VATICAN II WE, THE BAPTISED, ARE THE CHURCH

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SCHOOL BOARD PRESERVICE PROGRAM
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REFLECTION
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To each the Lord gives a piece of the wisdom .
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• People in our school community are invited to
  share their wisdom with others.

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STAFF
Needs of children
Jesus teachings
Teaching Learning
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Students
Preferred Learning Style
Their needs
Their love for each other
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Prayer support
Liturgical celebrations
Celebration of the sacraments
FAITH COMMUNITY
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Sharing knowledge
Developing partnerships with schools
Supporting families in need
COMMUNITY GROUPS
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Knowledge of your children
Sharing gifts talents
Assisting in the classroom and throughout the
school
PARENTS
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Jesus the ultimate leader who shares his wisdom
through the messages in sacred scripture.
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Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same
spirit and there are varieties of services but
the same Lord (1 Corinthians 124) We are
constantly challenged to choose how we use these
qualities and gifts As a parent As a
friend As a member of the church community As
a member of the wider community
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There was once a young man who was wandering home
after a tough day in the fields when he came
across a man crying desperately for help in the
currents of a fast flowing river. He immediately
recognised him as someone he had long
despised. So, seeing a large stick lying against
a tree he reached down, picked it up and ran
along the river bank teasing the man that he
could rescue him. After watching the fear on the
mans face and listening to him begging to be
saved, the man on the river bank placed the
stick against a nearby tree and continued on his
way.
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Some time later, the same young man was returning
home after another hard days work. Again, he
heard the desperate cries of a man drowning in
the currents of the river He immediately
recognised the cries as those of his beloved
brother. He hurriedly looked around and found the
same stick he had left leaning against the tree.
He picked it up and ran along the river bank
stretching out the stick to save his relieved
brother. They both continued happily on their way
home.
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The stick in the story was unchanging in its
structurein its qualities however it was used
to both destroy and save. Its influence lay in
the hands of the beholder. As Christian Leaders
our bishop has called us to lead in a distinctly
Christian way The
document A Vision For Christian Leadership in
the Diocese of
Rockhampton is a clear blueprint of how we can
make Christian leadership possible within our
schools and our lives.
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Our Bishop explains Each in our own way is
called to be a leader for while Jesus says to
every one of us come follow me(Mat419), he
also says go out into the world and spread the
Good News.(cf Matthew 2819) We are not all
called to be leaders in the same way but we are
invited to lead by our example, our witness, and
at times by proclaiming Gods truth. At this time
of the Churchs journey, we need to walk together
to be a life-giving hope-filled community, built
around the person of Jesus Christ. May the Holy
Spirit breathe courage and confidence into our
lives Bishop Heenan
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The vision for authentic Christian Leadership in
the Diocese of Rockhampton recognises the
following principles.
1. Living Personal
Faith 2. Living
in Relationship
3. Leading by Example
4. Empowering Others 5.
Shaping our Response to the Spirit
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• Living Personal Faith
• Authentic Christian leaders are on a journey
  continually seeking to grow into ever deepening
  personal faith in God, with others and with all
  Gods creation.

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2. Living in Relationship Authentic Christian
leaders Welcome all into the community Work
with others to discover and respect the gift and
value of each individual Support the
establishment of positive networks of
relationships These networks will ignite a
shared vision to live our baptismal call.
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3. Leading by Example Authentic Christian
leaders Model Jesus servant leadership Do not
strive for superiority but understand that
all gifts belong to the community and are used to
serve the Community.
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4. Empowering Others Authentic Christian leaders
are committed to collaborative approaches
that Realise shared leadership in action Enable
visions, skills, and talents to emerge Recognise
the need for ongoing education, formation and
training of all Respect the effective application
of authority in decision-making practices.
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5.Shaping our Response to the Spirit Authentic
Christian leaders Recognise and respect the
movement of the Spirit in the people of God in
their particular place and time. Respect the past
and seek to understand and live in the
presentdiscerning the movement of the
Spirit Will continue to review and renew their
principles and practices of Christian leadership.
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Bishop Brian Heenan
Trust people ..
Connect individuals..
Listen
Nourish belonging...
Pray
Foster growth
Laugh ..
Delegate ...
Be vulnerable ...
Relax
As we walk together to be a life-giving
hope-filled community May the Holy Spirit
breathe courage and confidence into your lives
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PRESENTATION TOPICS

• History
• Purpose Aims
• Shared Wisdom
• Responsibilities
• Membership
• Relationships
• Meetings

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HISTORY

• Boards of Catholic education have grown in number
  and quality since their inception in the late
  1970s.
• The current Model Constitution and Commentary
  draws heavily upon the National Catholic
  Education Commission (NCEC) document Catholic
  School Governance 2002.

