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Do you have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic school in Australia?

12 July 2024

Do you have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic school in Australia?

Does my child need to be Catholic?

Short answer is nope!

Our Catholic schools are open to all who want to bask in our stellar education! We are all about the families who want to share our educational goal, inspired by Christian values.

Granted, baptised Catholics have a slight edge when it comes to snapping an enrolment spot, but we’re definitely happy to educate any eager learners

Siblings are given the first opportunities for enrolments, followed by Catholic students and then the remaining applicants.

Do I need to be Catholic as a parent or guardian? 

Catholic schools and parents go together like vegemite and butter! And we don’t just mean Catholic parents, , we value to the contributions of all parents within our school communities.  Parents are seen as partners with school in the education process. 

Research shows that there are a number of reasons parents choose to send their child to a Catholic School, these include:

  • The values taught by Catholic schools
  • The pastoral care of students, teachers and staff
  • The commitment to the holistic development of students- spiritually, intellectually, physically, culturally, socially and emotionally.
  • The pursuit of academic excellence
  • A vision of hope for the future

Will my child face any difficulties if they are not Catholic?

Our Catholic schools place a strong emphasis on self-respect and respect for others, creating an environment of discipline that fosters quality teaching and learning. Not only do we provide top-notch education, our schools also provide a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment. 

We instill compassion, teamwork, and respect so that our students can blossom into their best selves. 

If students encounter challenges in their school community, we strongly encourage them to reach out to our dedicated staff. We have established support channels, including our wonderful team - the ‘Student Wellbeing & Pastoral Services’ team, to ensure such matters are addressed with care and sensitivity. From navigating social cliques to dealing with academic pressures, this team are pros when it comes to these kinds of issues!

How much religious education will be provided to my child? 

Religious Education is an important component of the curriculum in Catholic schools. All Catholic schools are required, by the Bishop of the diocese, to implement a religious education program which is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Religious Education curriculum supports the faith development of children by developing their knowledge of and practice in prayer, sacraments, liturgy and scripture. So, if there is ever a Catholic trivia night, your child will be the star! 

Social Justice is a very important component of a Catholic education. Students are encouraged to explore values and discuss the Catholic perspective on a range of current social issues. It fosters empathy by providing opportunities for our students to understand and connect with different perspectives and life experiences. It calls for a commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.

By learning about social justice issues and engaging in service opportunities, it encourages our students to use their gifts and talents to make a positive impact in the world.

We’re cultivating superheroes in our students who fight for social justice issues and create real change in society.

What can a Catholic school offer my child?

Our Catholic schools deliver high quality, faith-based, affordable education. At Townsville Catholic Education, we focus on being inclusive and welcoming environments. We don’t just focus on getting A+’s, we also teach important values of integrity, kindness and faith.

Our Catholic schools offer a broad curriculum and co-curricular options giving students a chance to flex their brains and creativity.  e want them to feel encouraged to develop their faith, cultivate their academic excellence, creativity and imagination and be compassionate individuals.

Our goal is to establish a safe and nurturing environment that inspires and motivates our students to excel in every aspect of their lives.

Who needs Hogwarts when you can give your child a magical education at a Catholic School?

Whether you’re Catholic or not, discover the difference that a Catholic education can make. For more information on enrolling your child into a Catholic school, visit Our Schools page on the website and find the right school for you and your family.

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