Over 3000 staff welcomed back around 17,000 students enrolled in Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) kindergartens, primary schools, and colleges to commence the 2021 school year.

CEDR Diocesan Director Leesa Jeffcoat AM said there has been a great sense of excitement and anticipation heading back to school this year.

“Our teachers and staff, refreshed by the Christmas holiday period after a very challenging 2020, had been very much looking forward to welcoming students and families back to our school communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“Everyone is very positive about the year ahead and eager to get teaching and learning underway,”

Miss Jeffcoat said.

This year Catholic Education celebrates 200 years in Australia marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school which opened in Parramatta in greater western Sydney.

“It’s quite a significant milestone and we are very excited to join with Catholic school communities around the nation to celebrate the great story of Catholic Education in Australia,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Under the theme Faith in our Future, national celebrations include an official launch in each state, territory and diocese in the week commencing February 22, and a National Mass to be celebrated simultaneously on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on May 24.

“There are many great inspirational stories of sacrifice, dedication and commitment that have contributed to the continued growth and development of Catholic Education in Australia and in our own diocese which has led to Catholic Education becoming the single largest non-government school sector,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“As we reflect on the achievements of the past, we will also look to the future for ways we can continually improve our delivery of an excellent faith-based education that serves the needs of families in our communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton comprises 10 kindergartens, 31 primary schools and 8 colleges in regional and rural centres from Mackay to Bundaberg and west to Longreach.