Principal's Message

Anchored in Hope: The 2025 Catholic Education Conference

Last week I joined over 1,400 Catholic educators, leaders, and special guests from across Australia for the Australian Catholic Education Conference (ACEC)

This year’s theme, “Hope, Anchored in Faith,” reminded everyone that in times of change, faith remains our constant. Guest speakers explored how being part of a faith community helps us make choices that are compassionate, courageous, and future-focused. Student learning, family connections and the implications of AI on our young people were also prominent themes across the three days.

The conference took place during the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, reminding educators of their shared mission: to help students grow in faith, compassion, and purpose. Sessions explored how Catholic identity can be lived out in everyday school life — not just through liturgy and prayer, but also through social justice, service, and the example set by teachers and leaders.

One of the most talked-about guests was Professor Dylan Wiliam, a global expert on how assessment can be used for learning—not just of learning. His ideas continue to challenge schools to rethink how feedback works, how we grow as learners, and how teachers can support students to reach our potential, not just get a grade – I might add that it was very affirming to hear the work that we have done at SJPC is laying strong foundations and aligns well with our learning engagement continuum.

Another key speaker, Dr Simon Breakspear, talked about how students and teachers can work smarter—not harder—by focusing on what really matters in the classroom.

As I engaged over the three days I kept focusing on the following key questions:

• How do students best learn – how are teachers using new ideas on feedback, questioning, and self-reflection to engage students in their own learning?
• What does leadership look like in schools – are leaders at all levels focusing on fairness, student voice, and wellbeing?
• How do we walk together – with renewed commitment to reconciliation and inclusion
• How do we live our faith – not just in prayer, but through action, service, and hope.

We want students and families to know that the student must be at the heart of everything we do, your learning, your wellbeing, your sense of purpose—it all matters, it is what makes up the holistic approach towards education at SJPC.

The ACEC 2025 message was clear: Catholic schools exist not just to educate the mind, but to form the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The conference reaffirmed a national commitment to:

• High-quality teaching and learning
• Faith formation and values education
• Inclusive, supportive school environments
• Partnerships with families and communities

As parents and carers, your role remains vital. We encourage open conversations at home about your child’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of purpose—and invite you to be part of the journey as we continue to shape Catholic education for today’s world.

God bless