...in Australia continue to respond to, and to serve, the needs of parents who seek a Catholic Education for their children. Catholic Parish schools exist as integral parts of Catholic Parish life. They come into being when the Catholic community of an area grows to such a point that the number of families requesting Catholic education indicate that a viable school can be considered. Catholic schools in reality owe their existence to the active presence of a Catholic community. They are supported by that parish community and in turn, the Catholic school supports that parish community as it lives out the gospel message of Jesus.
Catholic schools seek to contribute to the creation of an Australian community that is highly educated, skilled and cultured with an ability to promote and embrace a critical analysis of social issues, the expansion of knowledge and the pursuit of truth. Such a community will be marked by a vigorous intellectual and cultural life, accessible to all. Education has individual and private benefits, but it is also very much a public good whose benefits enhance the whole community. Catholic schools emphasise the contribution of education to the common good of the Australian community.