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MODEL CONSTITUTION AND COMMENTARY

• In March 2005, the Bishops of Queensland,
  Directors and others involved in Catholic
  education approved the Model Constitution and
  Commentary for Boards of Catholic Education in
  Queensland.
• Initially, each Board will prepare its own
  Constitution based on the Model Constitution and
  submit it to the Diocesan Director, Catholic
  Education, Diocese of Rockhampton for approval.

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PURPOSE

• A School Board provides a structure and process
  for genuine partnership in planning and decision
  making within a Catholic Education community. The
  School Board is not a Board of Governance. The
  term governance refers to the various authority
  structures, decision making processes and lines
  of accountability and responsibility that pertain
  to an organisation or enterprise in this case, a
  Catholic school.

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GOVERNANCE

• The governance of Catholic schools should reflect
  the reality of Catholic education as a
  partnership between parishes and parish priests,
  dioceses and diocesan authorities, religious
  institutes, Catholic Education authorities,
  schools and crucially parents and children.

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AIMS OF THE BOARD

• Identify, enunciate, nurture and celebrate the
  Special Religious Character of the school with
  major and particular emphasis on the Special
  Spirituality of the school.
• Support processes developed by the school staff
  aimed at improving student learning outcomes in
  accordance with the educational vision and
  mission.
• Promote Catholic education that
• Lives out the local Churchs education mission
• Strives for educational excellence and
• Contributes to society.

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COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY ANDSHARING WISDOM

• The philosophy and practice of Collaborative
  Ministry and Sharing Wisdom are the essence of
  decision making and ministry of Boards.

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COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY

• Collaborative Ministry regards participation as a
  member of a Board as a ministry of decision
  making and action arising out of the
  identification and application of the
  complementary gifts of the members.

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SHARING WISDOM

• The Philosophy and practice of Sharing Wisdom can
  be summarised as follows
• To each the Lord gives a piece of the
  wisdom.
• To no one does He give all the wisdom of
  God.
• We all get different pieces.
• And, as a consequence, we must share our
  wisdom.
• We must hear, respect, and treasure one
  anothers
• wisdom.
• We must work for a climate that is open and
• respectful.

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SHARED WISDOM COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY AT A BOARD
MEETING
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QUALITIES OF A BOARD MEMBER CONSEQUENCES
Bring personal gifts to share have your own ideas and share them board membership is service not power
Listen to others respectfully be open to new ideas willingness to minister to the community
Enter openly into discussions be prepared to let your opinions change requires research, consultation and reflection
Recognise the importance of prayer and reflection be willing to listen to THE SPIRIT in others
Be willing to support the consensus of the group have no barrows to push no decision is agreed to unless all members support it at that point in time
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• RESPONSIBILITIES

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1. FUNCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL AND
   BINDING PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNANCE

The love of Christ The role of parents as the primary educators of their children Faithfulness to the Mission of the Church
Church solidarity Support for the common good Embracing the poor
Educational quality Participation Inclusiveness
Unity in diversity Stewardship of resources Rule of Canon Law
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2. COLLABORATE IN NURTURING THESPECIAL
RELIGIOUS CHARACTER OF THE SCHOOL

• Insert outline of Special Religious Character.

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3. PLANNING

• Participate in the planning of the ongoing
  development of the Catholic school in accordance
  with diocesan guidelines, government requirements
  and school renewal planning.
• Review the schools statements of Vision, Mission
  and Special Religious Character periodically, as
  part of the Catholic School Renewal Process.

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4. DEVELOP, REVIEW AND MAINTAIN POLICIES

• Develop, review and maintain policies on matters
  referred to the Board by the Principal or by
  Catholic education authorities.

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SELECTION PROCESS FOR THEAPPOINTMENT OF A
PRINCIPAL

• Participate in the selection process for the
  appointment of a Principal by the Catholic School
  Authority.

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6. SUPPORT FOR STAFF

• Support the staff, especially the Principal, who
  has the day-to-day responsibility for maintaining
  and promoting the Special Religious Character of
  the school.

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7. STAFFING PROVISION OF THE SCHOOL

• Provide advice, at the invitation of the
  Principal, regarding the staffing provision of
  the school with due regard to educational
  excellence and particular emphasis on nurturing
  the Special Religious Character of the school.

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8. CURRICULUM

• Reflect on the Curriculum in accordance with any
  relevant requirements of Government authorities
  and the Diocesan Catholic Education Office,
  Diocese of Rockhampton and without trespassing
  upon areas of professional educational judgement.

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9. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the prudent financial management of the
  school particularly with a view to ensuring
  access to quality education for future
  generations.
• Recommend the annual school budget for approval
  under jurisdictional authority and Catholic
  School Authority guidelines.

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10. SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND PLANT

• Oversee the prudent maintenance of school
  buildings and plant and also plan for the
  provision of future facilities in accordance with
  the guidelines of the Diocesan School Authority.

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OPTION FOR THE DISADVANTAGED

• Seek to ensure that the school fulfils its
  potential as an option for the disadvantaged,
  including the poor.

