerts, which were held over three days in Kyabram and Cobram, showcased the extraordinary talents of Grade 5 and 6 students from the Goulburn Valley Deanery, as well as special performances from secondary students, some who had performed in the Festival of the Sacred themselves when they were in primary school.
Well known songs from musicals such as Matilda and Pippen had toes tapping and the solo and choral performances were simply spectacular. High energy dances and drama presentations, were also a feature of the festival performance.
The Australian School of Performing Arts (ASPA Ed) team have been working alongside specialist Performing Arts and Classroom teachers throughout the term to prepare the students for Concert Day.
Read more: Festival of the Sacred
Thursday 18 May, 2023
Mr Paul Desmond, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd, has recently indicated his intention to retire from his current role at the end of this year and to commence richly deserved retirement from full-time work. After nine years of outstanding leadership and loyal and dedicated service, Paul intends to focus his time and energy on other pursuits in service to the Church, which will allow him greater flexibility and more time with family.
Throughout his years at the helm of Catholic education in the Sandhurst Diocese, Paul has served as an inspirational leader and a person of the highest professionalism and integrity. He has gained the deep respect and appreciation of all with whom he has worked. Principals, staff, students, and families have been touched by Paul’s clear vision for quality Catholic education as well as by his kindness and empathy for all. Paul’s wise leadership was particularly apparent throughout the years of the COVID pandemic when there was great appreciation for his clear and effective ongoing communication, his calm decision-making amidst the uncertainty of sudden lockdowns, and his consistent positivity and encouragement. Parish Priests across the diocese have also found in Paul a staunch advocate for strong partnerships between Church and school and an appreciation of the long history and rich tradition of Catholic education across the diocese.
Read more: Chief Executive Officer announces retirement
February 8th is the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita, the Patron Saint of Survivors of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. St Josephine's legacy of survival is a message of hope for our world, but also a reminder to fight against injustice wherever we see it.
Today marks the 2023 International Day of Prayer, Reflection, and Awareness Against Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. There are an estimated 15,000 people in slavery-like conditions in Australia and 40.3 million worldwide.
At Catholic Education Sandhurst (CES) we are committed to continuous education and awareness of Modern Slavery as well as increasing visibility of the risks, not only throughout our supply chains, but also the impact of Modern Slavery on the day to day lives of our whole school community.
Twelve months ago today, we proudly launched the CES Ltd Modern Slavery Policy and we would like to acknowledge the partnerships CES Ltd has with organisations such as ACAN, ACRATH and CARITAS for their support and guidance on our journey to make a positive and meaningful impact on the world.
We would also like to acknowledge the amazing efforts of teacher Ruth Bakogianis from St Mary of the Angels Secondary College in Nathalia and the Student Social Justice Leaders, for their contribution and participation in the 2023 ACRATH online pilgrimage. They have joined students from five schools across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand who will make their 'call to act' during an online pilgrimage to mark the 2023 International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
The St Mary of the Angels Catholic Secondary College students have produced short video clips to pitch for a living wage for workers in the fashion industry that will be shown at the early part of the pilgrimage from 7.30 pm AEDT on Wed Feb 8. Click the the link to access their video https://lnkd.in/dqKxFme
#modernslavery #endhumantrafficking #humanrights #ethicalpurchasing #socialprocurement #acan #acrath #caritasaustralia
The Ablaze Youth Festival took place in Bendigo this week for more than 1200 students at Ulumbarra Theatre. The event, which was presented by Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd in partnership with FRG Ministry and Sandhurst Youth Ministry, hit the right note with students of all ages with high-energy music, testimonials and liturgy.
The full-scale rock concert featuring Father Rob Galea and his band, took place on Monday 1 August for senior primary students and on Tuesday 2 August for secondary students from years 9 - 11.
The Ablaze Youth Day is an initiative of Catholic Education Sandhurst to reach out to young people, providing a forum that combines live music, engaging speakers and an opportunity for students to celebrate and learn about their faith.
Follow