Sharing the learning journey

CATHOLIC Education Week has been celebrated across the 300 Catholic schools and their communities in Queensland this week.

The theme for 2017, Sharing the Journey, was inspired by the many messages of Pope Francis in which he asks people to walk together, listening and learning from each other through life’s journey.

Catholic school communities enable families and staff to do just this, as we share the very important responsibility of educating, nurturing and caring for our young people.

In all 31 schools that are spread across the Toowoomba diocese, from Quilpie in the west to Highfields in the east, Roma in the north and Stanthorpe in the south, our journey together is to ensure academic success for all students and to make Jesus known in their everyday lives.

During Catholic Education Week we have acknowledged the outstanding contributions that members of our school communities have made in educating and nurturing our communities, we have come together to share in our successes and we have challenged each other to continue to provide excellence in our service, leadership and education of young people.

As executive director I am very proud of the great work that is happening in our schools, of our highly qualified staff who are experts in their field, and of the community that is built through partnerships with parents.

The stories that follow are just some examples of this great work, and examples of the inspiring people and activities that make Catholic schools places in which life’s journey is nurtured, shared and celebrated.

I thank all families who are sharing their journey with us. — Dr Pat Coughlan, executive director, Catholic Schools Diocese of Toowoomba