23 Sep 2026
Dear colleagues, students, parents, and friends of Catholic education,
As Term 3 draws to a close I have been reflecting on the journey our students undertake, both throughout the school year and over the course of their Catholic education. For our Year 12 students, this term marks an important milestone as they prepare to conclude their schooling and focus on the final stages of their secondary education.
I hope they look back on their school years with pride and move forward confident in the skills, knowledge and values that will support them in whatever path they choose. As they enter this important period, I also encourage them to prioritise their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, and to seek support when they need it.
I hope they look back on their school years with pride and move forward confident in the skills, knowledge and values that will support them in whatever path they choose. As they enter this important period, I also encourage them to prioritise their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, and to seek support when they need it.
It was also wonderful to see Bunbury Catholic College alumnus Alex Saffy and Mater Dei College alumna Rhiannon Clarke shine on the world stage at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Both achieved outstanding success, with Rhiannon claiming gold in the Women’s 200m T38 final and Alex winning gold in the 100m butterfly S10. Congratulations to Alex and Rhiannon on these remarkable achievements.
Earlier this month we held our second Leaders’ Forum, bringing together school and office leaders from across WA to strengthen relationships and discuss topics of importance to the future of our Catholic education system.
The Forum marked a particularly significant moment for CEWA, with all four diocesan Bishops of Western Australia in attendance to launch the Bishops’ Mandate for Catholic Education in Western Australia 2027-2033. Their collective presence and participation was a first for a Leaders’ Forum and underscored the importance of the Mandate in setting the vision and direction for Catholic education in the years ahead.
It was a valuable opportunity for our leaders to hear directly from the Bishops and to reflect on what the Mandate means for our shared mission and the work of our schools and offices across the State.
I encourage you to take the opportunity to read and reflect on the Bishops’ Mandate, available on the CEWA website. I also extend my sincere thanks to former Executive Director
Wayne Bull, who coordinated the Mandate’s development, and to the principals, staff and students whose contributions enabled our Bishops to hear the voices of the communities we serve.
Our attention now turns to Term 4, when we will once again celebrate the outstanding school initiatives that bring our Quality Catholic Education (QCE) pillars to life at the annual QCE Awards. A record 75 schools submitted nominations this year with 99 projects submitted across the four pillars of Catholic Identity, Education, Community and Stewardship. This year’s nominees reflect the breadth of innovation and collaboration across our Catholic school communities, from student-designed AI platforms and First Nations podcasting initiatives to cross-school collaborative partnerships and innovative pathways developing the next generation of Catholic educators.
The winners will be announced at our Staff celebration, where we will also recognise colleagues who are marking 30, 40, and 50 years of service to Catholic education. Such examples reflect an enduring commitment to our shared vocation and are a powerful example of what a life of service can look like.
I wish you a safe and peaceful break and look forward to seeing you again in Term 4.
God Bless,
Annette Morey
Executive Director
