Media Release Archives
November 2010 Four Scholarships Awarded To Catholic School Principals
October 2010 Mary MacKillop a Saint for Australia and New Zealand
September 2010 Canterbury Earthquake and Integrated Schools
September 2010 Canterbury Earthquake
May 2010 Catholic Schools Day, May 19th, 2010
January 2010 The Newest Catholic School Opens Its Doors
December 2009 Four Scholarships Awarded To Catholic School Principals
July 2009 Catholic Education Convention
January 2009 Inspiration Tempered By Realism Is The 2009 Education Touchstone
Four Scholarships Awarded To Catholic School Principals
Latest professional development and research scholarships will benefit the Catholic educational community
Dennis Fahey, Marcellin College, Auckland, Craig McKernan, St Francis Xavier School, Whangarei, Karl Zimmerman, St Anne’s School, Wanganui, and Margaret Coleman, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Sumner, are the latest Catholic school Principals to receive Catholic leadership scholarships, awarded by the New Zealand Catholic Education Office.
The scholarships provide significant financial support for the principals’ professional study and for research they are undertaking which will benefit the Catholic schooling system.
Dennis Fahey will visit a number of New Zealand schools to learn about best practice in developing student self management. He will then do follow up work with other principals.
Craig McKernan will undertake a number of leadership papers through the Australian Catholic University. He has a particular interest in leadership styles, and intends to share his learning with principals in the Northland area, and in Auckland.
Karl Zimmerman is undertaking leadership papers through Massey University. He is proactive in encouraging potential leaders, and is planning to develop research work on Catholic education in New Zealand.
Margaret Coleman plans to explore how the use of professional supervision can further develop the leadership skills of principals in Catholic schools in New Zealand. As well as attending training on professional supervision, she will conduct interviews with a number of principals in New Zealand and Australia to establish the methods they currently use to support their practice. She hopes to build a network of appropriately qualified supervisors, and promote the uptake of supervision by senior educators..
NZCEO is delighted to be able to support outstanding leadership in Catholic schools through these scholarships.
30 Nov 2010
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
Mary MacKillop a Saint for Australia and New Zealand
On 17th October Mary MacKillop, Mother Mary of the Cross, co-foundress of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, will become a Saint of the Church, when she is canonised in Rome.
Mary MacKillop was born in Melbourne in 1842, and as a member of a large and poor family she early developed a love for education, a passion for justice and a deep reliance on God in the most trying circumstances. In her early 20s she committed herself to education, focusing on the educational needs of families in rural and isolated areas in Australia, and then in New Zealand also. Her philosophy was summed up in her statement “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
In 1883 the first Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart came to New Zealand, to open a school in Temuka, and in the following ten years another nine parish primary schools were opened in rural New Zealand. By 1963, 163 Sisters were teaching in 36 primary schools and three secondary schools throughout the country.
Since then, Sisters have diversified into a range of ministries, including pastoral care in parishes, schools, family support and care services in rural and isolated communities, and educational work in various organisations.
The New Zealand Catholic Education Office, along with New Zealand’s Catholic schools, warmly congratulates the Sisters of St Joseph (affectionately referred to as the Brown Joes) for their long and illustrious contribution to the education of thousands of New Zealanders. Vision, dedication and enthusiasm are the hallmarks of good education – the Sisters can proudly stand and honestly accept this descriptive accolade.
Mary MacKillop’s Canonisation will be celebrated as follows in New Zealand:
Wellington Archdiocese: November 1, 5.30pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Dunedin Diocese: November 7, 11am at Arrowtown (where a school was established in 1897).
Auckland Diocese: November 13, 11.30am St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Christchurch Diocese: November 20, 1pm at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, and November 21, 11am at St Joseph’s Church, Temuka.
Hamilton Diocese: November 28, 2pm at St Mary’s Church, Rotorua.
Palmerston North Diocese: December 4, 11am at Holy Spirit Cathedral.
For more information about Mary MacKillop visit www.marymackillop.org.au.
For information about the Sisters of St Joseph visit www.sosj.org.au.
Many New Zealanders will join in congratulating the Sisters of St Joseph – they have served the nation well.
15 October 2010
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
Canterbury Earthquake and Integrated Schools
- Proprietors of Integrated Schools
- Principals and Staff of Integrated Schools
- Interested Parties
Dear Colleagues,
Greetings.
- This is a brief update on the state of our Integrated schools in the Canterbury region.
- Overall, our schools have escaped major damage as a result of the earthquake. Several have significant damage and one will not be able to be used for a long time. In this instance students will either be relocated or some other provision made for their ongoing education.
