The Bishop of Lismore wants to ensure that every child receiving a Catholic education will continue to be able to access a Catholic school. The Lismore Diocesan School Review Commission has been established to make recommendations to the Bishop of Lismore on the future of Catholic schools in flood-affected areas.

In doing their work, the Diocesan School Review Commission has commenced communication with parents and families, staff, parishes and the broader community. The Commission’s work is also looking at the Church's educational mission, new ways of teaching and learning, and longer-term changes in population across the region.

As with many other community organisations, businesses and residents in the Lismore region, whether or not our properties can be insured is a big consideration in making decisions about our future. Advice from the Church insurer is that schools in high-risk flood areas are uninsurable.

At this stage, these schools include:

·Our Lady Help of Christians, South Lismore

·St Joseph's Primary, Woodburn

·St Joseph's Primary, South Murwillumbah

·Trinity Catholic College, Lismore (both campuses)

The Diocesan School Review Commission is assessing the next steps in light of this advice. Our Lady Help of Christians South Lismore, St Joseph's Primary Woodburn and Trinity Catholic College are currently operating at temporary locations while St Joseph's Primary, South Murwillumbah, has returned to Wardrop St and remains open for all students.

The Commission recognises that our school communities are looking for certainty. Given the long-term nature of decisions that may arise from the review it is important that we take the time to look at the full range of options and talk extensively with school and church communities.

This is an opportunity to ensure we continue to deliver the very best educational outcomes for the students and families entrusted to our care. In 20, 50 or 100 years the students and families here in this region, learning in our schools, will be able to look back and see the significant positive outcomes of the work of the Commission.

Whatever the outcome of the review, the Diocesan School Review Commission wants to reassure all in the community that Catholic education will continue to have a strong presence across the Lismore Diocese and will do its best to ensure that every child wishing to have a Catholic education will be able to access a Catholic school.

Many people are still living in temporary housing, many are struggling to rebuild and so many are facing uncertainty. Our schools are and will continue to be safe and secure places for children to learn in a caring environment, and the Diocese continues to support many families still doing it very tough and recovering from the floods.

The Diocesan School Review Commission looks forward to meeting with school communities soon. We thank staff, families and parish communities for their patience as we undertake the review and for their work in ensuring students in flood-affected schools continue to get the best possible education and support.