Former Senate president Scott Ryan has formally begun his role as executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC), following a commissioning Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presided at the Mass in the cathedral crypt on 6 March, marking Ryan’s leadership of the national peak body representing Catholic schools across Australia.
Bishop Daniel Meagher, Bishop Mark Edwards, Fr Julian Wellspring and Fr Frank Brennan concelebrated.
Outgoing executive director Jacinta Collins, members of the NCEC Commission and Catholic education leaders from across Australia attended the Mass, many of whom were in Sydney for a national Catholic education leaders forum earlier that day.
Ryan officially stepped into the role this week after beginning with the commission on 19 January and undertaking a handover period with Collins, who led the organisation for the past seven years.
In a message marking his first week in the role, Ryan thanked Collins for her leadership and the contribution she made to Catholic education nationally.
“I want to begin by sincerely thanking Jacinta Collins for her outstanding leadership over the past seven years – her dedication has strengthened Catholic education across Australia, and I am grateful for the legacy she leaves,” he said.
Ryan said he was looking forward to working with schools, families and educators to build on the long tradition of Catholic schooling in Australia.
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact good education policy can have, both as a parent and as a policy maker,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with schools, families, communities, teachers and school leaders to continue building on the proud legacy of Catholic education.”
Catholic education is the largest provider of schooling outside the government sector, enrolling about one in five Australian students.
Before taking up the NCEC role, Ryan served as Australia’s High Commissioner to Canada. He previously held senior roles in federal politics including president of the Senate and Special Minister of State, and earlier served as a ministerial adviser and assistant minister for education and vocational education.
Reflecting on the national education landscape this week, Ryan also acknowledged students and teachers as NAPLAN testing began across Australia.
About 1.3 million students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are undertaking the annual literacy and numeracy assessments.
Ryan said the tests provide useful information for schools and families.
“NAPLAN assists to identify needed intervention, helps us understand collective performance through a nationally consistent data set and provides a starting point for conversations with parents about their child’s learning,” he said.
“I’m eager to hit the ground running and look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months as we continue the important work of Catholic education together.”
