Catholic Network Australia (CNA) is a consortium of Australian Catholic Education organisations empowering Catholic schools through access and collaboration. The Communications Working Group is one of the five working groups that focus on different aspects of CNA's mission and vision. In this interview, we talk to Ben Beaton, the Chair of the Communications Working Group, about his role, the achievements and challenges of the group, and his personal passion for education.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your role as the Chair of the Communications Working Group?
A: Sure, my role is to lead and coordinate the work of the Communications Working Group, which is a small team of volunteers from different dioceses who are passionate about amplifying the message of CNA to existing and potential participants. We also work with external partners and providers to ensure that our participants have access to relevant and high-quality information and resources that can help them in their educational and professional contexts.
Q: How do you balance your role as the Chair of the Communications Working Group and your day job at CEWA?
A. As the Team Leader for Digital Services and Partnerships at the Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA), I am responsible for ensuring that the students and staff of CEWA’s 149 schools have an optimal experience with technology. Being the Chair of the Communications Working Group is a great opportunity for me to share the work that we do at CEWA at a national level, and also to learn from the best practices and innovations of other dioceses and schools across Australia.
CNA is a unique network of people who are passionate about student learning and engagement, and who are willing to collaborate and support each other. Being part of the CNA executive gives me access to a national perspective and a national voice on the issues that matter for Catholic education.
It is not always an easy juggle between the competing focuses, but I’m fortunate to have a supportive team that’s equally passionate about amplifying the message of CNA.
Q: What are some of the recent achievements of the Communications Working Group that you are proud of?
A: A key success would be the evolution of our website, which used to be a very poorly constructed and unattractive beast, and now it's a thriving place for CNA members and the broader public to celebrate the great work that's happening in our schools. We’re also regularly developing templates and tools to help raise awareness and understanding of CNA. If you have any ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@cna.catholic.edu.au.
Q: What upcoming focuses are you most excited about?
A. I'm enthusiastic about several initiatives that will enhance communication and solidify CNA's position as a leading organization for Catholic education. The Communications Working Group's launch of a targeted newsletter series for educators nationwide is a significant step. By gathering feedback on this initial effort, we can continuously refine the content and format to better resonate with educators.
Also, we’re excited about the new collaboration that will be possible in the recently launched centralised content management environment.
Q: What of the many challenges facing Australian schools are you most passionate about?
A. I’m passionate about ensuring equitable access to technology for all students. In my previous role, I saw firsthand how regional and remote schools often struggle with limited tech support and resources. Distance, smaller school sizes, and fewer technological tools can make even basic IT interactions a challenge.
This passion for digital equity translates perfectly to my work at CNA. It's a widespread issue, and collaborating with a national network allows us to share best practices and work together to bridge the digital divide. By addressing this challenge, we can ensure all students, regardless of location, have the tools and support they need to succeed in the digital age.
Thanks for speaking with us Ben. If you’d like to learn more about the Communication Working Group or have any suggestions, please contact us at info@cna.catholic.edu.au.
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