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ANNUAL REPORT 1995: Catholic Education Commission, NSW, August 1997
1995 saw the passing of Archbishop James Carroll, the founding chairman of the Catholic Education Commission, NSW. He retired as chairman in 1985. He also held several national positions in Catholic schooling. Through these key positions he presided over the transition from a collection of Catholic schools managed by religious and privately funded, to a coherent system of Catholic schools which is substantially lay managed and government funded.
James Carroll recognised early on that the question of government financial support for Catholic schools was one of elementary political and social justice. His influential 1961 booklet Independent Schools in a Free Society is still the most cogent and articulate expression of the case for what came to be called "State Aid". So too, he recognised that the provision of government financial support was a decision for public servants and politicians. It was therefore through the business of convincing politicians and bureaucrats of the justice of the Catholic schools cause, and the fundamental contribution of these schools to Australian society, that State Aid was largely achieved and eventually supported across the political spectrum. Indeed, political even-handedness was characteristic of his style. His close working relationship with so many of Australia’s leading public figures from the 1950s to the 1990s covered all sides of party politics, not just one (as often claimed). Moreover, in many cases, a working relationship developed into firm, lasting and loyal friendship. Anyone privileged to hear the tribute paid by the then Prime Minister Bob Hawke to the Archbishop at the Opening of the James Carroll Building at Australian Catholic University, on Grand Final Day in 1988, will have been struck by the profound and genuine respect and affection the Prime Minister had for the Archbishop. It was only typical of many such relationships upon which have been built bi-partisan government support for Catholic schooling. The present and former Prime Ministers, Premiers and Ministers for Education - both Liberal and Labor - who attended his funeral at St Mary’s Cathedral on 17 January bear witness to genuine respect and friendship, not merely civic duty.
Born in the inner-Sydney suburb of Enmore, James Carroll was educated by the Christian Brothers at Lewisham and then studied for the priesthood. Evidently, he was an outstanding student and was therefore sent to Rome to complete his studies. It was in Rome that he was ordained in May 1931 before embarking on a Doctorate in Canon Law. He was an auxiliary bishop of Sydney from 1954-1984, having been promoted to titular Archbishop of Amasea in 1965. At the same time, from 1959 to 1991, he was Parish Priest at Holy Cross, Woollahra and lived there until his sudden death. For several generations of students and parishioners at Holy Cross "the Doc" (as he was affectionately known) was a great friend, confidant and counsellor. His wisdom and learning, his engaging smile and shrewd insight, and especially his gracious and humble manner, were acknowledged and admired by all. He was indeed the Christ-like servant of his people. James left everyone, young and old alike, with the feeling that he was their special friend. And he was.
In all his educational work, from the 1950s to the 1990s, Archbishop Carroll’s style was low-key and unobtrusive, preferring to win the hearts and minds of decision-makers rather than engineer public protests and threats. His formidable intellect and capacious memory proved a decisive advantage, while his wide learning and culture gave him an uncommon ability to relate to people from all walks of life and ideological backgrounds. He also possessed a strong impulse for social justice and a keen sense of pastoral mission, which helps explain the affection and intense loyalty of his colleagues and friends. They all appreciated the sheer privilege of having known and worked with such a dedicated and extraordinary man. For many, however, this humble priest’s greatest achievement has been the preservation and development of Australian Catholic schools, and the education of lay teachers for those schools. Requiescat in pace.
CONTENTS
COMMISSION
STANDING COMMITTEES
COMMONWEALTH FUNDED PROGRAMS General Recurrent Grants 11 Capital Grants 11 Disadvantaged Schools 12 English as a Second Language 12 Special Education 12 Country Areas 13 Students at Risk 13 Aboriginal Education Strategic Initiatives 13 National Asian Language and Studies in Australian Schools 14
STATE FUNDED PROGRAMS
CONSULTATION WITH STATE MINISTER 16
MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
STATISTICS RELATING TO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
by Diocese, 1991-1995
by Diocese, School Years and Gender, 1995
Schools in N.S.W. and A.C.T., 1983-1995
Schools in N.S.W. and A.C.T., 1985-1995
by Diocese, 1995
Systemic and Non-Systemic by Diocese, 1995
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST JANUARY, 1996 Ended 31st January, 1996
APPENDICES Committee
COMMISSION
HISTORY The Catholic Education Commission was established by the Bishops of New South Wales in 1974 to act on behalf of the Catholic community for the welfare of Catholic education. The inaugural meeting of the Commission was held on 28th February, 1975. In 1985 the Bishops initiated a review of the Commission's structure in the context of changing educational and community circumstances and a reconstituted Commission met for the first time in May, 1986, under a new Charter.
