This week, I have had the privilege of joining Catholic education leaders from across Australia in Canberra to advocate for the needs of regional, rural and remote school communities. Our discussions with parliamentarians and the National Catholic Education Commission have focused on equitable funding, workforce attraction and retention, access to specialist services, leadership wellbeing and the additional challenges created by distance. By speaking collectively, we can help ensure every child has access to an excellent education, regardless of where they live.
While in Canberra, I am also participating in the Catholic Education Leaders Forum, which brings together leaders from across the country to consider the priorities shaping Catholic education. The program includes, a parliamentary reception and discussions on school funding, effective national advocacy, planning for growth, disability support, faith and excellence in Catholic education. The forum also provides opportunities to hear from Minister for Education Jason Clare MP, Shadow Minister for Education Julian Leeser MP and other national leaders, while strengthening collaboration between Catholic education systems throughout Australia.
This edition continues our reflections from DOBCEL’s recent study tour to Finland. In our latest podcast, St Patrick’s Primary School Ballarat Principal Ben Shields explores the purposeful use—and “strategic deimplementation”—of technology in education. Ben reflects on the importance of protecting children’s capacity for sustained attention, deep thinking and perseverance, while carefully considering which technologies genuinely strengthen learning.
Emily Clarke similarly reflects on the independence of Finnish children and asks what might happen if we gave childhood a little more space. Her observations invite us to consider how allowing children to take appropriate risks, solve problems and to learn through challenges can help them become resilient, confident and capable young people.
Together, these stories encourage us to think deeply about what children and school communities need to thrive: strong advocacy, intentional leadership and the courage to reconsider familiar practices.
As Term 3 draws to a close, I extend my sincere thanks to all staff for your dedication, care and commitment throughout another busy term. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, restful and well-deserved break.
With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director
