Catholic schools still remain a first choice for many families

You may have heard the announcement that a Catholic girls’ school in Melbourne has made the difficult decision to close due to a decrease in enrolments. 

There are any number of reasons why enrolments rise and fall in all schools such as changing demographics, cost of living increases, family situations and the interests of students may also be a factor. 

With the announcement of the closure it has highlighted that Catholic schools are more than just buildings where students learn academics each day. They are treasured and revered Catholic communities that are alive and thriving, with many and varied activities, events and learning experiences.

The families have a vested interest not only in their child's education, but in the formation and culture of the community itself. That sense of belonging is one of the unique qualities of a Catholic education and when that is removed, it is like moving to a new city or to the country, where you need to establish new connections, friendships, and find your place in that community. 

CSPV would like to acknowledge that this is a journey for all families and one they now need to adjust to along with their children. As their first educators, the parents now have a role in guiding their children through the transition. Families too need support in how they transition to new school communities, how they fit into an existing community and are welcomed by others. 

The education journey with our children is full of ups and downs, joys and challenges. Hopefully the parents in the community are able to find a sense of calm through this change, to embrace this challenge as a learning opportunity to demonstrate to their children that despite the sudden change in their lives, there is a way to find positives in the experience.

What we have witnessed these past few days has certainly brought many parents in the community together. This demonstrates clearly to schools that parents believe and are invested in community and there is a sense of ownership when it comes to their child's school. It's not ownership in the sense that parents want to take over, it is a sense that they are part of a tribe or part of an environment they can contribute to in some way. They want to be enabled to be part of their child's school journey and this experience demonstrates how strong and widespread this is across our Catholic schools.

CSPV understand there will be support provided for parents to transition their children to new Catholic schools and further information will be available for parents through information sessions run by the school.

If you are a parent considering a Catholic secondary school for your child, we encourage you to come along to the Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne on Sunday 11^th August and speak with Catholic secondary schools from various regions of Melbourne and across Victoria to build a better understanding of what they have to offer your child and family. (Download the flyer in this newsletter).