Under its Charter (see Appendix 1) the Commission has the following distinctive features:
• The Commission is representative of groups having a specific interest in aspects of Catholic education in New South Wales
• The Commission is the main agency in negotiations with State and Commonwealth Governments. It has a major role in the distribution and administration of funds provided by Governments for State-wide application and in the implementation of appropriate accountability requirements
• While the Commission works closely with Catholic Education Offices in the various Dioceses it is not involved with the day-to-day administration of schools which belongs, appropriately, to the school authorities in Dioceses and Religious Institutes
• In the carrying out of its Charter the Commission draws on the experience, commitment and energy of many people in the Catholic education community. As well as the members of the Commission many other people are involved in committees, working parties and associated activities.
TERMS OF REFERENCE The Commission's detailed Terms of Reference are set out in its Charter. Some special characteristics and requirements central to the work of the Commission are:
• to develop, enunciate and act upon State-wide policies which contribute to the betterment of education in all Catholic schools, the maintenance of the distinctive character of Catholic education, the religious education of Catholic students not in Catholic schools and the enhancement of the quality of education available to all Australians
• to witness to its own commitment to Christ as part of the Church's mission of education in faith and to accept the duty of promoting a faith-relationship with Christ in whom all values find fulfilment
• to foster understanding and co-operation among the various administrative components of Catholic education and among parents, parish priests, teachers and others within the Catholic education community, encouraging at all times the resolution of issues by consensus.
The scope of the Commission's work embraces:
• Primary and secondary education in Catholic schools • Religious education of Catholic students in other than Catholic schools • Quality of education available to students in all schools • Professional and personal formation of teachers in Catholic schools • Such other areas of education as the Bishops may direct.
MISSION STATEMENT At its Planning Conference in February, 1991 the Commission initiated action leading to the development of a Mission Statement, which obliges the Commission to observe a number of requirements to ensure that the interests of Catholic schools and students are protected and enhanced.
Within this context the Commission will :
In its Leadership Role : - demonstrate a commitment to shared leadership in its decision making processes - take a prophetic stance in its planning and operating - promote the advancement of Catholic education - act as a clearing house for ideas, initiatives and documents from various sources which are of value to Catholic educators - offer for adoption by Catholic school authorities guidelines and other education services - inform governments and the wider community of the aims, objectives, purposes and organisation of Catholic schooling - represent Catholic school authorities in negotiations with governments and respond as the need arises to other external influences - review regularly its operation.
In its Political and Administrative Role : - provide an administrative infrastructure for Commonwealth and State Programs affecting schooling - maintain effective relations with government authorities and political leaders with respect to policies concerning education - develop, where appropriate, State-wide policies on matters concerning education in New South Wales.
In its Evangelizing Role : - ensure that Catholic values guide its activities and decision-making - evidence its belief that Catholic schools are centres of formation in faith - seek opportunities to support the Religious Education of Catholic students in government schools.
Following the acceptance of its Mission Statement the Commission has strengthened its consulting role and now meets regularly with those interest groups with a State-wide involvement in Catholic education.
MEMBERSHIP Under the terms of its Charter the Commission has up to twenty-three members with the following representation:
2 Bishops (1 of whom will be appointed Chairman and 1 of whom will be a Bishop from the Archdiocese of Sydney) 11 Diocesan representatives nominated by the Diocesan Bishops 4 Representatives of the Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes (2 men, 2 women) 2 Parent representatives nominated by the Parent Committee of the Commission (1 Sydney, 1 Country) 1 Representative of Australian Catholic University 1 Executive Director of Catholic Education Commission, New South Wales (ex officio) 2 Ordinary members, nominated by the Catholic Education Commission, New South Wales.
The above membership ensures representation from the following groups within the Catholic community:
• Diocesan Directors (normally not more than 4) • Primary and secondary school principals • Persons with expertise in the field of religious education • Persons with expertise in the field of educational finance, public policy and the laws relating to education • Persons with expertise in the area of children with special needs • Persons with expertise in areas of curriculum and policy development.
The Diocesan representatives contribute a Diocesan perspective and knowledge to the Commission's debates. They establish a satisfactory communication system with the relevant Diocesan authorities and other Church bodies.
MEMBERS IN 1995
The Members of the Commission in 1995, by Category, and term of appointment, were:
MEETINGS IN 1995
The dates of Commission Meetings in 1995 were:
15th February 19th July 15th March 16th August 19th April 20th September 17th May 18th October 21st June 15th November 13th December
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Commission's Executive Committee is responsible for actions entrusted to it by the Commission between monthly meetings. The Committee is empowered to act for the Commission in urgent circumstances and seeks ratification of its actions at the following meeting of the Commission. In 1995 the Executive Committee consisted of:
Bishop Geoffrey Robinson - Chairman Sister Kristin Johnston - Deputy Chairman Bishop Barry Collins - Member Dr Brian Croke - Executive Director
SECRETARIAT
The Commission is serviced by a Secretariat responsible to the Executive Director who is, ex officio, a member of the Commission. The Secretariat is organised by way of three Divisions, namely, Administration, School Resources and Education Policy and Programs. Each Division is headed by a Director.