- Superb work has been done by the respective Proprietors, Principals and Trustees of each of these schools to ascertain the safety issues that have had to be addressed. At the same time excellent interaction with the Ministry of Education at national and regional levels has also been occurring.
- The Minister of Education, The Honourable Anne Tolley, has orally been in touch, expressing her empathy, support and good will for our Integrated schools – this has been sincerely appreciated.
- Most schools will probably be open by Monday 13th. This, however, will be dependent on civil and medical authorities being satisfied that safety, water and sanitary issues are at a satisfactory operational standard. Effectively, Boards of Trustees will be guided in their decision making about opening their schools by local and regional authorities.
- There is no doubt that psychological and sociological pressures are significant issues for many adults, and particularly children in the region, as the trauma of what has happened and continues to happen, becomes more apparent.
- On behalf of our national Integrated school system, support, good will and empathy are extended to all of our Canterbury colleagues. We are all in admiration for the way in which they have handled this unexpected disaster.
Offering you all support and best wishes.
Sincerely
8 September 2010
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
Canterbury Earthquake
- Principals, Staff and Trustees
- Proprietor of Catholic Schools
Dear Colleagues,
Greetings!
- On behalf of the Directors of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office and the staff of NZCEO, I offer you empathy and active support in what is a significant challenge for many of you.
- The shock of the earthquake and the clean up associated with the aftermath are all difficult issues for each of you!
- Given the strength of your collaborative Cantabrian spirit, plus your entrepreneurial get up and go, you will get on top of the situation you face.
- Besides seeking guidance from your Proprietor regarding any damage your school property may have sustained, up to date information on the wider administrative issues from the Ministry of Education and civil authorities can be viewed on the Ministry of Education website www.minedu.govt.nz . Additionally this Help Line is available: 0800 225590 from 8.00am until 5.00pm daily. A separate message has been sent to your Proprietor on the subject.
- On behalf of our Catholic Integrated school system, please be assured of our support, prayers and goodwill. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please be in touch.
With very best wishes
Sincerely
7 September 2010
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
Catholic Schools Day, May 19th, 2010
- The 240 Catholic schools throughout the country will celebrate Catholic Schools’ Day on May 19th. The occasion is one where each school actively acknowledges its connection with the Catholic national system of schools comprising 66,000 students.
- The theme of the day is, “Be the Change”. This is a rallying call challenging each school to reflect and review what they are doing to ensure delivery of an education which is engaging for students, enabling them to grow into contributing global citizens.
- Part of the ethos of Catholic schools is to nurture leadership skills in students so they are able to make the world a better place through creativity and service to others.
- By being part of an international brand which is networked throughout the world, Catholic schools place great emphasis on excellence and achievement, underpinned by values which are widely recognised as foundational for a fulfilling and happy life. The schools make no apology for placing an emphasis on spiritual and faith development as the dynamo for positive action in New Zealand society and in the world at large.
- The vast majority of our schools will mark the special day in some way or other.
18 May 2010
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
Leadership Of The Secondary Principals Association Of New Zealand
It has just been announced that Patrick Walsh, Principal of John Paul College, Rotorua, has been elected as the new President of the Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand. His Deputy is Paul Daley, the principal of Sancta Maria College, Botany, Auckland.
This is an historic occasion to have the leadership of this national principals’ association headed by two principals from Catholic Colleges.
Previously Pat Lynch, CEO NZCEO and Paul Ferris, principal of Kavanagh College, Dunedin have been Presidents of SPANZ.
It is a great tribute to Patrick Walsh and Paul Daley that they have been so honoured by their colleagues. These leadership roles are very important since they involve close inaction with the Government, the political establishment, the education sector, the media and the public of New Zealand.
The milestone is also a recognition that Catholic colleges are seen to actively contribute to the well-being of New Zealand.
Congratulations are extended to both men.
2 March 2010
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
The Newest Catholic School Opens Its Doors
Early in February the latest New Zealand Catholic School opens its doors to cater for the Catholic population of the new suburb of Flat Bush in Auckland. The primary school, which is on the Sancta Maria College site, will form part of the Sancta Maria Catholic School campus. The new school is called: Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School.
Congratulations are extended from our national school system to Bishop Patrick Dunn and his team who have worked hard over a number of years to bring this school to reality.
Congratulations are also extended to Principal Gina Benade and her staff, and also to the Board of Trustees as they embark on their exciting venture.
The Government has provided 85% of the capital cost of the new school, for which we can all be very grateful.
Over the last sixteen years the New Zealand Catholic bishops have opened fourteen new schools in various parts of the country, which is a wonderful gesture of confidence in our school system. These schools are all doing well Certainly, the future belongs to those who give the next generation hope.
