I am writing this on a break during the conference in Cairns. The focus has been around Catholic Education and its place in Australia and the world. Over 1600 delegates including a good showing from the Ballarat Diocese.   It is always interesting talking to educators from different systems to learn how they go about achieving the same outcomes that we are striving for. A consistent theme has been the honouring, naming and valuing of the daily work that happens in classrooms by our teachers and support staff.  Presentations by bishops, the federal education minister and leading international guests have all shown admiration for the classrooms of our Catholic schools. You will be pleased to know that there is no big idea or new thing to implement but I do also want to acknowledge the contribution you all make to Catholic education as a part of the mission of the church and to our community in forming young people in partnership with their families. 

REVIEW VALIDATION

I am looking forward to the review panel working with us next week. Janet Cain: Principal St Colmans Mortlake, Lee Schlooz: Southern Zone Consultant and Pauline Fischer: External Reviewer  will meet and listen and support us in identifying our priorities for the coming years.  The timetable for the two days is laid out below.