Over the course of the year, we have touched on a broad range of issues about schooling in today's world.

Some of the important discussions have been around the nature of learning and teaching, the role of the teacher and how we can use relational technologies to improve learning outcomes.

Evidence tells us that good teaching results in learning outcomes, which is why the system is committed to building teacher capacity and locating the resources and expertise as close as possible to the learning space.

There is growing agreement that we are heading in the right direction.

As the year draws to a close, our school communities have been celebrating their achievements and efforts.

For me, these gatherings have been an opportunity to reflect on the purpose of Catholic schooling – to develop and sustain life-giving relationships.

While the substantive issues we face are important, the key to a successful school is the level of trust between students and teachers, teachers and teachers, teachers and parents, teachers and systems.