Communication

In his new encyclical on AI, Magnificat Humanitas, Pope Leo seeks to lead a global conversation on the need to ensure that human dignity guides us in this brave new world.

This week, as Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical – Magnifica humanitas “Magnificent Humanity” – technology and its role in education was front and centre for Catholic teachers, leaders, administrators and policy makers. Equipping students for the rapid change and pace of our world while ensuring safe spaces to explore and learn, developing approaches to technology that enhance the human condition, all sit at the heart of the Holy Father’s words.

Catholic philosopher and scholar of human cognition helps his Big Tech colleagues think through timely questions — with the aim of making AI safe and helping humanity flourish.

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) welcomed early childhood leaders from across the country to Sydney for the 2026 Catholic Education Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Provider Connection Forum last month. The forum brought together a vibrant community committed to supporting young children and families through high-quality, values-based early learning.

Tom Sexton has been appointed Chair of the Rural, Regional and Remote Directors Group, succeeding Nichii Mardon, who has served in the role since 2019.

This week, Catholic Network Australia (CNA) brought together leaders from across the country for our Joint Working Group Forum in Perth. Spanning both education and technology leadership, the forum provided a valuable opportunity to step back from day-to-day operations and engage in national dialogue on the issues shaping Catholic education.

In this interview, we speak with Lee Swift, Chair of the Technology Working Group at Catholic Network Australia, about the group’s priorities, the Technology Assessment Platform (TAP), and how collaboration is shaping a safer, more confident approach to technology across Catholic education.

Catholic schools across Australia recognised for strong growth in NAPLAN results

The Aboriginal Families as First Educators (AFaFE) program is built on a simple but powerful idea: that families are a child’s first and most important teachers.

The STEM MAD National 2026 logo has been designed as a symbolic and integrated representation of learning, people, and place. As STEM MAD takes on a truly national focus in 2026, the visual identity reflects both the scale of the event and its grounding in Catholic education, drawing inspiration from the principles of Laudato si’ — care for our common home.

The bishops of Australia have announced the appointment of The Honourable Scott Ryan as the next Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC).

How might a Year 7 teacher run a science class with students who have the reading proficiency of six-year-olds? How do Year 9 English or Geography teachers work through the curriculum when they have children who struggle to lift words off the page?

The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has appointed Bishop of Bunbury George Kolodziej SDS as bishop delegate for youth. The appointment comes as preparations step up for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne from November 30 to December 2.

Mobile apps purporting to aid early reading skills in children are widely available these days, yet many fail to actually deliver any educational benefit, with positive app store reviews seemingly driven by aesthetics and functionality, according to new analysis.

I have just recently returned from Rome where thousands of educators from across the world came together for the Jubilee of the World of Education. It was a privilege to be present and to celebrate Catholic education with colleagues from across the world. In and around the Jubilee we were able to hear from some world leading speakers, participate in panels and engage with national and international leaders on education and the Catholic church.

The Loreto Sisters of Australia and South East Asia joined in the celebrations this month as, communities around the world marked the historic union of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM - Loreto) and the Congregatio Jesu - worldwide (CJ).

BCE’s successful partnership with the Australian Educational Research Organisation (AERO), focused on the implementation of explicit teaching has expanded, with nine schools now engaged in the collaboration.

The CNA Minecraft Jubilee Build has proven to be a resounding success, bringing together participants from across Australia to explore the theme of the Jubilee 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope”. Students were tasked with the challenge to design and build a meaningful symbol of hope in Minecraft that reflects what the Jubilee means to them.

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) welcomes the Albanese government’s announcement of $37 million in funding to implement the National Continuous Checking Capability (NCCC) as a major step towards a consistent, national approach to safeguarding children.

The intersection of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and Catholic social teaching creates a powerful framework for innovation that serves humanity's deepest needs.