All Saints Catholic College

Newsletter

Daniel Delany: Founder of the Patrician Brothers

Mary Aikenhead: Foundress of the Sisters of Charity

Dear Parents and Carers,

This Sunday the Catholic Church will celebrate the feast of Pentecost, a time when we recognise what is often described as “the birthday of the Church”. Pentecost reminds us of the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles. Like the Apostles during those early times, who were inspired through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray that we are each open to accept the invitation that allows the Holy Spirit to work through us. With such an invitation, I offer you the following reflection that encourages us to be true to our Patrician and Charity values of reaching out to all members of our school community:

***

Each day we are reminded of the learning community that is All Saints. Our school community continues to build upon the hard earned reputation of providing young people with an education that inspires them to become independent learners who are each willing to take risks in further developing their potential. In this way I would like to congratulate our most recent ‘stars’ for their participation in representing our College community last week:

The selected Year 9 students who participated in the Fast Forward program with Western •Sydney University Our students who attended the ATSI ANZAC Veterans Ceremony at Hyde Park•Our College Captains reading to our Primary students within the National Simultaneous •Storytime initiative.The students who attended the Sorry Day Mass at All Saints Senior College•Our MCS cross country runners and Netball gala day teams•

The College staff are forever mindful of balancing the curricular and co-curricular opportunities for students and I believe that our ongoing school success highlights this balance. I would like to pay tribute to our wonderful teaching staff for providing our students with so many valuable and ongoing learning experiences.

***Thank you to those parents who have voiced their opposition to the proposed new schools funding model and have registered their support through the Sydney Catholic Schools on-line petition which can be found at http://bit.ly/2rxfMFF.

Stephen Gough Principal

All Saints Catholic College53 Bigge Street, Liverpool 2170 Ph. 9602-4555

Web: www.ascc.catholic.edu.au

No. 8

31 May 2017

Community

Lord we come before You, not alone, But in the company of one another.

As we share our happiness with each other, It becomes greater.

As we share our burdens with each other, Their weight becomes possible to bear.

Soften our hearts to always give. Humble our hearts to always receive.

For in giving and receiving We learn to love and be loved,

And we learn the truth of Your love.Amen

Road SafetyLiverpool is a very busy part of Sydney and houses over 180,000 people. Our College is situated in a particularly busy area of Liverpool and we remind both students and parents to be particularly careful when driving and crossing roads. This year, unfortunately we have already had two members of our community involved in accidents. Luckily, in both these cases, the people did not sustain serious injuries.

We ask that parents and carers are mindful of School Zones and are driving slowly and carefully when near the College. Parents are also asked to be conscious of where they are parking when they are dropping off and picking up their children. Both the Bigge St and Campbell St bus areas, directly outside our College, service many buses and transport well over one thousand students every day.

We also emphasize the importance for students and parents to always cross the road at a pedestrian crossing or pedestrian lights. It is not safe to run across the road at any other location.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety of everyone within our All Saints Community.

Rachel SampsonAssistant Principal (Wellbeing)

Wellbeing Ms Rachel Sampson

WellbeingMENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS CONFERENCE

I feel so very grateful for the professional learning opportunity to attend the recent ‘Mental Health in Schools Conference’. This annual event comprises a collection of eminently qualified guest presenters - psychiatrists, motivational speakers, university professors and media identities, all with an interest in the wellbeing of young people. The information presented was broad, enlightening and most importantly, current.

Of all the sessions presented the one that resonated with me as relevant focused on the neuropsychology of screen addiction, linking the digital world with the mental and emotional health of teenagers. Unfortunately, teachers all too often see the negative impact of this screen overuse on personal development, learning opportunities and real progress.

It was quite concerning to hear of the negative effects of screen addiction on the social development of teens, as their involvement in the unreal world of the internet, especially with games, detaches them from real human contact.

The latest research indicates that:

physical wellbeing is affected, with poor posture, tiredness and irritability resulting in a decline •in daily function

sleep required for secondary school students is 91/2 hours each night•

devices must be switched off at least 30 minutes before sleep, as the bright blue and white •lights suppress the night time release of melatonin, which is vital in creating healthy sleeping and waking patterns.

Overall, moderation is the key, with supervision needed over the amount, content and appropriateness of screen exposure. Parents are asked to be proactive in these regards, to ensure that our students develop strong minds to become strong learners.

