Realising our mission of Catholic education
We are a non-profit company that operates a wide network of Catholic schools in NSW and the ACT. Our company name is Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited (CACGEL).
CACGEL’s Archdiocesan Schools Office (ASO) is the central office that supports all our schools and early learning centres.
Our schools work together with the ASO to realise our mission of Catholic education.
About us
Governance
CACGEL is a not-for-profit company with one member (equivalent to a shareholder): the trustees of the archdiocese, that is, the archbishop and his consultor priests. Collectively the trustees oversee how we function and are responsible for appointing the CACGEL Board of Directors.
Archdiocesan Schools Office
The Archdiocesan Schools Office (ASO) is next to St Christopher’s Cathedral in Forrest, ACT. It provides services in:
- spirituality and pastoral care
- teaching and learning
- support for students and their families
- child protection
- recruitment
- enrolments
- financial administration
- ICT support
- strategic planning for new schools.
The ASO plays a key role in ensuring the consistency of resources, support and excellence across all our schools.
Safeguarding
Our fundamental responsibility is to provide a safe environment for all students in our system. We are committed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
Our Child Safety Policy states our commitment to child safety, how we ensure that children in our care are safe, and how we comply with the Child Safe Standards (now the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations).
Our approach to safeguarding has many elements overlapping and linking together to make it stronger. These include legal obligations, best-practice safeguarding protocols, and working together with children and families.
Every primary school and secondary school in our network has a dedicated Child Safe Advocate.
About Catholic education
We are committed to the mission of Catholic education, in which Jesus is our greatest role model and teacher.
As our students develop their knowledge and understanding, they grow in spiritual awareness, integrity and kindness. This makes a secure foundation for exploring their gifts, interests and purpose in life.
More and more families are choosing Catholic education both for the academic results we achieve and because of our pastoral care and openness to all. Whatever your faith or financial resources, you are welcome in our community.
How we teach
Our schools take a high-impact, evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. Learn more about our approach.
Explicit Instruction
We use Explicit Instruction so that every student has the foundational knowledge to form educated opinions and apply critical reasoning.
We deliver excellent learning experiences using high-quality learning materials, impactful lessons and best-practice assessments.
Faith-filled learning
In our schools, Jesus is at the centre of learning and life, guiding each student to grow in faith, knowledge and character.
As well as teaching religious education as a separate subject, we apply a Catholic lens to every aspect of the school curriculum.
Reading as the foundation of learning
National tests suggest that one-third of primary school children are not proficient readers; in our schools, an increasing proportion of students are achieving proficiency in reading.
This is the result of a deliberate, evidence-based focus on direct in-class instruction and high-impact teaching practice to ensure that every student becomes a competent reader.
Education that forms the whole person
We focus not only on what students know but on who they are and who they become.
Education in our schools supports intellectual, spiritual, social and emotional growth in each student – in partnership with families – nurturing every child as a whole person so they can become who they are called to be.
Jesus at the centre of life and learning in every school
Faith is lived daily in our schools, shaping learning, relationships, culture and community.
Learning that transforms students' lives
Our students are supported to grow in knowledge and understanding, reflect on their place in the world and take action for the common good, becoming active, informed and compassionate contributors to society.
We believe education is more than achievement; it’s about forming people who can act with dignity, justice and care for others.
A community of belonging
In our community every student, family and staff member is welcomed, valued and supported. Our teachers include and care about every child.
Education that focuses on what matters most
We focus on high-quality teaching that helps every student thrive, with:
- strong foundations in literacy and numeracy
- evidence-informed teaching practices
- targeted support so every student can grow
- a sense of hope, joy and wonder.
A connected network
Across NSW and the ACT, our schools work together to provide consistent, high-quality education and support, providing the same inclusive, affordable access to great teaching and learning.
Families benefit from a strong system that shares expertise, resources and a clear commitment to every child.
