Executive Director's welcome
A very warm (literally – don’t you just love the first 28-degree day of spring!) welcome to our second newsletter for Term 3.
The year is going by extremely quickly and as for everyone else this term, has been super busy for the staff and council here at CSPWA. We have been involved in lots of exciting things one of which was the State Conference held in August and which from the feedback received, was a great success. You will find a round-up of the two days further down in the newsletter. However, I am very pleased to let you all know that Laura Allison, who presented at the Conference Opening Dinner on the Friday evening, giving us a preview of the new CEWA Wellbeing Strategic Framework – Faith to Flourish, is back on her feet again and looking great. Laura, as those of you present are aware ended up in surgery later that night. Laura’s presentation was a highlight of the conference for many, and to know that she was so ill on the night is a testament to her professionalism. We thank her most sincerely for her commitment to parents. We would also like to thank the members of CEWA and also the members of the CECWA who gave up their Friday night to be with parents at the dinner, it is much appreciated.
According to delegate feedback another highlight of the conference was the panel session ‘Respectful Relationships’ held on Saturday afternoon. All panellists provided thoughtful insight into the conversation, in particular the two student panellists. These two highly articulate young people, Ben from Trinity College and Lily from Mercedes College were outstanding with their honest and transparent responses to the questions tabled. These young people are a credit to their families and their schools - the future is certainly in safe hands with young people like Ben and Lily.
Towards the end of Term 2 we received the very exciting news that CSPWA has been formally recognised by the Catholic Education Commission of WA as the peak body representing and advocating on behalf of parents who choose a Catholic Education for their children in WA. As many of you know, CSPWA have always had a strong working relationship with CEWA not dissimilar to that which exists between schools and their parent groups. However, to have the partnership recognised in this manner is not just a very positive outcome for CSPWA but in fact for all parents who are members of our organisation through their affiliation. To that end, although some of you will have seen this letter through your own school, we wanted to share it with you here also. Please take a moment to read it further down in this newsletter.
Recognition of the positive role that parents play in the education of our children and young people, through formal recognition at local, State and Federal level, demonstrates that governments and education systems value parent input into the conversations that matter. It is important that parents are aware of the work that both state and national parent bodies engage in on their behalf and that they take the opportunity to have input when requested. It is essential therefore that you as parents remain connected with CSPWA so that when we are requested to provide feedback on particular matters we can ensure your voice is part of that feedback.
As you can see the newsletter this time is jam packed with information about events happening in the busy world of Catholic education and beyond. I hope that you manage to participate where you can, including exercising your ‘People’s Choice’ vote for your school if they have nominated for a QCE Award or attending one of the ‘Spirit of the Arts’ events taking place next week. Information about both can be found further down in the newsletter and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Spirit of the Arts Festival Concert next Monday evening at the RAC Arena. Hope we’re allowed to sing along!!
Enjoy the rest of the term!
Warm regards
Siobhan Allen