Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle (CSMN) is reshaping how it allocates resources across its 58 schools to ensure it can continue to provide a strong, sustainable Catholic education for its almost 22,000 students, now and into the future. These changes reflect the responsibility of Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle to steward well the resources entrusted to us, particularly our people and our finances.

The changes are necessary in response to the financial and educational environment in which Catholic schools operate.

The cost of employing staff and operating schools has continued to increase, while government funding has not kept pace. Wages now account for approximately 95 per cent of grant income, and the system recorded an operating deficit of approximately $17.4 million at the end of 2025.

At the same time, schools are operating in an increasingly competitive education environment, while the cost of maintaining ageing school infrastructure and delivering quality education continues to rise.

CSMN is using this opportunity to ensure its staffing and resources are aligned with the educational priorities of its schools and students, particularly strengthening literacy and numeracy, curriculum implementation and teacher capability.

School libraries will continue to play an important role in our schools as vibrant learning environments that foster inquiry, creativity, connection and a lifelong love of reading. The changes to teacher librarian roles are part of a broader approach to literacy, recognising that literacy development is a shared responsibility across every classroom and learning area.

The improvement focus is reflected in the introduction of Curriculum and Pedagogy Teacher – Literacy and Numeracy roles in every primary school, increased focus on teacher capability and curriculum expertise in secondary schools, and changes to how specialist expertise is deployed across schools.

The changes have been developed following extensive consideration of CSMN’s financial position, educational priorities and future workforce needs.

The approach has the support of the Trustees and the relevant governance bodies, and has been endorsed by principals and school leaders.

Consultation with principals, school leaders and affected staff has been central to this process. We have sought to engage openly and respectfully, recognising the contribution of those affected. Feedback has informed the final decisions and will continue to shape the next stages of implementation.

CSMN recognises that change can be difficult for staff and is committed to supporting employees through the process and identifying opportunities for redeployment wherever possible.  

The purpose of these changes is not to do less. It is to ensure that finite resources are directed towards the areas where they can have the greatest impact for students.

CSMN remains deeply committed to providing an excellent Catholic education that supports the learning, wellbeing, faith development and growth of every child and young person. This includes a commitment to those students who benefit from enrichment and extension, as well as those who are vulnerable or require additional support.

CSMN will continue to invest in teaching and learning, student wellbeing, faith formation, pastoral care, leadership and teacher capability as it responds to the changing educational environment.

CSMN will continue to work closely with principals and school leaders to shape the next steps and ensure the changes are implemented thoughtfully, with a clear focus on our students, our staff and the long-term sustainability of Catholic education across the Diocese.

While changes will be implemented across our 58 schools, they do not represent widespread job losses. 21.5 FTE positions will be established to strengthen system-wide support for the strategic priorities of improving literacy, numeracy and student wellbeing across all schools.

The positions being retired represent 2.8 per cent of the Catholic schools workforce. A further 4.7 per cent of employees hold roles that will be partially impacted by the changes, which reflect a combination of role changes, adjustments to working hours, redeployment opportunities and, where appropriate, voluntary redundancies.

Throughout this process, our commitment remains to support affected staff with dignity, care and compassion. We recognise that behind every position is a person who has contributed to the mission of Catholic education, often through many years of dedicated service. Every effort is being made to retain and redeploy valuable expertise wherever possible so that staff can continue to make a meaningful contribution to student learning and wellbeing.

The strength of Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle has always been its people. The commitment, professionalism and faith of our staff continue to make a profound difference in the lives of students and families across our Diocese.

CSMN recognises that these changes sit within a broader conversation about the long-term sustainability of Catholic education. Ensuring families can continue to access a high-quality Catholic education depends upon a strong partnership between families, schools, governments and the wider community. Australia is strengthened by a diverse education system, and ongoing advocacy for fair and sustainable funding remains essential to preserving parental choice and ensuring Catholic education remains accessible for future generations.