EDUCATION MATTERS: The beauty of Catholic schools and the joy of work
By Dr Terry McCarthy, Interim Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania
It was with a great sense of joy that I commenced my role as Interim Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) in late December 2025. It is a privilege to serve the students, staff, principals and caregivers of our 39 schools. I am fortunate to have previously worked with a large number of them as Assistant Director between 2019 and 2022.
I’m enjoying working with Archbishop Tony Ireland and the Catholic Education Commission Tasmania and once again alongside the Leadership Team and staff of CET. I was drawn to Archbishop Tony’s words on education in the November 2025, Catholic Standard. He talks about the role faith and reason play in education. He described how faith assists us towards a fullness of life where community and service matter. Reason invites us to think critically, to reflect and engage. To Archbishop Tony, education is more than simply assimilating information. It is a formation of mind, of character, and of spirit. Children are at the centre of all that we do. It’s a good reminder of why Catholic Education Tasmania exists. We are there to serve our schools and each of their students.
In this spirit, I’d like to share my perspective on the ‘beauty’ of Catholic schools. My career as a teacher, principal or administrator was initially in Tasmanian state education. As a practicing Catholic and parent of four children who flourished in Catholic schools, I attended fetes, speech nights, musicals, sporting and other events as many other caregivers do in support of their children and school communities.
It wasn’t, however, until my employment transitioned to Catholic education that I fully appreciated the beauty of Catholic schools and the faith-based education they provide. By ‘beauty’ I mean the special rituals, ceremonies, and events that only exist in our schools.
I remember my first day in Catholic education where I visited a primary school classroom at the beginning of the day. I witnessed a simple prayer from a student, expressing the hope that a classmate would recover from a severe illness. A candle was then lit. The Hail Mary followed, recited clearly and meaningfully by the class. I was struck by the beauty and authenticity of this moment. The day had begun. These prayers and rituals are part of what makes us special as a system of schools.
Finally, I want to take a moment to share a reflection on my three or so years since I was last with Catholic Education. I’ve come to appreciate more than ever the joy and dignity of work. Work gives us all meaning and purpose. There were times when I looked with envy at people on the way to schools or their various workplaces. Our schools are wonderful communities where we forge close relationships within and beyond their boundaries. No doubt we face challenges every day. But I’m sure each of us experience times of joy along the way.
If there was one message I want to bring to my new role, it’s this. No matter whether you work in schools or support them in some way, don’t be shy in pursuing the joy in your work. And don’t be shy in helping others find the joy.
Life is too short.