new staff across the four dioceses. This is a wonderful way 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.
These new staff join us at a time where Catholic education saw its largest twelve-month enrolment growth in ten years. According to February’s census data there are now 83,200 students enrolled in 162 Catholic schools across WA – a 1.9% growth rate. That figure includes 3,704 First Nations students, a 3.76% increase from this time last year. I’m particularly encouraged to see that growth has occurred across both metro and country schools, as well as in primary, secondary, and composite schools. I am grateful to both new and existing families who have chosen to send their child to one of our schools, which continue to be places of innovation. Following the 8 March election we will continue to advocate on behalf of WA’s Catholic school communities for more equitable funding and I look forward to working with the new Education Minister, Hon Sabine Winton MLA to ensure Catholic school children are treated equitably and parents continue to benefit from school choice.
In February CEWA partnered with Irish company, Nurture, to deliver an Australian-first pilot of an AI teaching assistant aimed at improving student outcomes by supporting teachers with research-led use of AI. Ten schools have been taking part in the pilot including Emmanuel Catholic College; Iona Presentation College; Kolbe Catholic College; Lumen Christi College; Mandurah Catholic College; Mater Dei College; Prendiville Catholic College; Sacred Heart College; Seton Catholic College; CEWA’s Virtual School Network (ViSN).
Also in February, we announced an exciting new chapter for Catholic education in Leederville with Aranmore Catholic Primary School and Aranmore Catholic College to be amalgamated from the start of 2026. Planning is already well underway to ensure a smooth transition to the new Kindergarten – Year 12 College. Newly appointed Principal, Lisa Fogliani, who begins her role on 21 July, will work with an interim School Advisory Council in the coming months on the establishment of the new school.
In March, Catholic education school and office leaders from around Western Australia attended the annual Leaders’ Forum held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is an important opportunity for our leaders to share expertise, and build relationships which will help them lead quality, innovative schools focused on the child and centred on Christ. It was a privilege to hear from our newly installed Bishops, Most Rev Tim Norton SVD and Most Rev George Kolodziej SDS about their journeys and how they see the interaction of their roles with Catholic education. I was privileged to attend Bishop George’s ordination in Bunbury alongside colleagues from CEWA and Catholic school Principals and students.
Next term will see the launch of this year’s Quality Catholic Education Awards nominations. I encourage all our schools to showcase the excellent work going on in their communities by submitting a nomination. CEWA Office staff will also be gathering for our annual Staff Development Day, an important chance for us to deepen connections and build knowledge.
I wish you a blessed Easter and a restful break with family, friends, and loved ones.
Yours sincerely
Wayne Bull
Executive Director
