This article is sponsored by Catholic Education Network (CEnet).
The not-for-profit organisation has raised the bar by launching its AI-powered tool, cechat, specifically designed for the needs of the Australian Catholic school system.
“It is more than just a tool; it’s a testament to our commitment to supporting Catholic educators,” says Alan Ibbett, head of IT. “By providing a specifically tailored AI, grounded in our Catholic teaching and tradition, we’re empowering them to reduce administrative burdens and focus more on what truly matters: nurturing the minds and spirits of their students within our unique educational framework.”
Unlike other AI solutions, cechat is deeply rooted in Catholic theology and values. Its guidance and responses are carefully aligned with the ethos central to Catholic education, ensuring that technology serves not only efficiency but also the holistic development of students.
Developed in close collaboration with educators, cechat is a practical, ethical and highly relevant tool that frees teachers from time-consuming administrative tasks, allowing them to dedicate more energy to their core mission.
A model of collaboration and equity
CEnet’s shared services model is a cornerstone of its success. By pooling resources and expertise across dioceses, CEnet achieves substantial cost savings and ensures that over 370,000 students, teachers and staff across more than 750 schools in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory benefit from robust technology services.
This collaborative approach fosters a dynamic community where educators and IT professionals connect, share insights and collectively enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
The impact of this model is evident not only in the technology delivered but also in the culture it cultivates. Speaking about being recognised by The Educator in the 2025 Service Provider Awards, Ibbett says, “It is a significant recognition for CEnet, but it’s also a powerful affirmation of the incredible collaborative spirit within the entire Catholic education community.
“This award acknowledges not only what CEnet has achieved in terms of innovation and service delivery but also the shared vision and collective efforts of all our dioceses and schools.”
Driving research and continuous improvement
CEnet’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop at deployment. In partnership with the Australian Catholic University (ACU), CEnet is embarking on a new research initiative to investigate the transformative effects of cechat on teacher workload, equity and wellbeing. This research will inform future enhancements and provide evidence-based insights into how AI can best support educators in their daily work.
The takeaway
CEnet is more than a technology provider; it is a catalyst for positive change in Catholic education. Through cechat it is setting a new standard – one where technology, tradition and community come together to empower educators and enrich the lives of students across Australia.
For more, go to cechat.ai and cenet.catholic.edu.au.