2 Dec 2025
Dear Colleagues, students, parents, and friends,
As another year draws to a close, I take this opportunity to thank our principals, teachers, and support staff for their professionalism and effort in supporting the more than 83,000 students enrolled in Catholic schools across the state to discover their talents and reach the goals they have set for themselves.
I also want to thank those families who have put their trust in Catholic education to deliver a modern, affordable, faith-based education for their child, and who contribute to the life of our schools by taking on a myriad of volunteer roles. And finally, to our students – thank you for your efforts over the last academic year, I hope that you have achieved the goals you set for yourself and that you have been supported to build knowledge, confidence, and compassion.
In 2025 there have been many opportunities to reflect on the long legacy Catholic schools have in Western Australia. Ten schools celebrated significant milestones, including Kearnan College in Manjimup and St Joseph’s School in Pinjarra who both marked their 100th anniversary and St Mary’s Primary School in Kalgoorlie who marked their 125th anniversary. In a sign of our system’s growth and renewal, we also celebrated the opening of St Marcellin Catholic College in Madora Bay and the first Year 12 cohort at St John Bosco College. St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School (Pre-Kindy), and Salvado Catholic College (Year 11) also expanded, whilst Mel Maria Catholic Primary School launched its new dual-campus model.
I hope that every family, whether new to our system or returning, has found our schools to be welcoming environments where their child is supported to discover their own passions and interests. I am particularly proud to see our schools introduce innovative new programmes which show parents why choosing a Catholic education is so beneficial to their child.
“I hope that every family, whether new to our system or returning, has found our schools to be welcoming environments where their child is supported to discover their own passions and interests.”
Throughout this year a number of schools have been trialling AI pilots to help teachers spend more time in the classroom focused on teaching. This includes our Australia-first Pilot with Nurture launched in February, involving ten schools trialling an AI teaching assistant aimed at improving student outcomes by supporting teachers with research-led use of AI. In May, Irene McCormack Catholic College became the second WA Catholic, and first CEWA, school to partner with Liverpool Football Club International Academy Australia to deliver coaching and development programs to girls and boys aged 12-18. Since then, the College has seen a 49% growth in Year 7 enrolments with many of these attributable to the partnership.
What sets our schools apart is a strong commitment to fostering a spirit of service amongst our students. This term I was proud to join the Premier and other dignitaries to celebrate those young people who helped fundraise for Telethon, including St Francis Xavier Primary School, who were named WA’s top fundraising school.
Meanwhile on 27 October we celebrated the winners of our QCE Awards at the 2025 Staff Breakfast. The Awards hold a special place in the Catholic education calendar as a chance to demonstrate the very best initiatives and programmes developed in our schools. A record 111 projects were nominated for an Award in 2025, reflecting not only the breadth of excellent initiatives but demonstrating the quality and deep impact they have on the operations and life of each school.
In hearing about some of these projects I am reminded once again of the strong link between our schools and their towns and cities. Catholic schools are part of a wider community of faith, so I want to thank those families who have volunteered their time and knowledge to their Catholic school whether formally or informally.
Finally, I’d also like to thank the Bishops of Western Australia and parish priests around our state who have offered their support and guidance to Principals, staff, and students throughout this year. Our school communities are enriched by your wisdom and strengthened by your service.
As we draw this year to a close, let us continue to embrace the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope. With the season of Advent having started on Sunday (30 November), I wish you all the joy and peace of Christmas. However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have the opportunity over the next month to spend time with family and friends and reflect on the year that has been.
I look forward to connecting with you again in the new year.
God Bless
Annette Morey
Executive Director
