EDUCATION MATTERS: Learning and connecting with Catholic schools

By Dr Terry McCarthy, Interim Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania

In Archbishop Tony’s homily at our Catholic College of Educational Leaders Mass, he noted that when a school truly sees people, the Gospel is already being preached. Archbishop Tony urged our leaders to pray, stay attentive and stay missionary. Our leadership is evangelisation—quiet, patient and relational.

What a beautiful way of framing my planned visits to schools. School visits are important as they allow me to hear, see, and understand the needs of our schools, witness the good work of staff, and inform the actions we take to better support school communities. They are also a reminder of why my role exists.

At Sacred Heart College in New Town Principal Elizabeth McDougall updated me on some of the key issues schools face. She introduced me to staff in the finance, ICT, and student support areas.

Perhaps the biggest ‘takeaway’ from my short visit was my witness of the wonderful renewal of buildings and facilities that had been undertaken. The value of a longer term Principal with a vision to work collaboratively with her community was clearly evident.

Arriving at Star of the Sea Catholic College in George Town around morning tea time I met Principal Richard Chapman. We went straight to the staff room where there was a lovely ‘feel’ evident. The new staff room, secondary work area for teachers, and secondary play area had really given the College a lift since I last visited in 2021.

Star of the Sea is another example of a longer term Principal working with his community to significantly improve the learning environment and outcomes for students.

A visit to St Patrick’s College in Launceston was next. I toured the College with Deputy Principal Kim McInnes. In the new Penola Innovation Centre we saw the cafeteria, giant screen, STEM classrooms, and the Virtual Reality Lab. I met with the Director of Digital Learning Matthew McGee who explained how this technology is integrated into the curriculum. I was hooked on the potential for learning via Virtual Reality!

The value of this tour was the opportunity to meet a range of staff whilst also witnessing the calm, high level engagement of students in their learning. A discussion on College and system issues with Principal Liz Illingworth completed an incredibly worthwhile visit.

When I arrived at John Paul II Catholic School at Rokeby I was met by Principal Ben Morgan. We discussed some key local issues before touring classrooms. I enjoyed meeting staff and seeing happy students engaged in their learning. One student even asked me if I was a King!

Another highlight was my visit to the School’s Little Dove Cafe where Chef Andrea was preparing the Healthy Lunch Program. It is powered by the School’s own veggie patch. The food looked delicious! Another uplifting school visit.

St John’s Catholic School in Richmond was next. Arriving during the lunch break I enjoyed a cup of tea with Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and Utility Officers. Principal Jacqui Lawless then hosted me on a walk through the School and classrooms.

I summoned the courage to visit the Kinder area. On a previous visit to a Kinder classroom, a student sitting on the floor was looking at my shoes. He remarked, ‘You’ve got odd socks’. He was right! I survived the St John’s Kinder experience, watching the children play in the shadow of the beautiful St John’s Church.

An insightful conversation with Jacqui rounded off my visit to St John’s. It is a beautiful school that is well led with a dedicated and happy staff, engaged students, and an obviously supportive community.

Principal Lisette Lamb greeted me next at Corpus Christi Catholic School in Bellerive. I was fortunate to meet all Kinder to Grade 6 staff. I also enjoyed interacting with students with some extended time in Prep, and Grades 2 and 6. The School recently completed Stage 1 of their significant playground refurbishments.

My conversation with Lisette also helped me better understand some of the issues Principals are currently grappling with. Corpus Christi’s recently created innovative learning spaces are providing an ideal learning environment for students. They are being well served by Lisette and her dedicated team.

To date, I’ve also visited St Aloysius Catholic College Kingston; St James Catholic College Cygnet; Sacred Heart Catholic School at Geeveston; Guilford Young College Glenorchy; and St Anthony’s Catholic School Riverside. Thanks to Principals Brad Canning, Stuart Kelly, Joe Sandric, Annie Baker, Jo Legosz, and Teresa McLeod for their generosity of time and spirit. The work in these schools is no less impressive than that already described. Our students are in good hands.

One final short tale. At St Aloysius, after Principals Brad Canning, Stu Kelly, and I visited his classroom in our suits, a Grade 4 student asked teacher Jono Horne, ‘Are they from the FBI?’.

North-West and West Coast schools now beckon.