Why Choose Catholic Education

A teacher and three students lighting a candle

Faith. Learning. Belonging. Purpose.

In Catholic schools, these aren’t just ideals, they shape the heart of everything we do.

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. Parents naturally want a learning environment that not only supports strong educational outcomes, but also nurtures the whole person, heart, mind, body, and spirit.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore offer a unique experience of learning and life. Rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus, our schools are communities of faith, hope, and , places where students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow into people of character and purpose.

An Education Grounded in Faith and Values

In our schools, Christ is at the centre. We seek to form young people who live with compassion, integrity, and a sense of meaning. Every student is invited to:

  • Grow in love of God
  • Encounter the life and message of Jesus Christ
  • Care for others through service and compassion
  • Commit to truth, goodness, and respect for all

This faith foundation gives students the confidence to navigate the world with hope and resilience. It also creates a culture where each person is valued, and every student is encouraged to become their best self.

What You Can Expect in a Catholic School

When you choose a Catholic school, you’re choosing more than a curriculum. You’re choosing a community. Families often seek:

  • Diverse learning opportunities that celebrate each student’s gifts
  • A commitment to whole-person care; spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical
  • A sense of belonging, where every family is welcomed and valued

You’ll find all of this, and more, within the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Lismore. Our mission is simple but powerful: to accompany young people on a journey of discovery, faith, and learning, so they may experience “life to the full” (John 10:10).

Our Catholic Mission

Four young students with their hands together

At the heart of our schools is Christ, His light guiding how we live, learn, and grow together.

Catholic education is more than a system, it’s a mission rooted in the life and message of Jesus.

In our schools, students, staff and families are invited to encounter the light of Christ in everyday moments: in the classroom, on the playground, through prayer, and in the way we care for one another.

Our Catholic mission is to build strong, hope-filled communities grounded in the Gospel. This means our schools are intentionally Catholic, places where faith is lived, not just taught. They are led by passionate educators who see their work not simply as a job, but as a vocation: a calling to support the growth of every student in a way that honours their dignity, gifts, and potential.

We want every young person to experience the “fullness of life” (John 10:10), not only during their school years, but long after they’ve left our gates. In our communities, students are formed to become compassionate, thoughtful, and resilient people who carry light into the world.

Evangelisation

A cross pendant resting in an open hand

Proclaiming the Good News. Nurturing hearts open to faith, purpose, and connection.

In Catholic schools, evangelisation is not about persuading, it’s about sharing the message of Jesus with those who are open to hearing it. It means creating a school environment where students are invited to explore life’s deeper questions through the lens of the Gospel.

The culture and spirit of a Catholic school naturally contribute to this journey. As students experience the rhythms of prayer, reflection, service, and community, they begin to form a Catholic worldview, one shaped by hope, compassion, and the belief that every life is meaningful and loved by God.

Evangelisation happens not just through teaching, but through relationships. Staff are called to see Christ in each student and to accompany them with care, helping them to grow in self-understanding, empathy for others, and a sense of connection to something greater.

Through these shared experiences, students are invited into a deeper relationship with others, with the world, and ultimately, with God.

Student Discipleship

A student praying in a church

Inviting young people to encounter Christ and grow in faith through meaningful, joy-filled experiences.

In our Catholic schools, we want students to not only learn about Jesus, but to truly encounter Him. Student discipleship is about creating the space for young people to explore their faith more deeply, and to respond with openness, curiosity, and commitment.

Across our schools, we offer a Student Discipleship Continuum, an intentional journey that supports students who are seeking a more personal experience of faith. This may be through prayer, retreats, social justice initiatives, or opportunities to lead and serve within their school and parish communities.

In our secondary schools, Youth Ministry Officers work alongside dedicated staff to accompany students on this path. Through vibrant and faith-filled moments, large and small, we encourage students to grow as young people of purpose, belonging, and hope, becoming disciples who live the Gospel in their daily lives.

Frequently asked Questions

What does it mean that Catholic schools are “proudly Catholic”?

Catholic schools are communities built on the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the Church to share the Good News. Being “proudly Catholic” means our schools embrace a rich tradition of prayer, reflection, values, and service. This identity shapes the culture of our schools, how we teach, how we care for students, and how we work together as a community. We honour the legacy of those who came before us and continue to share the message of faith, hope, and love in all we do.

Are Catholic schools only for Catholic families?

No. Catholic schools warmly welcome all families who value a faith-based education. Whether you are Catholic, belong to another faith tradition, or have no religious background, you and your child are welcome in our school communities. All students are included in the full life of the school, including Religious Education and prayer experiences, and all families are respected, valued, and invited to take part in community life at a level that feels right for them.

What are Catholic schools expecting from families?

When families enrol in a Catholic school, they enter into a partnership that supports their child’s faith and life journey. Families support their child’s participation in school liturgies, retreats, and other moments of spiritual growth. For families of baptised children, this includes continuing their child’s sacramental journey. Above all, parents aspire to the values and worldview that shape Catholic education, one that forms the heart, mind, and spirit.

What if our family belongs to a different faith, or our child is not baptised?

That’s absolutely okay. We see enrolment as a privilege and a moment of welcome. Our schools honour each family’s story and beliefs. We do not seek to convert or impose our faith; instead, we offer a gentle invitation to explore the Catholic tradition through learning, reflection, and shared experiences. Students and families of all backgrounds are respected and included in the spiritual life of the school, in ways that are meaningful and appropriate to them.

What is the ultimate goal of Catholic education for our child?

Catholic education aims to nurture the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Our hope is that every student, through their time in our schools, will encounter Jesus, experience a sense of belonging, and come to know the fullness of life He offers. We strive to help each child grow into a person of goodness, truth, compassion, and purpose, equipped not only for success in the world, but also to make a meaningful difference within it.