Mrs. Helene BaillieYear 7 Leader of Wellbeing

Parent EngagementThe importance of parental involvement and engagement in their children’s education cannot be understated. As parents, we take our place alongside teachers in a mutually beneficial partnership in the education of our children. Studies have clearly shown that parental engagement in their child’s learning is far more crucial to academic success than the school they choose to attend. Research from renowned educational professor, researcher and author Dr Debbie Pushor, suggests that children do better academically in school; they tend to like and enjoy school more; they stay longer in school; and have greater success post school, when their parents are not just involved, but engaged in their child’s education. Promoting the importance of organisation, application, high expectations and school-life balance at home is where the benefits start. Guiding and supporting our children in times of need is also essential, particularly around exam time and due dates for assessment tasks. Speaking to our children without putting extra stress on them is also crucial. It is important not to focus on results, but on effort, application and reaching one’s personal best, and being happy with whatever result this brings. School is a time for learning and we learn best when we feel the support, without the pressure, of those we love.

Mr Steve MullerAssistant Principal (Diverse Learning)

Parent-Teacher InterviewsWith the Stage 5 and Stage 4 exam periods coming to an end I wish to alert all parents and guardians to the upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews to be held on

Wednesday June 28 from 2.00 -5.30pm and 6.30-8.00pm, •Thursday June 29 from 8.30 -12.00pm and 1.00-3.30pm. •

This year all Parent Teacher Interview bookings will be made via the Parent Portal which can be found at the top of the Parents Menu on the college website (www.ascc.catholic.edu.au)

Bookings will open on Tuesday 13th June.

To ensure that you can make your booking in a timely manner it is important that all families have registered access to the Portal.

To use the Parent portal, you will need to register as a parent user. Once you have registered and been confirmed by return email, you will need to enter your family access key.

To obtain your Family Access Key, please respond to the confirmation email AFTER registering, supplying your child’s name and pastoral class. The key will then be forwarded to you. Alternatively, you may contact me directly by email to receive your key. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact me by email. (matthew.wells01@syd.catholic.edu.au)

Matthew WellsLeader of Learning and Innovation

Teaching & LearningMr Steve Muller

Teaching & LearningCareers Corner

Work ExperienceCongratulations to Andrea B who was successful in applying to the University of New South Wales for a Work Experience opportunity in “The School of Civil and Environmental Engineering”.

Andrea was one of twenty students selected from over two hundred applications.

Well done also to Andrew M who made it to the final sixty students to be selected.

Congratulations to both Andrea and Andrew.

Café Careers.Cafe Careers had the pleasure of hosting Carrie Alvaro, the Nursing Educator from Westmead Hospital, to speak to a dozen students interested in perusing Nursing as a career in the future. Carrie engaged the students with a presentation that detailed the varied type of work nurses do these days in hospitals and the pros and cons of nursing as a career. Thanks Carrie for your time – it was greatly appreciated.

If any parent, grandparent or interested individual is interested in being involved in this initiative please ring Mr Smith on 9602 4555.

Father Paul Monkerud speaking to a number of interested Year Ten students about what Engineering was like as a Career. Before Father Paul became a Priest he worked as an Engineer and studied at the UNSW for five years.

Mr Andrew Smith Careers Advisor

Teaching & LearningNewman

Our Newman (Gifted and Talented) students have been mentoring fifteen students from All Saints Primary School in a Writing Project. They are collaborating online via the Google Classroom platform and also meet regularly at the All Saints Library. A publisher will collate a final collection of short stories which will represent the theme of ‘Hope.’ Students have learnt to write in a variety of genres such as science-fiction, romance, drama and mystery. Our talented instructors and poets will also design the front cover as well as the blurb. Thank you to Ms Barrett, Ms Mounes and Ms Ryanhart from All Saints Primary for working with us. We will keep our community informed of our progress. Ms. Angela PorroNewman (Gifted and Talented) Faciliator.

On Thursday 25th May selected students from Year 9 and their parents/carers attended the Fast Forward Evening at Western Sydney University, Bankstown Campus where they were acknowledged into the Fast Forward program. These students, selected by All Saints Catholic College, have the potential for academic success at Higher Educational levels. Fast Forward is run by Western Sydney University in partnership with our College. The evening provided both students and parents an opportunity to learn about the program and hear from inspirational speakers including Western Sydney University role models. Students received a gift from the University in the form of a book titled ‘Letters to my teenage self’. I would like to thank the following staff members for attending the evening to support our students Ms Dinali Lowe (Year 9 Assistant Leader of Wellbeing), Miss Aleksandra Pavlovic and Mr Peter Fairweather.