Members of the Secretariat in 1995 were:
STANDING COMMITTEES
The Commission's Charter requires the establishment of a number of Standing Committees. These Committees formulate policy advice for the Commission but do not execute policy. The membership and Terms of Reference of Standing Committees are determined by the Commission. The Committees are chaired by a Commissioner and consist of Commission members and others with specialist knowledge or experience.
The Standing Committees operating in 1995 were: STANDING COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION POLICY This Committee advises the Commission on matters relating to church-school-community relations, curriculum, assessment and credentialling, and school standards. It has an ongoing responsibility to review policy; monitor social, political and educational developments in the community; identify emerging issues and commission, supervise and conduct research as required. The membership of the Committee in 1995 was:
The Committee's major work in 1995 was on the development of advice relating to curriculum issues arising from the election of a new State Government, in particular the:
Other key areas of focus were:
STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL RESOURCES This Committee advises on all aspects of recurrent and capital policy, and resource allocations for Catholic schools. It closely monitors Commonwealth and State funding policies and suggests modifications to policy in the light of changing circumstances. Whilst the Committee's major focus is with the circumstances of schools in New South Wales, there is co-ordination with the policy development processes of the National Catholic Education Commission. The membership of the Committee in 1995 was:
STANDING COMMITTEE ON SPECIFIC PURPOSE PROGRAMS This Committee monitors the administration of Commonwealth funded programs, particularly the National Equity Programs for Schools. It also provides policy advice and makes recommendations about the distribution of funds. The membership of the Committee was reconstituted in 1995:
Key focus areas during 1995 were:
STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS The Committee advises the Commission on all matters relating to religious education of Catholic students in government schools, identifies important issues and developments and maintains liaison with other relevant groups.
The membership of the Standing Committee on Religious Education in Government Schools in 1995 was as for 1994:
During 1995 the Committee monitored Student Catholic Religious Education in Government schools. Also in April 1995, the CEC, NSW resolved that the composition and functions of the Committee be reviewed and reformed as part of the Bishops’ general review of the CEC, NSW.
PARENT COMMITTEE This is a Standing Committee of the Commission and comprises parents nominated by each Diocesan Bishop. It advises the Commission on the views of parents in Catholic Schools in the eleven Dioceses. It carries out its advisory role through membership on the Commission itself and by active involvement in many of the Commission’s sub-committees and working parties.
In 1995 it assisted in the running of the Commission’s annual conference which focused on the building of effective partnerships between families, schools and parishes. It also continued its sponsorship of the project called, Real Education Affirms Church and Home (REACH), which the Committee developed and launched in the previous year.
Its main activity during 1995 was in response to a request from the Bishops of NSW to undertake the necessary planning and consultation for the establishment of a Catholic Parent Body which would be representative of all parents of students in Catholic schools in the eleven Dioceses covering NSW and the ACT. This engaged the Committee in many formal and informal discussions with individual parents, with school level Associations of Parents and Friends and with Diocesan Parent Bodies. The development of possible structures and a constitution for a new Catholic Parent Body were presented to parents in many draft forms and their views sought on preferred models. The Committee will continue next year the process of consultation and communication for this important undertaking.
Membership of the Parent Committee in 1995 was :
COMMONWEALTH FUNDED PROGRAMS
The following Commonwealth programs were administered through the Commission in 1995.
GENERAL RESOURCES PROGRAMS
General Recurrent Grants Program The Catholic Education Commission is the Approved System Authority for the distribution to Dioceses of the Commonwealth Government recurrent grants for Systemic Schools. An auditor's certificate, based on certificates obtained from each Diocese, certifying that the grants have been distributed to schools in accordance with conditions specified by legislation, provides for financial accountability purposes.
The grants for 1995 totalling $337,978,339 were distributed to the Dioceses in New South Wales for a total enrolment of 180,644 pupils in systemic schools.
In addition to the general recurrent grants detailed above the Commonwealth provided recurrent funds for defined Students with Disabilities totalling $789,834.
Grants to Congregational and other independent schools are paid directly to schools and not through the Catholic Education Commission.
Capital Grants Program The New South Wales Bishops Conference (Trustees of the Province of Sydney) is constituted as the Catholic Block Grant Authority (CBGA) which has responsibility for the distribution of Commonwealth capital funds to Catholic schools in New South Wales. The CBGA has delegated to the Chairman of the Catholic Education Commission responsibility for the administration of the Commonwealth Capital Grants Program. All Catholic systemic schools and most Catholic Congregational schools are members of the New South Wales Catholic Block Grant Authority.
