Monday 22nd June, 2020
The Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop Shane Mackinlay has announced a new and exciting era in the governance of Catholic Education. Following six months of meetings, discussions and listening assemblies, a model of governance has been developed to best serve Catholic Education into the future.
From the beginning, parish priests, principals, school board chairs and Catholic Education Office staff have been part of the conversation to ensure a collaborative approach throughout the discernment. Each stakeholder has played an important role in ensuring the selection of the best governance model for Sandhurst schools.
“This is an important moment in the history of Catholic Education in the Sandhurst Diocese. The new model is critical to enhancing the governance processes and structures for Catholic Education,” said Bishop Mackinlay.
“Catholic Education Sandhurst will be incorporated to strengthen responsibilities for the diocesan governance and operation of Catholic schools, which have previously been operated by Parish.”
“With the widening responsibilities of our priests and the increasing demands of governance, it was imperative that we develop a new a model of governance for Sandhurst Catholic schools. I am confident that we have arrived at a governance model that will sustain and enrich the integral role of our Catholic education system in the life and ministry of our parishes for many years to come,” said Bishop Shane.
“Because the spiritual formation and educational achievement of each student is central to the life and spirit of our schools, the governance model focuses on students while providing robust structures for accountability, transparency and inclusivity,” he said.
“I thank the members of the working party and all the stakeholders of the Sandhurst Diocese for the spirit in which they have taken part in this important process,” he said.
The School Governance Working Party (SGWP) was established in November 2019 to guide and inform the process. Chairperson of the SGWP, Dr Dan White said he was very satisfied with the interaction and feedback from stakeholders. “It was critical that every person had the opportunity to have input into the discussions and assemblies. The success of the discussions was due to the integrity, respect and trust of all those involved,” said Dan.
“I look forward to building on the excellent educational practices and Catholic heritage that are already vibrantly present within our schools. I am confident that this new incorporated model will guide the future of Catholic Education Sandhurst, while celebrating and building on our tradition,” said Bishop Mackinlay.
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