One of the key values of this report lies in the opportunity it provides to reflect on our achievements and successes, but also to consider how our work in 2019 has set us up for a productive and exciting future in Brisbane Catholic Education schools.
The range of innovative pilots and projects conducted in 2019 positioned our school communities to quickly respond and adopt new ways of delivering education programs during the subsequent COVID pandemic. As a result of this work, students were supported with continuity in their learning throughout the crisis, and I acknowledge and thank principals, school and office staff for their work during this unprecedented period.
At the end of 2019 our schools farewelled the unique group of Year 12 students who were the original half‑cohort of Prep students from 2007. These students were also the last to receive an OP, with ATAR commencing in 2020. We are committed to inspiring students to grow and succeed in a changing world and wish this special cohort every blessing for the next chapter in their journey.
In 2019, we also focused on opportunities to improve the effectiveness of Brisbane Catholic Education and undertook an organisational design review that has since redesigned the way we work to be agile in response to current and future challenges. Our new leadership structure is supporting the transition between past and future, and I thank the outgoing Leadership Team and acknowledge their significant contributions to the end of 2019. At the start of 2020 we welcomed Balveen Ajimal to the role of Strategy and Performance Executive and Patrick O’Sullivan as Corporate Services Executive.
As I look forward, I believe our 2019 successes will stand us in good stead as we prepare for our next strategic plan: Future Learning Communities. Under this plan we will refresh and develop new strategies in our priority areas of Catholic identity, learning and teaching, wellbeing, our people, and diversity and inclusion. We will also implement a new school resourcing model and examine opportunities to streamline processes to better support schools.
Every week the Brisbane Catholic Education community comes together to teach, challenge and transform young people across the Archdiocese of Brisbane, with thousands of staff bringing life to our Catholic education mission. I thank staff for their commitment and dedication to meeting the needs of every student, so they can reach their potential and be compassionate people who work to make the world a better place.
I acknowledge the continued support of Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Monsignor Peter Meneely and the vital role of the Catholic Education Council with a new Chair, Mrs Jenny Parker.
It is my great pleasure to present the Brisbane Catholic Education 2019 Annual Report.