1 Apr 2026
Dear colleagues, students, parents, and friends of Catholic education,
As we enter Holy Week, I am reminded that the light of Christ shines even in our darkest moments, calling us to live as people of faith, compassion, and service. May the message of Easter inspire our students, families, and staff to reflect God’s love in all they do, to forgive generously, to serve selflessly, and to trust deeply in the new life we are given through Him.
More families continue to place their trust in us to educate their children, with the latest WA census showing a sixth consecutive year of growth. Our 161 schools now educate more than 84,500 students with growing numbers across metro and country, as well as primary and secondary schools. Encouragingly, First Nations students make up 4.7% of the students in Catholic schools, the fourth year in a row that proportion has been maintained.
We began the year by welcoming sixty-four Year 12 graduates from WA’s Catholic schools and their families to Leederville for a special
mass. These graduates were recognised as Catholic Education WA’s high achievers for 2025. Thirty-one percent of eligible Year 12 Catholic school students achieved an ATAR of 90+, with thirty-one students obtaining an ATAR of 99 and above, reflecting the quality academic offering we have across our schools.
The first term is also when we celebrate the start of new journeys with Catholic education by commissioning new staff working in schools and offices across the State. Commissioning Masses are held across the four dioceses throughout the term. This is an important moment for us, as a community of faith, to welcome our colleagues to Catholic Education Western Australia and renew our commitment to delivering a quality, faith-based education to every family who seeks one for their child.
We have also marked the start of a new chapter at system level with a new Chair, Tim Shanahan and three new commissioners Dr Marina Hogan, Geoff Mills, and Justin Scanlan joining the Catholic Education Commission WA. The new commissioners bring fresh ideas and perspectives that will enhance the delivery of a quality Catholic education.
Our primary school students have once again been taking part in CEWA’s annual Easter colouring in competition which is encouraging them to become familiar with the imagery of Easter. This competition has proved very popular with our families with high levels of interest, so thank you to everyone who took part. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram accounts as we share the winners and runners up.
In March, Catholic school and office leaders from across WA gathered in Perth for the first of our Leaders’ Forums. It’s a great opportunity to build connections with colleagues and discuss important issues for our Catholic education system including the wellbeing of our Principals and planning for future growth.
Looking ahead to Term 2, the Quality Catholic Education (QCE) Awards will open for nominations. Our schools have so many excellent programmes underway that would be worthy of acknowledgement. I encourage each of our schools to showcase the excellent work going on in their communities by submitting a nomination. Later in the term, CEWA Office staff will also be gathering for our annual Staff Development Day, an important chance for us to deepen connections and build knowledge.
Finally, I want to thank our Principals, teachers, and support staff across the State who ensure our schools continue to be welcoming environments where students are supported to discover their unique gifts and talents.
I wish you a blessed Easter and a restful break.
God Bless
Annette Morey
Executive Director