The CBGA annually receives applications from schools for capital grant assistance. The applications are firstly considered by Priority Committees in each Diocese before being ordered into a State-wide priority list by the Commission-appointed State Priority Committee. The specific-purpose State Priority Committee (SPC) generally operates over the months June to August; its task is to recommend funding approvals to the CBGA. The SPC comprises persons experienced in school building and planning who are nominated by Diocesan Bishops, Commissioners, Diocesan Directors of Education or, The Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes. It is chaired by a Commissioner. The membership of the 1995 Committee is listed in Appendix 2.
The Catholic Block Grant Authority has a Procedures Manual which details the administrative arrangements and procedures to be followed for the operation of the Program from application stage to the accountability requirements of completed projects. This document has Commonwealth approval and is consistent with Commonwealth Block Grant Authority administrative regulations.
In 1995 funds were approved for a total of 41 school projects. This included new and developing schools in the rapidly expanding suburban areas of Sydney and coastal growth centres and the upgrading of schools in rural and urban areas.
In all, the Commonwealth Minister approved projects to the value of $35.97m of which local communities contributed $10.87m. The details of projects approved for funding are provided in Appendix 3. The State Priority Committee considered a further 27 high priority projects submitted by Dioceses but could not recommend additional grants within the limit of funds available.
SPECIFIC PURPOSE PROGRAMS
Disadvantaged Schools Component During late 1994, a "mapping" of every Catholic school in NSW was carried out, using the most recent ABS Census data, in order to identify those schools serving the most socio-economically disadvantaged communities. As a result of this mapping, a new list of 117 "declared disadvantaged" schools, serving 28,000 students was implemented in 1995.
In 1995 this Commonwealth Program provided support for schools serving the greatest concentrations of students disadvantaged by socio-economic circumstances, so as to enable those schools to develop practices which benefit the educational situation of the students in their care.
Grants were provided to "declared" disadvantaged schools to develop, implement and evaluate projects aimed at facilitating long-term change in schools. Such projects contributed to more effective learning through more relevant schooling and improved interaction between schools and their communities. School communities developed projects to meet the needs of the specific students they serve. Projects covered initiatives such as community liaison, literacy, numeracy, science and technology, creative arts, personal development, health and physical education and other school-based curriculum issues, particularly concerning the implementation of the Key Learning Areas.
English As A Second Language (ESL) Component The Commission is responsible for the allocation and distribution of Commonwealth funds to the Dioceses for Catholic systemic schools and to all eligible non-systemic schools.
The main objectives of the Program are to:
In 1995 the Commission approved, on the basis of recommendations of a Program Committee, an amount of some $9,629,604 for Catholic schools in NSW. The functions and membership of the ESL Program Committee for 1995 are listed in Appendix 4.
Special Education Component During 1995 the Commission administered and accounted for $4,974,712 in funds allocated by the Commonwealth to Catholic schools under the Program both for special schools and for the integration of children with disabilities into regular schools. Funds totalling $2,839,687 were provided under the Schools Support Element for the Regular School Integration Program in 1995. During 1995 the Commission continued to consider options for the devolution of Special Education funding under the NEPS Agreement. A Special Education Advisory Committee was established to review and report on Special Education funding options for 1995. Membership of the working party is set out below:
Membership of the Special Education Advisory Committee in 1995 was:
The Advisory Committee provided advice to the Commission on Special Education funding options for 1996.
Also in 1995, the CEC,NSW assumed responsibility for the allocation of NEPS Special Education Capital Support funding to NSW Catholic schools. In 1995 $676,500 was allocated to Special Education capital programs.
Country Areas Program (CAP) In 1995 CAP remained a jointly administered Program involving the State Department of School Education and the Non-Government Sector within the National Equity Program for Schools. The Program in New South Wales provided $412,200 in direct funding for NSW Catholic schools with the aim of improving the educational opportunities and outcomes for primary and secondary school students, in prescribed country areas, by building on existing practice and developing innovative approaches. Catholic schools in rural areas highly value the assistance received through this Commonwealth Program.
Students At Risk (STAR) In 1995 the Commonwealth Students at Risk Program (STAR) provided $604,000 for projects in every diocese of NSW, and six non-systemic schools. Projects funded are expected to make a significant contribution towards increasing the retention and participation of ‘most at risk’ students attending government and non-government schools or other relevant institutions. These are students up to 19 years of age who are at risk of leaving school, or who have already left school, before completing Year 12 or equivalent, or whose level of achievement or behaviour at school is adversely affected by circumstances such as family dislocation, itinerancy, violence or abuse, homelessness, truancy or substance abuse.
Aboriginal Education Strategic Initiatives Program (AESIP) The Commonwealth Government, following a process of consultation, developed a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy (AEP), which commenced on 1 January 1990. The AEP is based on a set of goals and educational principles that have been endorsed by all the governments of Australia. The Aboriginal Education Strategic Initiatives Program (AESIP), in the context of the national policy, provides funding for measures that are specifically designed to supplement mainstream educational funding, in line with established strategic and operational plans. In 1995, NSW Catholic schools received $792,600, which represented a significant increase on past years funding.
