History-making Catholic Education Conference
Cairns has made history as the first Diocese to host the Australian Catholic Education Conference outside of a capital city.

With more than 1450 delegates from around Australia and abroad, we gathered under the inspiring theme of Hope Anchored in Faith. The event featured world-renowned keynote speakers and brought together expert panellists, providing avenues for colleagues from near and far to present stimulating and thought-provoking workshops.

The conference featured more than 100 sessions and presenters, covering everything from sustainable teaching practice to school improvement; from family engagement to capital funding and planning; and from how to ensure authentic inclusivity in Catholic Education to strategies to maximise enrolments. The quality of presenters and topics covered has been outstanding, as you can see from the attached program.

The highlight of the event, without a doubt, was the Eucharistic celebration on the first day. The presence of Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons concelebrating with Bishop Joe underscored the historic significance of the occasion for all participants. The attention to ritual and symbol, such as the blessing of the crosses presented to each delegate, the water blessing by our local diocesan clergy, the magnificent replicas of St Monica’s Cathedral’s stained-glass windows as the backdrop for the altar, and the presentation and placing of the gifts by students, all added to the occasion’s grandeur.

The exceptional music ministry, including staff from across our schools, had our hearts and spirits soaring in prayerful song. Above all, the inclusion of over 1000 students representing all 30 schools across our diocese, with 400 choristers leading us, was a poignant reminder of the centrality of their voice in Catholic education and the sacredness of our missionary purpose.

On the closing day, delegates were hugely impressed by a panel discussion involving six of our student leaders, who shared with us their thoughts on the importance of teachers in their educational journey, along with their gratitude for the gift of Catholic education and their excitement for the future. The discussion was moderated by Bishop Joe Caddy, and the students were:
Edward Hamilton – St Andrew’s Catholic College, Redlynch
Brooklyn Wallwork – St Mary’s Catholic College, Woree
Summer Richardson – St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mareeba
Kaleb Howard – St Augustine’s College, Parramatta Park
Nathan Wagner – Mount St Bernard College, Herberton
Mia Smith – St Monica’s College, Cairns
As they spoke of their appreciation of their teachers and the impact you have had on them, it was clear that many of you have contributed significantly to their journeys through our schools. You should feel rightly proud of the fine young men and women who spoke with such passion and honesty.