More than 18,600 students and almost 3,000 teachers and staff will return to 52 Catholic primary schools and 11 secondary colleges across the Diocese of Ballarat next week – from Mildura in the north, to Portland in the south, and west to Edenhope and Nhill.

‘On behalf of Catholic education in the Diocese I extend a warm welcome to all students, staff, and families, particularly those joining a Catholic school community for the first time,’ Executive Director of Catholic Education, Tom Sexton said.

‘We look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead, where every student has opportunities to flourish fully in school communities that are caring, committed to excellence, and live out the Catholic faith, in partnership with families.’

Eight Principals will commence in the role or change schools in the Diocese this year.

Welcome and best wishes to new Principals Jaci Commons (Our Lady Help of Christians, Wendouree), Lisa McDonald (St Joseph’s, Penshurst), Danny Franc (St Joseph’s, Coleraine), Melissa Sutherland (St Paul’s, Mildura), Julie Leonard (St Mary’s, Warracknabeal), Catherine Howison (Marian College, Ararat), while Karl Dwyer (Sacred Heart, Colac) and Darren Lloyd (St Patrick’s, Camperdown) will move to new schools.

In keeping with the DOBCEL culture of continuous improvement, work continues this year on a new ‘high performance’ strategy titled ‘Pursuing fullness of life for all’. The focus in 2025 will be on co-designing how the strategy can best be actioned at both school and system levels.

This work will also include visits to the diocese by globally recognised education thinkers, Finnish Professor Pasi Salberg, Professor Emeritus Michael Fullan (University of Toronto), Professor Andy Hargraves, (Research Professor at Boston College, Visiting Professor at the University of Ottawa, and Honorary Professor at Swansea University) and Professor David Hopkins, (Chair of Educational Leadership at the University of Bolton).

A comprehensive suite of materials outlining the ‘Pursuing fullness of life for all’ strategy is available on the DOBCEL website.

The Catholic education community will come together for its annual celebration of Catholic Education Week from May 26 – 30 this year with the theme ‘May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.’ (Romans 15:13)

‘We also remind any families experiencing genuine financial hardship that school fee relief and other support mechanisms are available.

‘As a Catholic schooling system, we ensure relief mechanisms are available in times of need. Parents are encouraged to confidentially discuss their situation with school principals on enrolment, or as needs emerge, so that appropriate arrangements can be put in place,’ Tom Sexton said.

Note to editors: Most Catholic schools in the Diocese will welcome students on Wednesday 29 January. Please contact your local Catholic schools for ‘back to school’ story/photo opportunities.

Media contact: Gerard Delaney Ph 0413 274 176 E gdelaney@dobcel.catholic.edu.au