The following students need to be congratulated for their participation and commitment.

Fahad A •MJ F •Mariam G •Malcolm G •Alexander S•

Ms Vanessa RigaFast Forward Liaison &Year 8 Assistant Leader of Wellbeing

Zelcio C•Benjamin G•Simran G•Joseph K•

Teaching & LearningYear 9 Fast Forward Evening

Teaching & LearningLibrary News

The week of 22 — 26 May is ‘Library and Information Week’. In order to join in with our country’s celebrations, we participated in ‘National Simultaneous Storytime’. The book this year was ‘The Cow Tripped Over The Moon’ by Tony Wilson. It was read across the nation’s libraries at exactly 11am on Wednesday on 24 May.

Thirty young visitors from All Saints Primary School (K-4) joined in, accompanied by their teacher, librarian and principal. They were encouraged to enjoy reading by our very special guest readers - All Saints Catholic College Captains - Gabrielle Hamilton and Blaise Pereira. We thank our captains for presenting the book — especially because it was between exams. We also appreciate Mr Gough’s attendance and support of the very enjoyable event.

The book will be read for a week following the event, so that any of our students can join in during recess. Students can volunteer to be a reader or just enjoy having a book read to them!

Ms Eileen OxfordActing Librarian

LIBRARY NOTICE

PRINTINGThe College Library provides students with access to a printer. In order to use this facility, students need to have their work saved onto a USB as a PDF file. The cost of printing is 20c per page for black and white copies and 50c per page for colour. Students need to provide their own USB. The library staff did lend them to students to use, but unfortunately are no longer able to do so. Every student should have their own USB to use for their school work. This has come about because of the unfortunate timing of students wanting to print their assessment tasks on the due date, and needing to save their work onto somebody else’s USB. When considering a whole year cohort being required to submit on the same day, the request for work to be printed on the due date of an assessment task puts an enormous strain on resources. It would be better planning to print work at least the day beforehand. Library staff cannot guarantee that assessment tasks can be printed in time, if it is left until the last day. This would not be an acceptable excuse for the late submission of work and students risk marks being deducted because of this.

CATCH UP EXAMSWeek 5 and 6 are exam weeks. If students are absent during their scheduled exam they will be able to sit for it in the library on their return to school. This will only be offered for one week after the last exam. Students need to make sure that their teacher knows that they need to sit for which ever exam they missed. Students will be notified on the Morning Notice Sheet when they will be required to attend the Library for their catch up exam.

AUDIO EARPIECESEarbud earpieces are available for purchase for $2 at the Library counter.

TISSUESSmall packs of pocket tissues are available for 20c at the Library counter.

Ministry Ms Carmel FanteFAITH IN ACTION“I am with you always.”

On Sunday we celebrated the Ascension of the Lord and I listened to the reading from the Gospel of Matthew. There were a few things that stood out for me. It was a strange feast. A celebration of a real absence and a real presence.

The Galilean, Jesus of Nazareth, as known by his disciples, was no longer with them.

Yet the Risen Christ known to those of faith continues to be a living presence in our midst. This is the real presence we celebrate when we remember the Ascension.

The Gospel of Matthew is indeed different to any other. Matthew’s Jesus is modelled on the great Jewish prophet and teacher Moses, which is evident in this scene, where the risen Lord sends out his disciples on mission to the nations of the world. Through baptism they are to draw those who respond in faith into the communion of love. They are to instruct them in all the ways in which they themselves have received instruction from Jesus as set out in the gospel. Unlike Luke, Matthew does not portray Jesus departing from the earth. He who at his birth was named ‘Emmanuel’ – ‘God is with us’ (1:23) – will remain ‘Emmanuel’ for his missionary Church till the end of time.

These final words of Matthew’s Gospel I find most encouraging. We are told that when the disciples saw Jesus, some worshipped him, but some still doubted. This small nucleus of the Christian community holds both people of faith and disciples with room to doubt.

This is the community who, in spite of its frailty hears the words, ‘I am with you always.’

Let us be heartened by these words of a God who continues to be with us, despite adversity and even in our failings. Let us find opportunities to put our faith into action.

EventsStudents this week were invited to take part in the Delany Outreach Project, an initiative from the Patrician Brothers and Principals of the Patrician School. Olivia and Blaise represented the college in this initiative accompanied by Mr Wells. Whilst the first session was the start of the journey, I look forward to hearing about the following sessions and seeing the final project.