In welcoming the newest school community to our national network, encouragement and good will are extended to everyone associated with our schools as they continue to strive for all that is good and ideal. We recall that the Second Vatican Council was simple in its statement about why the Church and our school system exist: “That God’s kingdom may come, and that the salvation of the whole human race may come to pass”. (Gaudium et Spes, 45a). Our schools are strongly committed to promoting the well-being of New Zealand society and to doing their bit in addressing the challenges of the global community,
As a Catholic community we believe in the future and as people of hope we seek to inspire those we serve.
29 January 2010
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
Four Scholarships Awarded To Catholic School Principals
Latest professional development and research scholarships will benefit the Catholic educational community
Anne Miles, McAuley High School, Otahuhu, John Young, St Joseph’s School, Upper Hutt, Stasia Kennedy, St Joseph’s School, Levin and Marie Barrett, St John Bosco School, New Plymouth, are the latest Catholic School Principals to receive Catholic leadership scholarships, awarded by the New Zealand Catholic Education Office. Anne Miles and John Young were awarded the ‘Spotless’ Scholarship, sponsored by the Auckland-based company, Spotless.
The scholarships provide significant financial support for the principals’ professional study and for research they are undertaking which will benefit the Catholic schooling system.
Anne Miles will travel to the United Kingdom to study how low decile schools are raising academic achievement, and the link between Catholic Character and achievement.
Stasia Kennedy will travel to the United States to work with Dr Ken Merrell of the Oregon Resiliency Project focusing on the development of strong young people, and the use of social-emotional assets and resiliency scales.
John Young will travel to South Australia to work with Professor Alan Reid on school self review.
Marie Barrett is attending workshops on Mindful Leadership, and will further develop her work with Dr Samir Heble, Clinical Director of Mental Health for the Taranaki Health Board, so that mindful living and learning becomes embedded in the school.
NZCEO is delighted to be able to support outstanding leadership in Catholic schools, through these scholarships.
28 November 2009
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
Catholic Education Convention
The Catholic Education Convention took place on July 29th – 30th, 2009 in the Wellington Convention Centre.
Over 1,000 people attended from all around New Zealand, making it a landmark event in the history of New Zealand’s Catholic schools. Today Catholic Schools educate 66,000 students in 239 schools, they make up 75% of the number of students in State Integrated Schools.
The theme of the gathering was, “Be The Change”. This focused on the special character ethos of the schools. Seminars were presented by leading principals and teachers who provided ideas and inspiration, which will enable participants to go back to their schools and put into practice what they have seen and heard from others.
Highlights of the gathering were addresses by Professor Gerald Grace from the University of London and Professor Michael Gallagher whose address was presented by video link from Dublin. Professor Gallagher lectures at the Vatican’s Gregorian University.
The Minister of Education, the Honourable Anne Tolley, addressed the gathering offering encouragement to the teachers, principals, trustees and others associated with Catholic schools. She urged them to continue to deliver high quality special character education, which contributes to the mosaic of diversity which is a strength of New Zealand’s education system. She was well received by the gathering.
Catholic schools seek to positively contribute to the well-being of New Zealand society and the global community. They are grateful for the support they receive from Government and the wider community.
31 July 2009
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
Inspiration Tempered By Realism Is The 2009 Education Touchstone
The recent inauguration of President Barrack Obama not only marks a dramatic milestone in American history, it also represents a recurring theme where inspiration provided by a leader taps the aspirations of many millions of people, not only in the United States of America, but elsewhere in the world.
Human beings always respond to being challenged, particularly when they see that their lives and the lives of those about them can be bettered. If the 21st century is calling out for anything it is deeply receptive to leaders, at whatever level in society, who put before people a vision for the betterment of their world and at the same time provide the inspiration to do something about it.
Inspiration is not a commonly found commodity. It is however, found in the behaviour of mentors and achievers. Principals and teachers are in privileged positions to provide the inspiration many young people require to spark their engagement with the world and to set them off on the path to success.
As the world faces financial uncertainty, principals and teachers are able to demonstrate that with inspiration, resilience and hard work, their charges will be able to better cope with the challenges they encounter.
History has taught us that the strongest asset we all have is the human spirit’s capacity for enduring hope in the face of adversity. This is a lesson all schools have the responsibility of conveying to their students.
http://www.scoopit.co.nz/shakeit.php
30 January 2009
Patrick J. Lynch
C.E.O.
Contact:
p.lynch@nzceo.org.nz
(04) 496-1739 Wk
(027 4) 905 396 Mobile.
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