Orientation Workshop for Board Members

Guardianship

The declining numbers and increasing age of religious has seen the laity being entrusted more and more with the guardianship of Catholic schools. This workshop assists new board members to take on this guardianship. Through an exploration of Catholic education philosophy and ethos, participants gain an understanding of the endowment which the religious congregations have entrusted to them, and the need to use this endowment as the foundation for the continuance and development of Catholic education.

A workshop about Ethos

This workshop does not deal with the mechanics of board functions such as financial management, fundraising, appointment of staff, maintenance of the school property and new development projects, but focuses, rather, on the responsibility entrusted to boards to nurture the Catholic ethos of our schools.

The big picture

Acting upon Direction Statement 3 of the National Catholic Schools Congress, the workshop also gives new board members a sense of the “big picture” of our two dioceses, calling attention to the disparities amongst our schools and the ensuing need for unity, co-operation, generosity and sharing as our society undergoes transformation.