This will be used as a part of the Patrician and fundraising projects within the college in Term Three.

Rob GaleaMiss McPherson has been working towards the Rob Galea concert, (a Christian singer) on June 16th hosted by Patrician Brothers Fairfield. There are now a number of students who will be attending this exciting event and we look forward to hearing all about it.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

A reminder that the Australian Catholic Youth Festival will be held from December 7 - 9th this year. This is an exciting event that many youth are looking forward to. There are many opportunities to become involved and both Miss McPherson and Nireeksha have been speaking with students and holding information sessions. Nireeksha has also invited students to take part in a survey of students who

might like the privilege and opportunity to be involved in the Year of Youth for 2018. Students will be selected partly based on their response and interest. The quality so far has exceeded expectations and through this process I am again reminded of the remarkable way in which the Holy Spirit enriches our lives and inspires the students. More information will follow in future newsletters.

Parish LinksFirst Reconciliation ProgramBy the end of May, parents/guardians will receive enrolment letters for Reconciliation and first Holy Communion for children in Year 3 and older. Parents/guardians who wish to enrol their child must attend either of the Parent Information evenings at 7.30pm on Monday, 19 June or Tuesday, 20 June in the church. Enrolment forms will be available only at these evenings. First Reconciliation will be celebrated on Thursday, 7 September and First Holy Communion on the weekend of 18/19 November. Please refer to the Parish.

CurriculumThis week all students submitted assessment tasks across the year group. Year Nine were invited to write a blog based on a religious figure, Year Ten were asked to record a podcast justifying the actions of the Church in relation to its mission. Through the medium of an information report, Year Seven wrote about two figures, one from the Old Testament and the other from the New and Year Eight were asked to persuade their readers about the mission of the Church through either St Paul or Emperor Constantine.

Whilst these tasks provide opportunity for creativity, it is also in the feedback that I encourage you to discuss with your child their progress in Religious Education. Each student is asked to write a reflection or commitment to their studies after receiving their result. There is also space for parents to sign and engage in dialogue with their child. This also provides a wonderful platform for collaboration between home and school.

Reflections from Mrs FanteSpotlight on:

MARIAN HOUSEMary, the Mother of God, was the Immaculate Conception, born without original sin on her soul in order that she might be pure enough to be the bearer of God on earth in the person of Jesus. She was a child when the Angel Gabriel approached her, asking her to be the mother of God’s son. Despite all of her fear, she responded with a resounding “Yes”. She gave birth in unusual circumstances: in a stable, placed her newborn son in an animal’s feeding trough and wrapped him in rags. She raised Jesus with her husband, Joseph to be a man of courage, humility, conviction and faith. She was gentle, loving, patient and kind yet she was also unequivocally

strong as she stood by the cross, watching her son take his last breath. Despite her suffering, her unwavering faith saw her return to her King. After her natural life, she was taken (assumed) into heaven where she was crowned the Queen of Heaven. She is the perfect example of how to live and love in faith.Marian House is associated with the value of faith because Mary’s was the perfect example of faith in this world, she served God right to the end. The colour blue is representative of peace, stability, trust and loyalty, all found in Mary’s character. Mary is so closely united to Jesus because she received from him the knowledge of the heart, the knowledge of faith, nourished by her experience as a mother and by her close relationship with her Son. The Blessed Virgin is the woman of faith who made room for God in her heart and in her plans; she is the believer capable of perceiving in the gift of her Son the coming of that “fullness of time”(Gal 4:4) in which God, by choosing the humble path of human existence, entered personally into the history of salvation. That is why Jesus cannot be understood without his Mother.

Pope Francis 2015

MCS Cross CountryThe MCS Cross Country saw 20 boys from the College compete at Penrith Regatta Centre on the 16th of May. It was a beautiful day with each of the participants representing the College proudly. All of the boys ran well but unfortunately we had none qualify further. Overall it was a great day and the boys demonstrated school spirit and great enthusiasm. Congratulations to all the boys that made it this far!

Co-Curricular

Netball Gala DayOn Wednesday the 24th of May a group of students across years 7-10 competed in the Regional Netball Gala Day. ASCC had 4 teams compete in both girls and boys competitions, each with a junior and senior team. All students showed tremendous school spirit and sportsmanship whilst competing in the round robin. Unfortunately the senior boys, junior girls and senior girls did not qualify for the next stage, however, the junior boys placed 2nd overall which means they qualify for the next stage. A big thank you must go to our netball coaches Ms Pilkinton (senior girls), Mrs Buckley (senior boys), Mrs Kirkland (junior girls) and Mr O’Regan (junior boys).