The specific initiatives undertaken by dioceses across the state emphasise the employment of Aboriginal Education Workers in Catholic Schools. In addition, Aboriginal people are encouraged to participate in their local Catholic schools in reading, language teaching, curriculum development and professional development activities. Ms Diat Callope the Commission’s first Aboriginal Education Officer completed her second year of activity in December 1995.
During 1995 the CEC, NSW reviewed its funding mechanisms for the distribution of AESIP monies.
The funds provided by the Commonwealth in 1994 and 1995 for General Resources and Specific Purpose Programs administered by the Catholic Education Commission, New South Wales, are detailed in the following table.
National Asian Language and Studies in Australian Schools Strategy (NALSAS) During 1995 the CEC, NSW participated in the implementation of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) NALSAS strategy through a cross-sectoral NSW implementation plan as endorsed by the Commonwealth and State Ministers for Education. During 1995, $526,871 was made available to support NALSAS projects for NSW Catholic schools with an emphasis on projects focused on years K to 6.
The CEC, NSW Secretariat established an inter Diocesan NALSAS Workshop Group to assist with NALSAS implementation matter. During 1995 membership of the group was:
Commonwealth Program Funds Administered by the Catholic Education Commission, New South Wales, 1994 and 1995
PROGRAM FUNDS DISTRIBUTED
STATE FUNDED ACTIVITIES
The State Government provides significant financial and other assistance to non-government schools through a variety of programs and activities. The major areas of support for 1995 are detailed below:
STATE PER CAPITA GRANTS In 1995 Catholic Systemic schools received per capita grants at the rate of $763.22 per primary student and $1,182.92 per secondary student while students with disabilities received per capita grants at $902.40 per primary student and $1,318.11 per secondary student. These rates were calculated from a base of 25% of the equivalent government school per student cost. A total of $165,843,678.89 was received in State Per Capita Grants for Systemic schools in 1995. Per capita grants for Congregational schools are paid direct to the schools. State per capita grants may be used for recurrent or capital purposes.
TEXT BOOK ALLOWANCES In 1995 the State government provided Text Book Allowances for NSW non government school students of $29.74 per student in Years 7-10 and $73.52 per student in Years 11 and 12. The budget provision for this allowance in 1994-95 was $5.88m and in 1995-96 was $5.96m.
INTEREST SUBSIDIES FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS Interest subsidies are provided for up to 12.5% on loans for school building projects which meet eligibility criteria. In 1994-95 the State government provided $29.11m to NSW non-government schools for this purpose and the budget provision in 1995-96 was $30.5m.
STUDENT TRANSPORT SCHEME Free transport is provided for school children attending the nearest appropriate school (government or non-government) provided it is more than 1.6km walking distance from the student's home. The total cost of the scheme for all schools (government and non-government) in 1995-96 was $333m.
JOINT SECONDARY SCHOOLS/TAFE [JSSTAFE] 1995 For 1995 a total of 2,063 subsidised JSSTAFE places were made available to support the participation of students from non government schools in the JSSTAFE program. Of these 2,063 places, 1,166 were allocated to students enrolled in Catholic schools. The estimated dollar value of this Government subsidy was $886,000 for Catholic schools [a proportion of this funding was provided through Commonwealth ANTA ‘Growth Funds to NSW]. In addition the CEC, NSW administered the Catholic sector contribution to 1995 JSSTAFE course costs being:
OTHER SUPPORT Payments are made to parents of government and non-government school students from isolated areas and who are either boarding or living in hostels. In 1994-95, the total cost of the program was $836,000.
Subject to eligibility criteria and some other conditions, non-government secondary students may enrol part-time for correspondence school subjects which contribute to the award of a School Certificate or Higher School Certificate.
NSW Catholic schools are exempt, as are all non-government schools, from State rates, land tax, stamp duty, payroll tax and financial institutions duty.
CONSULTATIONS WITH STATE MINISTER
During 1995 the Commission's Chairman and other members participated in regular and formal consultations with the State Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, The Hon. John Aquilina, MLC. These consultations took place on 27th June, 22nd August and 16th November. The major matters discussed during these consultations were: Progress report on the Review and advice about the consultation process with NSW Catholic school authorities.
Identification of the time-table for the Review, the preparation of the Government’s Green Paper and White Paper, the timing of implementation of any major reforms resulting from the Review, and the role of the proposed Ministerial Advisory Group to be set up by the Minister viz a viz the role of Professor Barry McGaw who had been appointed by the Government to conduct the Review.
Future of the Strategic Policy Group for Vocational Education.
Issue of the school sector vocational education and training programs, including non government schools, receiving an adequate share of ANTA funds.
Government’s election undertaking to provide for an additional 8,000 JSSTAFE places and access by the non government schools sector to these places.
