CSPWA Executive Director's Christmas Message
And just like that we find ourselves at the end of another school year. One that has gone particularly quickly but which has been full of positive activities and events within our P&Fs and school communities. As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for the commitment and support parents have provided to our Catholic school communities across the state. Your volunteering efforts have been invaluable both in terms of fundraising and in particular ‘friendraising’. Whether it is helping out at school events, volunteering for roster in the classroom or canteen, contributing to P&Fs or School Advisory Councils, your contributions have made a difference to your child’s school. St Mary MacKillop said “we must teach more by example than by word” and as most of us parents know, our children are much more likely to follow the example of our actions (at times the actions we don’t want them to follow!) than that of our words. And so volunteering in your school and parish communities is first and foremost a gift to your children. Through your actions of volunteering you are demonstrating to your children the power of contributing to the common good. Let us be reminded of this the next time we are organizing the school fete or disco or other events that take up time and energy!
Many of you will have seen the news that Dr Debra Sayce will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director of CEWA at the end of the year. CSPWA would like to sincerely thank Debra for her unwavering support of parents as the first educators of their children. Debra’s commitment to building and maintaining a strong and authentic partnership between CEWA and CSPWA, through her support of our work and by providing a myriad of opportunities for our voice to be heard is so very much appreciated. CSPWA would like to take this opportunity to wish Debra all the very best in her new role with the Archdiocese and look forward to our paths continuing to cross.
Following on from that news we also congratulate Mr Wayne Bull on his appointment to the role of Executive Director – CEWA commencing in January 2024. Wayne has more recently been in the role of Deputy Executive Director – CEWA. Wayne has also been a much valued member of CSPWA Council, and whilst sadly he will be stepping down from that position, we very much look forward to working with him in his new role, ensuring that the partnership between our two organisations continues to strengthen and add value to Catholic education in WA.
2024 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year. Amongst these exciting events CSPWA will celebrate our platinum anniversary, 70 years of advocacy and representation on behalf of all parents who choose a Catholic education for their children in WA. Platinum represents amongst other qualities, strength, endurance, integrity and truth and these qualities exist in abundance within our organisation. We look forward to celebrating throughout 2024 and especially at our Conference which has now been confirmed for the weekend of 7th and 8th June. We encourage you all to think about attending and of course about nominating members of your school community for the annual Awards of Excellence in Building Positive School Communities.
And so, as we move towards the joyful season of Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Saviour, it just remains for me to express my gratitude and thanks to our wonderful council of volunteers who have worked hard on your behalf this year, Marina, Richard, Anna, Belinda, Kate, Catherine, Alan, Georgie, Orla, Renee, Wayne and Fr George. Benjamin Franklin once said ”if you want something done, ask a busy person”, and no truer words could be spoken about these people. Their passion and commitment is what keeps our organisation alive and well after 70 years and although sadly we are saying goodbye to some we are also welcoming new members. A particular word of recognition for the office staff, Nicole, Jonelle and Jennifer. Benjamin Franklin’s words don’t go amiss here either. All three have primary aged children and are highly involved in the P&F’s at their own children’s school with all of them in the role of Chair at some stage during the year. They are beyond committed to their roles and work so well as a team ensuring that anyone who contacts our office gets the very best support and advice. My sincere thanks to all of you.
And finally, thank you to all I have had the pleasure of working with this year, principals, school leaderships teams, CEWA executive and staff, CECWA Commissioners and above all parents! We know that working together we make a significant difference to the lives of our precious children and we look forward to doing it all again next year.
And so, as we look forward to celebrating the wonderful season that is Christmas, please take a moment to remember those less fortunate than ourselves, particularly families who may be struggling both here and overseas in war torn places. We pray for all and hope that 2024 may bring better times for all who are currently suffering.
See you all in 2024!
God Bless.
Siobhan