For regular sport notices and updates please use the ASCC Sport website: https://sites.google.com/syd.catholic.edu.au/asccsport/

Upcoming in Sport:Thursday 1 June 2017MCS Soccer Rd 8Vs St Patrick’s, DundasYear 7 @ South Park, Chipping Norton 1.00pmYear 8 @ South Park, Chipping Norton 2.00pmYear 9 @ St Patrick’s College Oval 1.00pm Kirby Street, Dundas Year 10 @ St Patrick’s College Oval 2.00pm Kirby Street, Dundas

MCS Rugby League Rd 6U13s Vs BYEU14s Vs Marist Eastwood 1.00pmU15s Vs St Paul’s, Greystanes 2.00pm

Games @ Liverpool Catholic Club

Tuesday 6 June 2017Patrician Cup - U13s Rugby League @ Patrician Brothers Blacktown 100 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Thursday 8 June 2017MCS Soccer Rd 9Vs Trinity, AuburnYear 7 @ Princess Park, Auburn 1.00pmYear 8 @ Princess Park, Auburn 2.00pmYear 9 @ South Park, Chipping Norton 1.00pmYear 10 @ South Park, Chipping Norton 2.00pm

MCS Rugby League Rd 7U13s Vs Marist Eastwood 1.00pmU14s Vs Patrician Brothers Blacktown 2.00pmGames @ Liverpool Catholic Club

U15s Vs Marist Eastwood 2.00pmGame @ Marsfield Park, Eastwood

Thursday 1 June 2017SCC Junior/Intermediate Netball Rd 6VS Casimir Catholic College 1.10pm & 2.00pm@ Deverall Park, Condell Park

SCC Senior Netball Rd 5VS Mary Mackillop Catholic College 2.00pm@ Deverall Park, Condell Park

SCC Senior Soccer Rd 5VS Casimir Catholic CollegeGame @ Kinch Reserve

Thursday 8 June 2017SCC Junior/Intermediate Netball Rd 7VS Bethany College 1.15pm & 2.00pm@ Deverall Park, Condell Park

SCC Senior Netball Rd 6VS Bethany College 1.15pm@ Deverall Park, Condell Park

SCC Senior Soccer Rd 6VS Holy Spirit College 1.15pm @ Kinch Reserve

Monday 19 June 2017SCC Dance@ All Saints Catholic College 9.00am

For any information regarding Representative Sport, please feel free to email me at rosanne.taccone01@syd.catholic.edu.au or contact the school on 9602 4555.

Yours in Sport,Rosanne TacconeExternal Sport Coordinator

Co-CurricularATSI

11th Indigenous Veterans CeremonyOn Friday 26 May 2017 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students from All Saints Catholic College, Clancy College, All Saints Senior College, Good Samaritan College and All Saints Primary travelled together to attend the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Ceremony around the Pool of Reflection at the ANZAC Memorial, Hyde Park in Sydney.

The Sydney ceremony was one of several being held across Australia during Aboriginal Reconciliation Week in recognition of the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans.

His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC and other keynote speakers held the audience captive with stories embedded in history as well as hopes and dreams for the future.

A poem written in 1942 by Sapper, H.E. “Bert” Beros, NX6925, 2nd AIF, while on active service at Donadabu Rest Camp, Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea, tells the story of the bravery of his mate, Private West, an Aborigine, who attacked a Japanese machine-gun pit single-handed.

Overall, a heart-warming experience.

Mrs Mirijana AnastasioATSI Support Teacher

Co-CurricularDebating

Last Friday (26th of May) our All Saints Debating teams travelled to West Hoxton to compete against Clancy Catholic College in the fourth round of the SWCCDA Competition. Coaches and students alike anticipated that this round would be a difficult one, as the theme of the night for all stages was idioms- something that we haven’t previously seen in the Debating Competition. Although the topic was unfamiliar, each team took to the challenge and worked admirably to argue their given side.

The topics were as follows-Year 7 and 8- Good things come to those who wait.•Year 9 and 10- You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.•

All Saints came out with 3 wins. Congratulations to the following students for their hard work and dedication-

Year 7 Team 2 Jonnah F Nicole C Jasmine T•Year 9 Team 1 Aiden A Adrian A Natasha J•Year 10 Team 2 Natasha E Andrea B Shaun M•

We wish all of the students involved the best of luck for the following round, which will be hosted at All Saints. Joanna KaszDebating Coordinator.

