On behalf of the entire Kildare community, I would like to extend our prayers and well wishes to everyone during this Easter season. We hope that the Spirit of the Risen Lord will be with us all, and that all students will return to us on Tuesday safe and well-rested. This term has been a busy one, and we hope that everyone can take some time to enjoy the company of their families and loved ones. At the same time, let us remember to keep Christ at the center of our celebrations during the Easter Triduum.
When I reflect upon the calendar of our term, we have had so many significant events, excursions, and activities we've had so far. From Open Night and sports competitions to the swimming carnival, Year 8 camp, Year 12 retreat, and numerous subject excursions, requiring very significant staff generosity and sacrifice. These experiences have left us with countless memories and life-transforming opportunities.
I want to express my gratitude, as well as yours, for the care and support that our educators provide to our students. I also want to acknowledge that their dedication and hard work come at a cost to them, as they often have to spend time away from their families. However, they always rise to the occasion due to their strong work ethic and commitment to the KCC community. We must never take their efforts for granted.
Government Funding of Catholic Schools
There are a couple of items to bring to your attention from CEDWW.
Government Funding of Catholic Schools- from Dr Andrew Watson.
In recent months, a series of reports have been published in various newspapers that argue for greater funding for government schools. Regrettably, many of these arguments have referenced the need to take support away from non-government schools.
The recent debate on school funding is too often presented as a zero-sum game between different schools and unhelpfully tinged with appeals to envy and populism. The fundamentals of the mixed model of school provision remain strong, parents value choice and critically, the Australian taxpayer is much better off when non-government schools receive public funding.
Recently Catholic Schools NSW has released research that confirms parental choice in education saves taxpayers billions.
This new research from Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) confirms the extent of money saved by taxpayers by government support of school choice for parents.
The research reveals that non-government schools save taxpayers at least $4.59 billion each year in recurrent funding and that Catholic schools in NSW alone represent a $500 million annual saving for taxpayers. It also shows that if all government and non-government schools received their full funding entitlement under the Australian Education Act 2013, savings to taxpayers would be $6.31 billion each year in recurrent funding. These savings include $2.04 billion for primary students and $4.27 billion for secondary students. Catholic schools make up $2.96 billion of the total amount saved, and Independent schools $3.35 billion.
Parent contributions to capital funding for schools save further taxpayer money, as non-government schools typically cover over 90% of capital expenditure from private sources – around $4.48 billion in 2022.
Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, said the research cut through the hype to demonstrate the tangible benefits of parental choice in education and the strength of Australia’s diverse education offerings.
“The recent debate on school funding is too often presented as a zero-sum game between different schools and unhelpfully tinged with appeals to envy and populism. The fundamentals of the mixed model of school provision remain strong: parents value choice and critically, the taxpayer is way better off when non-government schools are supported, as we see with the billions saved every year.”
“Parent’s contributions to capital funding increase savings to the taxpayer and the government, as non-government schools typically cover over 90% of capital expenditure from private sources — around $4.48 billion in 2022.”
“The Catholic school system in NSW alone saves the state $500+ million while also offering a low-fee, values-based educational alternative and people are voting with their feet with enrolments in the Catholic sector at a ten-year high.”
“It’s a win for parental choice in education and it’s a win for the taxpayer.”
To celebrate the life of Archbishop Carroll and provide us with the opportunity to remember his lasting legacy to the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn and more widely to the Australian Church, last Tuesday evening a vigil gathering was held at St Brendan’s Church, Ganmain followed by a Solemn Pontifical Mass for the repose of the Soul of Archbishop Carroll at St Michael’s Cathedral, Wagga Wagga. This was then followed by his burial at the crypt of St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra, following his Funeral Mass on Thursday.
In terms of Archbishops Carroll’s contribution to Catholic Education across the Diocese he was appointed the first Director of Diocesan Catholic Education and held the position from 1965-67. In 1974, the first meeting of the Diocesan Catholic Education Commission (the precursor to Catholic Schools NSW) was held at the Catholic Centre, Wagga Wagga, convened by Bishop Carroll. He was also the first chairperson of the National Catholic Education Commission from 1974 to 1978, remaining a member until 1988 and was instrumental in the establishment of the Commission.
Please find below an extract from the Diocese of Wagga Wagga website honouring Archbishop Carroll.
Archbishop Francis ‘Frank’ Carroll: A Life Remembered
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Archbishop Francis Carroll, a beloved figure within the Catholic Church and the local community at large. Archbishop Carroll, affectionately known as Father Frank, passed away peacefully this morning at Calvary Hospital. His passing marks the end of an era for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, the diocese of Wagga Wagga and the broader Church in Australia.
Archbishop Carroll’s health had been in decline since undergoing a serious operation at Wagga Base Hospital last week. He was transferred to Calvary Hospital Wagga Wagga where he received excellent end of life care. While Archbishop Frank’s absence from public life may have led him to slip from the forefront of people’s minds, his impact on the diocese and beyond remains indelible.
Born in 1930 to the Carroll family in Ganmain, Archbishop Frank’s life was deeply intertwined with the Catholic faith and the local community. Totally immersed in the faith life of the parish, his schooling, family and the football life of the local community, he remained very much a Ganmain man.
Ordained as a priest in 1954, he served in various capacities, including as the first Director of Catholic Education in the Wagga Wagga Diocese.
At the age of 37, Archbishop Carroll was ordained as coadjutor bishop for Bishop Henschke, later assuming the role of Bishop of Wagga Wagga. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated a commitment to innovation in pastoral care, seeking new ways to engage with societal changes without compromising the essence of Catholic tradition.
In 1983, he was appointed Archbishop of the Canberra and Goulburn Diocese, where he continued to lead with wisdom and compassion until his retirement in 2006. Even in retirement, Archbishop Frank remained an active presence, residing at the Home of Compassion in his final years.
Archbishop Carroll’s legacy extends far beyond his tenure in office. His pastoral letters, written during his time in Wagga and Canberra, continue to resonate today, a testament to his enduring influence and insight.
As we mourn the loss of Archbishop Francis Carroll, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Catholic community during this time of grief.
Please see the article regarding the Carroll Cup: HERE
