A parliamentary inquiry into bullying and discrimination in schools in Tasmania has provided an opportunity for Catholic schools to present data
confirming that our schools are safe places for students, providing a healthy environment in which students learn and grow.

 

In Tasmania the Catholic Church operates 38 schools in every corner of the state, educating 17,000 young Tasmanians per year and employing over 4,000 staff. The Church educates one in five Tasmanians.

When enrolling students, Catholic schools do not discriminate on the basis of religion, sex, race or status. This is reflected in the present enrolment profile which includes: 33 per cent Catholics, 17 per cent other Christians, 29 per cent no religious affiliation and 21 per cent other or unknown religious affiliation.

Catholic schools are able to provide a cost-effective option for Tasmanian parents who choose to have their students educated in a faith-based environment. Catholic schools are located in parts of Tasmania that might be categorised as “less well off”, providing the opportunity for families to choose to help their children to get ahead through the power of education. We provide an opportunity for many migrant and refugee families to enable their children to receive a quality education.

Catholic schools take bullying and discrimination very seriously. School principals and the staff work hard to ensure the quality of the environment that enhances the best possible outcomes for all students.

As the authoritative PISA Report has shown, students in Catholic schools, by comparison with their peers in the State system, Australia-wide, have a greater sense of well-being, feel more valued and supported by their teachers, and are six times less likely to experience bullying.

A report of research commissioned by Victorian Catholic Education Authority and undertaken by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems at Victoria University revealed that Catholic school graduates, on average, are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages and have higher life satisfaction and better general health compared with those from the government sector.

Commenting on these findings VCEA chief executive officer Professor Elizabeth Labone said, “By educating the whole person, Catholic schools seek to support the development of well-rounded individuals who will succeed and be happy and confident in the world during and after their schooling, whatever path they choose through life.’’

She added, “Parents are increasingly looking for this kind of holistic approach, which is why a growing number of families are choosing one of the affordable Catholic schooling options available across the state.’’

A core principle in Catholic schools, inspired by the Catholic faith, is that each student is respected, and our schools are committed to uphold the dignity of every student.

The Church has recently confirmed the importance of fostering the unique dignity of every person in a declaration entitled, Dignitas Infinita (2024).

The basis of the Church’s firm conviction about the inviolability of human dignity is its understanding, based in Sacred Scripture, that each human being is a unique creation, made in the image and likeness of God. Thus, the declaration states, “to be created in the image of God means to possess a sacred value that transcends every distinction of a sexual, social, political, cultural, and religious nature. Our dignity is bestowed upon us by God; it is neither claimed nor deserved. Every human being is loved and willed by God and, thus, has an inviolable dignity” (DI 11).

Catholic schools must operate within the legislative environment of their state and comply with federal legislation. There is an emerging tension between an emphasis on anti-discrimination legislation and that of the right to religious freedom. In recent years much legislation has addressed the question of discrimination, but there has not been a balancing emphasis on religious freedom. This remains an ongoing matter of concern in Australia. We need an appropriate balancing of rights.

However, the relevant State and Federal legislation, including the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act (1998) and the Federal Sex Discrimination Act (1984) do give recognition to the fact that in a just society faith-based schools should be able operate in accordance with their religious tenets and beliefs. There is some protection for faith-based schools, but attempts are being made to limit what should be the universally accepted right to the free exercise of religion.

In Tasmania Catholic schools have experienced enrolment growth of more than two per cent, year-on-year, for the past five years. It is clear from this significant enrolment growth that parents welcome, accept and understand that the Catholic identity of the school does not inhibit but, in fact, ensures the high quality of the formation of students.

Nobody should be surprised that the underpinning of education in Catholic schools is the Catholic faith.

This doesn’t mean that schools force religion and beliefs on students or staff; rather it means that the Catholic faith underpins the day-to-day operations of the school. Recognising the inherent dignity of every person, Catholic schools propose but do not impose the Catholic faith to all involved – students, staff and parents.

Nor should it be a surprise that leadership in Catholic schools would require a person to be living out the Catholic faith. Leadership requires a person not only to present but also be a credible witness to the Catholic faith.

Everyone would accept that an organisation would choose leadership that supports and advances the ethos of their organisation. Any political party would choose leaders whose beliefs reflect the ideals of the party. So, it should not be surprising that a Catholic school would choose leaders that advance the mission of the school.

It is evident that the more Catholic schools are able to give effective witness to the Catholic faith that underpins all that the school endeavours, the more they will be able to present an educational alternative that is attractive to parents and ensure the true flourishing of students.