New era in governance of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn
The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn will change the governance of Catholic Education to better support the mission of the Church in education and further enhance regulatory compliance and transparency.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse says the Archdiocese will adopt the civil framework of incorporation to govern Catholic Education in the Archdiocese from 1 January 2025.
Archbishop Prowse says this new governance will keep the mission of Catholic Education at the forefront and increase the inclusion of lay people in governance.
“Reviews of Church governance have shown we need to have additional transparency in the processes of governance canonically and civilly,” Archbishop Prowse noted.
“Other diocesan education entities around Australia have moved to alternative civil governance arrangements for their education ministries. I am convinced this is the right path for us at this time.
“The contemporary situation of the Church, the nation, and in education, together with prophetic call of Pope Francis to be open to change, demand that we respond in a new and dynamic fashion.
“Catholic Education in this Archdiocese has served local communities for more than 150 years and in Canberra for 95 years. I’m confident this initiative will support our schools, principals, teachers, staff, together with our priests and parish communities to flourish in the next century of evangelizing service. The core pastoral and sacramental relationships between our priests and schools will not alter.”
There will be a transition from the Trustees as the owner and operator of Catholic Education to a new not-for-profit Company, registered as a charity, with full responsibility for the existing system of 56 schools with more than 22,000 students.
The Company will have a Board of Directors with a Chair and Deputy Chair. The Board of Directors will be accountable for the governance of Catholic Education and the advancement of its mission of evangelisation.
Four initial Board Directors have been appointed by the Trustees of the Archdiocese:
- Ms Liesl Centenera – Chair of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding
- Mr David De Carvalho – Executive Dean of Education, Philosophy and Theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
- Ms Helen Delahunty – Archdiocesan Financial
- Dr Patrick McArdle – Vicar for Education
Additional Directors will be appointed by the Trustees during the course of 2024.
The Director of Catholic Education, Ross Fox, will continue in this role in the new Company, reporting to the Board of Directors.
Work has begun to seamlessly transition schools, staff and related operations to the new Company as of 1 January 2025. Catholic Education will continue its high standards of compliance with all regulatory requirements.
“Our wonderful teachers and staff who serve the needs of children and families so positively and consistently are the hallmark of Catholic Education. This will not change under the new arrangements, “ Archbishop Prowse stated.
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Media Contact: Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Jeanine Doyle Phone: 0409 498 382
Email: jeanine.doyle@cg.org.au
Media Contact: Ross Fox, Director Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Geraldine Capp Phone: 0448 292 793
Email: media@cg.catholic.edu.au