National Sorry DayOn Thursday 25th May, some Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander and non Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander students from our College, All Saints Senior College and All Saints Primary school celebrated a mass for National Sorry Day at All Saints Catholic Senior College, Casula. The event began with the flag ceremony and the singing of the National Anthem, including a verse sung in the Aboriginal Dharawal language. This was followed by the National Sorry Day Mass and a shared morning tea. It was heartwarming being part of a Mass that highlighted the benefits of dialogue and community. Together we celebrated a mass that was not tinged with political or personal views. We prayed for all people who are hurting, for hope and change so that we move on together as one people on the land of Australia. The following students participated, Tamika C, Sarah F, Jalahra J, Monika D, Bethaney G, Mrs. I with her daughters Ashleigh and Brianna.

On behalf of our students and parents, I thank Mr. Fetterplace for giving us the opportunity to be part of the All Saints community and to be together in prayer.

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday 2 June Debating at ASCC4.00pm - 6.30pm

Monday 5 JuneWorld Environment Day

Tuesday 6 June U13s Patrician Cup

Rugby League

Wednesday 7 JuneYear 7 Retreat

St Josephs, Bringelly

Friday 9 JuneDebating at

Good Samaritan 4.00pm

Monday 12 JunePUBLIC HOLIDAY

Tuesday 13 June &Friday 16 June

Year 10 Science ExcursionGo Karting

Wednesday 14 JunePublic Speaking -

Speaking for the Planet Competition

Thursday 15 JuneYear 10 MCS Chess

Friday 16 June Year 10 Textiles Excursion

Sydney Opera House

NSWCCC Cross Country

Debating at ASCC4.00pm - 6.30pm

HOMEWORK GROUP - LAST DAY FOR TERM 2 The last day for Homework Group this Term will be Wednesday 7th June. We look forward to working with everyone again in Term 3, Week 2.

Media Contact:

Bernadette Bain (02) 9568 8223 0408 739 200

M E D I A R E L E A S E For Immediate Release

23 May 2017 Low fee Catholic schools carry their weight

Today’s report in the Daily Telegraph, (‘Poor’ Church has pocketed millions, Catholic and elite schools bank huge surpluses), highlights a fundamental misunderstanding about how low-fee Catholic systemic school systems apportion ‘surplus funds’ to their schools. The article notes that the ‘retained earnings’ of low-fee Catholic schools across Sydney in 2015 was $184 million. However, the article fails to mention that this amount is spread across 269 Catholic schools representing an average surplus of less than $690,000 per school, compared with the surpluses of high-fee independent schools in the order of many millions of dollars.

Dr Dan White, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, expressed his concern about comparing low-fee Catholic parish schools with elite private schools.

“Unlike the investment of surplus funds in a range of school facilities in private schools, low fee Catholic systemic schools use surplus funds to maintain existing school buildings and to work collaboratively as a system to buy property and build new schools in the growth areas of Sydney,” Dr White said.

Since 2015, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has opened four new schools at Austral, Mortlake, North Strathfield, and Sydney’s first Catholic secondary school for students with special needs at Lewisham. Similarly, the Parramatta Diocese has opened schools at Box Hill and Marsden Park, and the Wollongong Diocese is building a new school at Edmondson Park.

“In partnership with the State Government, Catholic systemic schools are prepared to take on our share of the heavy lifting to meet the demands of Sydney’s growing student population in particular in the rapidly expanding southwest growth corridor of Sydney,” Dr White said.

“As a system of low-fee schools, we are committed to providing access to quality Catholic education for all families regardless of their postcode and financial need.

“SCS has responsibility for 152 low-fee systemic schools. While we are grateful for any funding received from government for capital expenditure, it is very small, and the rest of the cost has to be met by the Dioceses - that is what surplus funds are used for. We do not make so-called ‘surplus profits’. Any surplus made is set aside for the development costs of building new schools.

“By the prudent management of education funds from both parents and the government, Catholic schools are saving the State Government the cost of building about 20% of the 7200 classrooms Sydney needs over the next 15 years.

“We are not ‘pocketing millions’ but are investing in the future of our children,” Dr White added.

--- ENDS ---

Dr Dan White, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools is available for interviews