Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820.

Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of schooling in Australia (outside government) with one in five school age students attending a Catholic school.

Nearly 40 per cent of Catholic schools are located outside of metropolitan cities in regional, rural and remote communities.

A National Mass was celebrated in states and dioceses throughout Australia yesterday on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, the Patroness of our great nation of Australia.  We pray that our Blessed Mother continue to inspire the hearts and minds of our Catholic Education system both educators, staff and most of all students. Some of the Year 6 school leaders travelled to Cairns with Ms Harney and Mrs Andrews to celebrate this momentous occasion with Bishop James who is the longest serving Bishop in Australia. A wonderful celebration bringing together the 30 Catholic Schools in the Diocese along with staff and students.