The South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS) has launched a bold expansion strategy that will guide the work of Catholic Education South Australia from 2022 to 2027.
The strategy will see a significant expansion of Catholic schools over the next five years, with student numbers set to climb over 50,000 for the first time.
Towards 2027: Expanding Horizons and Deepening Practices – Strategy for Catholic Education South Australia was launched by Professor Denis Ralph, Chair, SACCS during a livestreamed event on Wednesday February 9.
The online gathering was addressed by the Premier of South Australia, Stephen Marshall, John Gardner, Minister for Education, Peter Malinauskas, Leader of the Opposition and Blair Boyer, Shadow Minister for Education.
The strategy includes a target to grow enrolments by 2% per annum, with student numbers projected to climb from 48,000 to in excess of 54,000 by the start of the 2027 school year.
The strategy, unveiled on Wednesday night, includes plans to expand a number of existing schools and develop several new campuses.
Three new schools
Five campus expansions
The Towards 2027 strategy also includes plans to open another two early learning centres and offer additional preschool places.
“We expect 2022 to 2027 to be years of significant growth and expansion for Catholic Education SA,” said Professor Ralph.
“From humble beginnings in 1844 in a small chapel on Pirie Street, Catholic Education now has schools, colleges and centres spread across the length and breadth of South Australia with 103 schools and colleges located on 118 campuses with nearly 9,000 staff.”
Alongside the commitment to expansion, comes a commitment to quality teaching and learning.
Dr Neil McGoran, Director of Catholic Education South Australia, said “Our community will continue to see excellent Catholic schools making a positive contribution to the lives of children and young people.
“Our school and early learning centre communities will continue to be recognised as inclusive and accessible to all children and families in ways that reflect our Catholic identity and culture.
“By 2027, we expect that 200 Catholic school teachers, 5% of our total teacher workforce, will have achieved AITSL certification as Highly Accomplished or Lead Teachers, the highest proportion in Australia.
“We are also committed to strengthening NAPLAN results and SACE achievements across all Catholic schools, and ensuring that our students continue to thrive in an environment that brings out their very best.”
The announcement comes as two new schools – Compass Catholic Community at Davoren Park and St Francis of Assisi College at Renmark - welcomed their first cohort of students at the commencement of Term 1. Four regional schools at Wallaroo, Peterborough, Clare and Murray Bridge also expanded to offer Year 8 this year and will offer Year 9 from 2023.
Watch a recording of the livestreamed launch event and read more about the ‘Towards 2027’ strategy at: cesa.catholic.edu.au/towards2027.
Read more about the strategy via The Advertiser (subscription required).
Photo credit (above image): Emma Brasier for The Advertiser
Today was an exciting day of firsts for Catholic Education South Australia!
103 Catholic schools across the State welcomed our biggest ever intake of students including 4000 new Receptions, two brand new schools opened their doors and four regional schools welcomed Year 8 for the first time.
