At the inaugural Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) Breakfast Panel today (22nd February) Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn Director Ross Fox told the group of more than 70 principals that Catholic Education’s relentless focus on ‘what matters most to the learning growth of Catholic school students will create an environment for world-class achievement’.

He said there are already existing examples of international coding and robotics champions in Catholic schools in Canberra which provide a window into the possible future.

Mr Fox spoke alongside Director General of ACT Education Directorate, Natalie Howson, and Executive Director of the Association of Independent School ACT, Andrew Wrigley at the thought-provoking breakfast.

Natalie Howson reflected on her personal schooling experience to stress the mantra that every student matters and through education can be empowered with the confidence to be a learner in life.

Mrs Howson said that parents need to ‘invest early and invest well’ to provide students with the best start in life as they transition through their early years of education.

As a teaching professional, Andrew Wrigley said that schools need to remain committed to the pursuit of educational excellence which can be achieved through teachers knowing their students.

Following the panel discussion, Catholic Education Office Deputy Director and ACEL ACT Executive Member Angus Tulley invited the 71 attendees to share their thoughts.

Principals discussed a push for mentoring students both socially and academically to allow learning to come naturally, the power of the student voice and the move towards 21^st Century classrooms guided by what students want and need.

ACEL ACT Branch President Michelle McLoughlin concluded the Breakfast Panel by stating the event was a great beginning for Catholic Education in the ACT to work together collaboratively and further set the bench mark for Australian education.