Sometimes, to understand what matters most, we have to look back at how it all began. The history of Catholic education in Sandhurst is a story of people — ordinary and extraordinary — who gave everything to build something lasting.

In this opening episode of Catholic Education Matters, hosts Kate Fogarty and Jenni Kennedy from Catholic Education Sandhurst, take us on a journey through the extraordinary and often untold history of Catholic education — from its humble beginnings with the First Fleet to the establishment of schools across rural Australia.

This is a story shaped by people: the priests, religious sisters, teachers, families and communities who gave everything to ensure children could access learning, regardless of postcode or faith.

In this episode, we explore:

• How the first Catholic school was started in 1820 with just one teacher and one penny per student.
• The role of Reverand Dr Henry Backhaus, Bishop Martin Crane and the religious orders in shaping early education across regional Victoria.
• The Defence of Government Schools (DOGS) High Court case, and why Sandhurst became the national focus.
• The shift to modern governance and the lasting legacy of holistic education.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent or simply someone curious about how Catholic education evolved in regional Australia, this episode offers a compelling look at where we’ve come from and where we’re headed next.

Now join us as we explore what truly matters in education.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 55 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.