Catholic Education Week 2019: a spiritual partnership

At the start of the year, more than 150,000 Catholic students across Melbourne took the first steps on their educational journey, or eagerly returned to school after the long summer break.

Nearly one in four Victorian students are part of the Catholic education system attending more than 500 schools across the state. This year, two new primary schools in Wollert and Sunbury joined the growing number of Catholic schools, and will celebrate Catholic Education Week for the first time in 2019.

The annual event is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their community and the strength of the sector.

“Catholic education is committed to providing quality, accessible faith and values-based schooling to all those who want it,” says Catholic Education Melbourne acting executive director Jim Miles.

“We believe in a partnership with parents. Catholic education provides choice, allowing parents to find schools that best meet their children’s needs. Growing school numbers make it clear families appreciate the option.”

The theme of Catholic Education Week 2019 is “Growing Young in Christ”, recognising the spirit, optimism and energy of the young people who attend Catholic schools. As well as a series of major events on this theme, the week will be marked by schools arranging activities to bring together students, staff, families and communities.

The Catholic school system places great emphasis on service to community and this is showcased during Catholic Education Week.

“Catholic schools are seen as … vital community hubs – anchor points that provide a sense of certainty and purpose and enduring values as Melbourne’s population booms,” Miles says.

“New and expanding communities in and around Melbourne now expect that a Catholic school will be part of their neighbourhood and we work hard to meet this demand.”

CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 2019

This year, students, teachers, families and communities can take part in a range of activities and events in Melbourne, including:

■ Mass for Schools: The special Mass for Schools will be held on Friday, March 15, at 10am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, led by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli. All Catholic schools are encouraged to send representatives to hear the Archbishop lead a celebration of the Eucharist.

■ Concert in the Park: The Mass for Schools will be immediately followed by the popular Concert in the Park. Up to 2000 students are expected to gather in the nearby Treasury Gardens to listen to school bands, share a picnic lunch and make new friends.

■ Visual Arts Exhibition: The exhibition is a showcase for the colourful and thoughtful artwork created by primary and secondary students in the Melbourne Archdiocese. The works include painting, photography, sculpture, fashion and film. The exhibition is open between 9am-4pm on Tuesday, March 12 to Friday, March 15; and on Saturday, March 16 between 2-5pm at the Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne.

■ Young Speakers Colloquium: Senior secondary students will attend this event to listen to inspirational guest speakers and hear about the diverse life journeys that former Catholic students have embarked on. The event will be held at the Catholic Leadership Centre on Friday, March 15.

For more information about Catholic Education Week activities in Melbourne, visit cem.edu.au

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