Principal's Report
Dear families,
It is hard to believe that we are on the cusp of November already. This week the Year 12s (and many Year 11s) have started their final external exams for Unit 3 / 4 subjects. The remainder of the students are completing their formal assessments over the next week and will begin revision for exams. We then move into HeadStart week (a trial of 2027 subjects) on 20 November.
State Government Funding concern.
Our governing body, the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (referred to as ‘DOBCEL’) have asked principals to highlight a concern before the upcoming State election regarding the funding to catholic Schools.
Below is an extract of the communications from our Executive Director, Mr Tom Sexton.
“Our schools are facing increasing financial pressure. Our families deserve certainty. Victorian non-government schools have received state funding equivalent to 25% of government school per-student funding since 2015.
We understand the Victorian Labor Party intends to reduce this rate to 20% and apply a different funding model. For Catholic schools in the Ballarat diocese, that could mean around $6.5 million less in funding in 2027 alone. At the same time, our schools are managing significant operating cost increases, including staff wage increases as we maintain pay parity with Victorian government schools.
Schools cannot absorb rising costs indefinitely.
We want families to have confidence that their children can continue to access an affordable, high-quality Catholic education.
Help us make our concerns heard. Contact your local Labor candidate today.
More information and resources, including candidate contact details at: www.dobcel.catholic.edu.au/no-to-Labor-cuts.
#LaborSchoolCuts #FairGoForCatholicEd
There is a also a petition at St Brigid’s College reception desk that I encourage you to sign.
On Wednesday evening, we hosted a Community event here at St Brigid’s with world leaders in educational research presenting international best practice models for schools to deliver. The main message was around, how do we engage students in valuing their education by making community and industry links that are relevant to their lives. This is a formidable challenge, and St Brigid’s will continue to seek continual improvement in creating a sense of belonging and purpose for our students. It was great to see so many diverse members of our local community present at this evening.
A reminder that on Monday, we have a student free day during which our staff will receive further professional learning in reinforcing Positive Behaviour among our students. Tuesday is the Melbourne Cup holiday. For those taking the long weekend, I wish all families a safe and relaxing time.
Stay safe,
Gerard Raven
Principal