Availability of additional funding to facilitate the integration of disabled children into regular schools.
Concerns whether student targets for language learning were realistic and attainable given the lack of resources and competent language teachers, and the difficulty of learning Asian languages.
Discussion about likely outcomes of the Review and impacts upon the Catholic education sector.
Clarification sought from the Minister as to the position of non government schools in relation to the Government’s election policies in the area of education technology, including Internet access and provision of computers for disadvantaged schools.
Need for specific information to re-assure schools that outcomes from the issue will be positive and advice to Minister of principles determined by the Commission in the context of school reporting.
Clarification of the development of the draft Christian Studies Syllabus which was initiated by the former Coalition Minister.
Identification of when the Syllabus is to be approved.
Communication of the CEC,NSW opposition to the Private Member’s Bill and the preferred approach of the Catholic schools sector for dealing with this issue.
Concern raised with the Attorney General about the impact on Catholic schools of the proposed legislation.
Clarification of the Government intentions in terms of reported changes to the scheme aimed at cost cutting.
Proposed restructuring of the Department and affect on relations between the Government’s Education Administration and the Catholic Education Commission.
MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST IN 1995 The Commission and its Standing Committees and Working Parties considered a range of administrative and policy issues and related initiatives during 1995 which often required negotiation and consultation with State and Commonwealth authorities. These issues included : Commonwealth and National Issues - 1995 Funding Allocations and representation on State Committees and Working Groups.
- Teacher training and work placement resource issues arising from the implementation of the NSW Government’s Directions policy document and the Federal Government’s Australian Vocational Training System.
- Funding Allocations 1994-95.
- Review of DEET’s proposal for restructuring the financing of the Aboriginal Education Program from 1997.
- Consideration of Funding Mechanism.
- Development of a 1996 NEPS Regular School Integration funding formula.
- Development of a 1996 Special Schools funding process.
- Funding Recommendations 1996.
- Allocation of 1995 Funding and Implementation Priorities; Issues for Catholic schools; Workshop for Dioceses on the implementation of the NALSAS Program.
- Catholic school sector review of the application of Profiles and Outcomes to NSW Syllabuses.
- Key proposals arising from the work of the Civics Expert Group established by Prime Minister Keating in July 1994.
- Senate Review of the issue of ANTA funding for schools.
- Analysis of the Budget, including identification of implications for Catholic schools.
- CEC, NSW position on the Review of the New Schools Policy in the context of the consultation with the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC).
- Progress Report on the implementation of the DEET funded Key Competencies project and review of draft proposals for the assessment and reporting of Key Competencies as part of the School Certificate.
- Determination of priority areas in terms of specific needs of Catholic schools and preparation of a funding policy brochure for distribution to the Catholic education community in NSW and the ACT.
- Commission response to Commonwealth Government Review of the Recurrent Grants Program.
State Issues
- Distribution criteria for the allocation of JSSTAFE subsidised places to systemic and non-systemic schools.
( VETAB ) - Registration framework for NSW Catholic schools with respect to delivery of Vocational Courses for Years 11 and 12, and enrolment of Overseas Students.
- Appointment of Syllabus Advisory Committee Members.
- Implications for Catholic schools of the introduction of Civics.
- Development of policy and bids for inclusion in the State Government Budget.
- Response to the Ministerial Advisory Council on Teacher Education and Quality of Teaching (MACTEQT) on raising the status of teachers in the community.
- Appointment of Members to State Priority Committee.
- Nominees on History, PD/H/PE and Aboriginal Syllabus Committees.
- Catholic sector policy position on Profiles and Outcomes implementation issues, including Kidmap.
- Coordination of the participation of three NSW Catholic secondary schools in the pilot phase of the Alcohol Education Project managed by the University of Melbourne.
- Response to private members to abolish corporal punishment in schools.
- Strategy for dealing with the Review and appointment of representative on Advisory Group appointed by the Minister.
- Nomination of CEC,NSW representative.
- Analysis of the Budget and implications for NSW Catholic schools.
Other Issues
- Review of Rationale and Terms of Reference.
- Formulation of the Commission’s relationship with the newly formed Council of Catholic School Parents (NSW & ACT).
- Establishment of principles for enhancing Commission’s co-ordination rule in technology for Catholic schools. - Membership and terms of reference for the Working Party on Educational Technology.
- Establishment of a School Safety Working Party to develop guidelines for safety in schools and review of draft guidelines prepared by the Working Party and associated publication strategy.
- Procedures for the implementation of the Brother John Taylor Awards for Excellence.
- Writing Brief for the Christian Studies Years 11 and 12 Course.
- Determination of Budget for adoption by NSW Bishops Conference.
- Preparation of key priorities and strategies for 1996.
- Evaluation of Commission meetings and procedures in 1995.
- Appointment of the Review Implementation Team and setting the direction for the review process.
