End of Term 1 2025

As we near the end of Term 1, we are reminded of the incredible role our Catholic schools play in shaping the future of our children and more broadly, our communities. Working in partnership as parents and school communities we nurture faith, learning and a sense of belonging that enriches the lives of our children and young people.

To that end we have compiled a short 'Federal Election' edition of our regular newsletter.

With the upcoming Federal election on May 3rd, we feel it prudent to take time to reflect on how government policies impact Catholic education across the country. The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) in collaboration with Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) has compiled valuable information regarding the key issues for Catholic education, including the importance of school choice, fair funding and as always support for disadvantaged children and young people, many of whom are part of our school communities. 

We encourage you to reflect on these resources in order that you may be informed and engaged in shaping the future of Catholic education. 

We also encourage you to follow us on social media as we will be providing updates as they come to hand over the Easter break.

Thank you all for your ongoing and positive commitment to your school communities, your involvement and support make all the difference.

Siobhan

With the Federal Election set for Saturday, 3 May, I encourage all families to consider how their vote will shape the future of their child’s education.

When calling the election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP highlighted key issues for Catholic education, including school choice and "fair funding for all schools". These are critical priorities for our sector, and we will continue to advocate strongly to ensure Catholic schools remain accessible, well-supported, and able to operate in accordance with our faith and values.

In Catholic Education, we are focused on ensuring fair funding for every school, supporting disadvantaged students, prioritising student mental health and wellbeing, addressing teacher workforce challenges, and investing in school infrastructure to meet future needs.

Our two-pronged campaign, “Catholic Education benefits all Australians,” highlights the value of Catholic schools in delivering educational excellence, serving disadvantaged students, building essential infrastructure, and saving billions of taxpayer dollars.

At the same time, we will continue to engage with sitting members and candidates to ensure these priorities remain front and centre in the national conversation.

Our key priorities in this election are to:
✔️ Ensure affordability and choice – every family should have the option of a Catholic education
✔️ Address hardship, wellbeing, and disadvantage – every student deserves access to quality education and the right support, no matter their background
✔️ Build and innovate for the future – investing in school infrastructure and support for early childhood education.

Choice in the education of one’s child is one of the most important decisions a parent or carer will make. That is why ensuring all schools are properly funded and supported by the future government is a critical issue for Catholic school families and staff across the country

It is essential that staff and parents understand where their local candidates stand on these key issues. See more information below and visit our website to assist you in making an informed decision in the upcoming election. 

Jacinta Collins
Executive Director
National Catholic Education Commission

What you need to know: key voting information for schools and parents 

To help families and staff stay informed during the election, we have produced a two-page priorities document outlining Catholic Education's key priorities and contribution to the community. School principals and parent associations will distribute this document.

We have also asked the major political parties, the Greens, and Independent candidates to provide their commitment to these priorities. An election scorecard will be provided next week to make it easier for families and staff to see which candidates support Catholic Education priorities. 

School Funding Explainer: how Australian schools are funded

In Australia, school funding comes from both federal and state governments, with government schools primarily funded by states and non-government schools, including Catholic schools, receiving a mix of government and parent contributions. Funding is based on the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), which determines the base amount needed per student, with extra support for disadvantaged students. Understanding this system is key for parents and staff, especially during the election campaign when funding policies are debated. 

Every student regardless of where they go to school gets the same base funding – $13,977 for a primary student and $17,565 for a secondary student.

Non-government schools are then means tested to determine how much the parents of students are expected to contribute – known as the ‘Capacity to Contribute’ – and government funding is then reduced accordingly. Six priorities then receive additional funding – known as ‘Loadings’ – to support students with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, socio-educational disadvantage, low-English proficiency, as well as disadvantage due to school size and school location. 

Rising cost of living forces parents to sacrifice for school fees

As the cost of living remains a major issue in the lead-up to the federal election, new research shows many parents are making significant sacrifices to send their children to Catholic and private schools. With 71 per cent of Catholic school parents and 70 per cent of private school parents feeling the financial strain, many would struggle to cover any increase in school fees. The research, as reported in The Educator magazine, highlights that reduced government funding could further impact families already struggling to balance household expenses.

https://www.keepfundingfair.org.au/

As the federal election approaches, remember that all Australians aged 18 and over are required to vote. We encourage you to talk to young adults about the importance of enrolling and making an informed vote, especially regarding school funding for Catholic education. Discuss the key issues, the impact of government decisions on education, and the importance of thoughtful choices. The Office for Youth offers helpful advice and Q&As for young voters or you can head to the Australian Electoral Commission website.

As we celebrate the joy of Easter, we’re reminded of the hope and renewal it brings to our lives. This special time encourages us to reflect on the love and sacrifice of Christ and how we can carry that message into our daily lives. May your Easter season be filled with moments of faith, love, and connection with all those you hold dear.

Thank you for being committed members of our Catholic school communities, where together we nurture faith, learning, and growth.

Wishing you and your families a joyful and blessed Easter! 

Staff and Council of Catholic School Parents WA