500 signatures reached
To: The Director of Schools - Jacqueline Wilkinson
Maitland and Newcastle Catholic School Funding Cuts - Community Action
On September 3rd 2026, parents of children in Catholic Schools across the diocese of Maitland and Newcastle woke to an article describing significant changes and cuts to the staffing structure across all primary and high schools.
No consultation, no communication. Same school fees.
The cuts described significantly change the service offer in all schools, with roles being eradicated across key support functions that specifically deliver Catholic values to the community. As parents we are both outraged and highly concerned.
The article references job losses commencing in 2027 across the following roles:
- Teacher Librarians
- Pastoral Care roles
- Wellbeing
- Gifted Education
- EALD teachers (English as a Second Language or Dialect)
- Aboriginal Education
Parents are now left wondering, without a change to already climbing school fees, where is the money being spent and what is the value of choosing Catholic Education, which has always proudly represented the needs of the whole community and prioritised wellbeing. Where will this leave the future of Catholic education in Maitland and Newcastle?
This petition is a call to action, from the community in regard to:
- the changed service offer as paying customers;
- transparency, including the reason for the decision and assuming this is financial, on what information and basis has the decision been made;
- transparency, including the reason for the decision and assuming this is financial, on what information and basis has the decision been made;
- the lack of consultation and communication;
- the fact that Catholic education receives government funding, with insight sought as to how the Catholic school fees are being spent given roles that added additional value are now being removed;
- the fact that Catholic education receives government funding, with insight sought as to how the Catholic school fees are being spent given roles that added additional value are now being removed;
- the detrimental impact on children across all
Catholic primary and high schools;
- the impact on staff and how significantly increased work loads will be managed.
We seek reconsideration of the decision and meaningful consultation with communities on any proposed changes of this nature. We act respectfully, with Catholic values and the interest of our children and communities at the heart.
Catholic primary and high schools;
- the impact on staff and how significantly increased work loads will be managed.
We seek reconsideration of the decision and meaningful consultation with communities on any proposed changes of this nature. We act respectfully, with Catholic values and the interest of our children and communities at the heart.
Why is this important?
Significant changes have been made to the service provided to students and families in the Maitland and Newcastle Diocese. These changes have been made with no consultation or communication to the community. The changes will have a detrimental impact to the education of our children.