The general outcomes of the Commission's involvement in the above areas were either submissions to Commonwealth and State government authorities or the National Catholic Education Commission, or policy statements and guideline documents for the use of Dioceses and schools as they considered appropriate.
In the preparation of submissions, policy papers and guideline documents the Commission relied heavily on the expertise of people in the Dioceses and other bodies involved in Catholic Education.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
BOARD OF STUDIES During 1995 the Commission consulted and advised on Board matters including the revision of the Board’s structures and committees.
NATIONAL ASIAN LANGUAGES AND STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS STRATEGY (NALSAS) The CEC, NSW participated in National and State advisory Committees for the implementation of the COAG NALSAS Strategies for schooling.
NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM During 1995 the CEC,NSW co-ordinated NSW Catholic sector participation in two DEET funded NSW Cross-sectoral NPDP projects:
(a) Improving Teaching and Learning Through the Profiles and Outcomes Approach, $616,000. (b) Meeting Teachers Training Needs In Vocational Education, $308,000.
All NPDP projects were implemented on a cross sectoral basis involving initiatives in partnership with the Department of School Education (DSE) and Association of the Independent Schools (AIS). Other key partners were Parent and Teacher organisations, including the Independent Education Union of NSW.
Implementation of CEC, NSW NPDP activities was co-ordinated through an inter Diocesan NPDP Advisory Committee. Committee membership in 1995 was:
Mr Ian Baker - CEC,NSW Convenor Dr Michael Bezzina - CEO Parramatta Sr Marie Craddock - Maitland Mr Mark Donnelly - CEO Wollongong Dr Dan Riley - CEO Armidale Mr Owen Roe - CEO Bathurst Mrs Jan Byrnes - CEO Broken Bay Mrs Fran Warner - CEO Sydney Mr Mark Hogan - CEO Canberra/Goulburn Ms Cathy Hickey - Independent Education Union Sr Elizabeth Delaney - CEC,NSW Executive Officer
In addition to advising on the development of the National Professional Development Program this committee also monitored and advised upon the implementation of the DEET Key Competencies Project in NSW.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ADVISORY GROUP This committee provided advice on the expanding Vocational Education agenda for Years 11 and 12 of schooling and incorporated responsibility for AVCTS, ANTA, VETAB, JSSTAFE and VEDAC issues. Membership of the Advisory Group in 1995 was :
Mrs Denise Phillips - Chairperson Mrs Fran Warner - CEO Sydney Mr Richard Johnston - CEO Armidale Mr Mark Donnelly - CEO Wollongong Mrs Helen Belcher - Parent Member Mr Graeme Bell - CEO Canberra/Goulburn Sr Marie Craddock - CEO Maitland-Newcastle Sr Shirley Garland - CEO Wagga Wagga Mr Owen Roe - CEO Bathurst Mr Ross Tarlinton - CEO Lismore Mr Michael Bowman - CEO Broken Bay Mr Ian Baker - CEC,NSW (Executive Officer)
Major activities of the Advisory Group were :
ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMMUNITIES In 1989 the Catholic Education Commission, NSW assumed responsibility for the co-ordination of the Road Safety Education Program in Catholic schools.
The Program is fully funded by the Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW. In 1995, all eleven Dioceses maintained Road Safety Education Projects, co-ordinated by Diocesan Advisers as set out below:
Diocesan Projects were supported by the CEC,NSW Education Officer for Student Welfare Programs, Mr Eamonn Murphy.
During 1995 the Program worked towards: • Increasing within Catholic school communities an understanding of the need for road safety education • Providing staff development activities to assist schools in integrating road safety education within the Key Learning Areas K-12, with an emphasis on the Key Learning Area of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education • Fostering an increase in the provision of road safety education in secondary schools • Maintaining the level of commitment to road safety education in primary schools • Encouraging the support and involvement of government and non-government agencies and community members in school road safety education.
ANIMAL RESEARCH ACT (1985) The Act came into force with respect to schools on the 1st January, 1991. In order to ensure that Catholic schools comply with the Act the Commission continued, during 1995, to function, under the Act, as the "Accredited Animal Research Establishment" representing Catholic schools. The Commission also co-ordinated a monitoring and complaints procedure for schools.
Members of the Joint Schools Animal Care and Ethics Committee in 1995 were:
The Committee met on nine occasions to approve and monitor animal research carried out by schools of the Government, Catholic and Independent schools in NSW. The Schools Animal Care and Ethics Committee also undertook both a survey of schools and a school visitation program with the objective of ensuring compliance with the Act.
CHILD WELFARE In 1995 the Child Welfare Co-ordinating Committee comprising representatives of the Catholic Education Commission and Catholic Social Welfare Committee completed its fifth year of operation.
The members of the Child Welfare Co-ordinating Committee in 1995 were:
During 1995 the Child Welfare Co-ordinating Committee focused on issues related to the Commonwealth’s Students at Risk (STAR) Program and general child protection issues.
