CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
This year Catholic Education in Australia is celebrating 200 years, the bicentenary of the establishment of the first Catholic school in Parramatta in October 1820.
To mark this occasion locally, Catholic Education, Diocese of Wagga Wagga held a Mass in St Michael’s Cathedral on Wednesday 3rd November 2021. Following Mass, the Bishop launched a commemorative book that draws together the story of every Catholic school in the diocese.
A recording of the livestream can be accessed via the following link – https://bit.ly/CEDWW-Mass
Guests included Dr Joe McGirr MP (Independent Member for Wagga Wagga), Clr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor of Wagga Wagga), former Senator Jacinta Collins (Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission), Dallas McInerney (Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Schools NSW), representatives of religious congregations, school principals, student representatives, local dignitaries and community representatives.
OUR STORY – SOWING THE SEEDS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION
Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest non-government provider of schooling in Australia with one in five school-age students attending a Catholic school. This represents 777,000 students in 1,755 schools across the country and employs over 100,000 teachers and staff.
With a proud history of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga dating back to as early as the 1860s, our 25 primary schools and 5 secondary schools today welcome over 8600 students from diverse backgrounds and employ over 1500 dedicated staff.
The book, titled ‘Our Story: Sowing the Seeds from Generation to Generation’ provides an interesting look at the history and recognises the vision, courage and dedication of the early founders. Further, it acknowledges the support of our Catholic Parishes, the religious congregations, Catholic leaders and educators involved in Catholic Education.
ORDERING THE BOOK
Copies of ‘Our Story: Sowing the Seeds from Generation to Generation’ are now available to order. These are being sold at the cost price of $20 per copy.
If you would like to order a copy of the book, please visit McAlroy House (205 Tarcutta Street, Wagga Wagga) where you can purchase using cash or card, otherwise, please follow the direct deposit instructions below.
Please direct deposit funds into the following bank account.
Catholic Education, Diocese of Wagga Wagga
BSB: 066-789
Account: 100005647
Reference: 200yrs Book + your surname (important)
Once you have deposited the funds, please email confirmation of payment including your full name, contact email, phone number, number of books paid for and the name of your nearest Catholic school for collection to execsec@ww.catholic.edu.au.