REVIEW OF THE NSW ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ACT (1977) During 1995 the CEC,NSW continued to participate in the review and amendment of the NSW Anti Discrimination Act, 1977. A working party established to develop advice for submission to both the NSW Attorney-General and the NSW Law Reform Commission monitored developments.
Membership of the Working Party on The Review of The NSW Anti-Discrimination Act was :
Mr Ian Baker Catholic Education Commission NSW (Convenor) Mr Garry Traill Solicitor Mr Anthony Britt Catholic Industrial Office Mr William d'Apice Solicitor
The Commission also provided further advice upon the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act, 1992.
DISTANCE EDUCATION AND USE OF AUSSAT During 1995 the Commission maintained liaison with the NSW Open Training Education Network and Direct Broadcast Network (Ltd) with a view to facilitating access by Catholic schools to distance education options in the areas of technical education and Languages other than English (LOTE).
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION The Commission’s Advisory Committee on Aboriginal Education informs the Commission on all aspects of Aboriginal education. The Advisory Committee maintains formal and informal liaison with significant organisations within the Aboriginal community including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), various Catholic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Church Ministry groups and the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
For 1995 the Advisory Committee focused on priority areas identified in the NSW Aboriginal Education Strategic Plan, which were considered to be particularly relevant for Catholic schools in New South Wales. These priorities were used in the development of the Commission’s Operational Plan and they addressed increased employment of Aboriginal Education Workers in Catholic schools in accordance with the Department of Employment, Education and Training guidelines; Aboriginal Cultural Programs, including Visiting Speakers Program; Community Education and Development through the Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness Program; and Curriculum, Literacy and Numeracy initiatives.
STATISTICS RELATING TO STUDENTS, TEACHING AND NON-TEACHING STAFF AND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN N.S.W. AND A.C.T.
The Catholic Education Commission, NSW conducts an annual census of all Catholic schools in N.S.W. and A.C.T. by means of its School Statistical Returns which provide data relating to students, staff and schools. The collection and recording of statistical data is an important function of the ongoing operation of the Catholic education system. Original returns from individual schools held by the Commission date from 1963 which actually precedes the setting up of the Commission in 1974. The Commission continued the collection of this data by way of the School Statistical Returns. A series of annual statistical publications containing schedules of this data has been produced for each of the years 1978 to 1995. Copies of these publications may be obtained from the Commission.
The Commonwealth Department of Employment, Education and Training also conducts an annual census of all non-government schools. The Commission works in close co-operation with the Commonwealth and the diocesan Catholic Education Offices in the operation of these censuses which are conducted on the same census date. The Commission also receives a selection of the data obtained from the Commonwealth census which both supplements and supports data collected by the Commission. In 1995 the census was again preceded by the appointment of Census Contact Officers in each diocese. Extensive briefing was given to these officers at a workshop organised and conducted by the Commission and the Commonwealth. The co-operation, understanding and personal contact gained by these annual workshops and consequent close collaboration in the conduct of the census have proved very beneficial to all parties. This collaboration has assisted towards achieving a higher standard of comparability and accuracy of the data collected both for statistical requirements and Commonwealth and State funding purposes.
The statistical data in this report is described below. Note that the term Congregational schools replaces the former term Non-Systemic schools:
Table 1 Full-Time Students, Teaching Staff, Student/Teacher Ratios and Number of Catholic Schools in New South Wales and A.C.T., 1986-1995 (Systemic and Congregational Schools Combined)
Table 2 Full-Time Students in Catholic Schools in New South Wales and A.C.T., 1991-1995 - Primary and Secondary, by Diocese (Systemic and Congregational Schools Combined)
Table 3 Full-Time Students in Catholic Schools in New South Wales and A.C.T., 1995 - by Grade, Gender and Diocese (Systemic and Congregational Schools Combined)
Table 4 Apparent Retention Rates of Secondary Students to Year 12 in Catholic Schools in New South Wales and A.C.T., 1984-1995 (Systemic and Congregational Schools Combined)
Table 5 Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Full-Time Students in Catholic Schools in New South Wales and A.C.T., 1986-1995 - Primary and Secondary (Systemic and Congregational Schools Combined)
Table 6 Full Time and Part Time Teachers in Catholic Schools in New South Wales and A.C.T., 1995 - Religious and Lay in Full-Time Equivalents and in Head Count, Primary, Secondary and Special, by Diocese (Systemic and Congregational Schools Combined)
Table 7 Catholic Schools in New South Wales and A.C.T., 1995 - Primary, Secondary, Primary/Secondary and Special, by Diocese (Systemic and Congregational Schools Separately and Combined)
Table 8 Catholic Schools in New South Wales and A.C.T., 1991-1995 - Primary, Secondary, Primary/Secondary and Special, by Diocese (Systemic and Congregational Schools Combined)
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