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12. PROVIDE GENERAL ADVICE

• Provide advice on any matters referred to the
  Board by the Principal.

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13. PREPARATION AND INDUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS

• Facilitate the preparation and induction of Board
  members so that they understand the scope and
  extent of their role.

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14. STANDING COMMITTEES

• Appoint standing committees which will assist in
  carrying out the Boards responsibilities and
  establish temporary task forces for the handling
  of short-term projects of a developmental nature.
• Establish a finance committee where appropriate.

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15. LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT

• Develop an awareness of the roles of government
  and how these impact on the conduct of Catholic
  schools.
• Develop and support strategies designed to
  influence government members and other political
  representatives for the betterment of the school.

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FORMAL/INFORMAL COMMUNICATION

• Establish and maintain networks and processes for
  formal/informal communication between the Board
  and the school and parish communities.

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THE BOARD DOES NOT HAVE POWER TO -

• Control funds
• Enter into contracts
• Acquire, hold, dispose of or deal with, property
• Sue or be sued
• Directly interfere with the operation of the
  school
• Represent sectional groups in the school/parish
  community

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MEMBERSHIP
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MEMBERS

• A member of the Board is a person who ministers
  collaboratively to the community which the board
  serves by fulfilling the duties outlined in the
  Constitution. Such ministry demands that the
  needs and interests of all the communitys
  members are taken into account.

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MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

• Membership is open to all members of the parish
  and school community who have completed a
  formation program and who are committed to
  upholding the Catholic ethos and are prepared to
  observe the Code of Ethics for Board members

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MEMBERSHIP SUITABILITY

• A person who has been found guilty or convicted
  of a serious offence or an offence related to
  dishonesty is ineligible to be a member of the
  Board.
• Members who are 18 years of age or older must be
  holders of a current suitability (blue) card. If
  not a current holder, must be willing to apply
  for the same.
• However a volunteer parent of a child attending
  the school or a registered teacher under the
  Education Act 2005 does not require a blue card.

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CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

• EX OFFICIO
• Parish Priest/Spiritual Leader
• Principal
• Secondary College Administration Team Member
• RBLO where applicable

• ELECTED
• Parent Members
• Teacher Member/s
• Parish Member

• APPOINTED (optional)
• Special Religious Character Member
• Indigenous/Ethnic Community Members
• Student Member/s

• CO-OPTED
• May be appointed following a decision and
  recommendation by the ex-officio and elected
  members of the Board to Catholic School Authority
  for the specific contributions they might make to
  the Board

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MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE

• In most instances, the number of Board members
  will not be less than seven (7) and will not
  exceed twelve (12)

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• RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURES
• Primary School Board
• Secondary School Board

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• Primary School Board
• One Spiritual Leader Member and
• One Principal Member and
• Three Parent Members and
• One Teacher Member and,
• One Faith Community (parish) member and
• One Special Religious Character Member OR one
  additional parent member and
• Up to two Indigenous/Ethnic Community Members if
  this category is reflected in the composition of
  the school community and
• Up to two co-opted Members determined by a
  consensus decision of the ex-officio and elected
  members of the Board.

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• Secondary School Board
• Spiritual Leader Member and
• One Principal Member and
• One Secondary College Leadership Team Member and
• Four Parent Members and
• One Teacher Member and
• One Student member elected in the way set out in
  this Constitution optional and
• One Special Religious Character Member OR one
  additional parent member and
• Up to two Indigenous/Ethnic Community Members if
  this category is reflected in the composition of
  the school community and
• Up to two co-opted Members determined by a
  consensus decision of the ex-officio and elected
  members of the Board.

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ELECTION OF MEMBERS - PRAYERFUL DISCERNMENT

• The process of election by prayerful discernment
  should be the means by which members are elected
  to the Board
• Where more than one position is vacant, the
  election for each position will be conducted
  separately so that electors may choose who will
  make complementary contributions to the Board
  according to their diverse qualities, knowledge
  and skills

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TERM OF MEMBERSHIP
Ex Officio Member For period of office
Parent Members Three years
Teacher members Three years
Student Member One year
Faith Community (Parish) Member Three years
Co-Opted members One year and renewable up to Three years
The term of office for a member who fills a
casual vacancy on the Board will not extend
beyond the next election, unless officially
elected through the discernment process. An
elected member of the Board will serve no more
than two consecutive terms of office.
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OFFICE BEARERS AND DUTIES
Chairperson/Board Leader Chairperson elected annually Ex-officio members, employees and students are ineligible to be elected Chairperson The Chairperson prepares the agenda for the Board meeting in consultation with the principal
Secretary Secretary elected annually Records the minutes of all Board meetings Forwards the Minutes of the previous meeting and the agenda for the next meeting to members
Accountant/Financial Advisor (Optional) Appointed annually normally from the elected membership of the Board Where a suitably qualified person is not a member of the Board, will be Co-opted Consultative role
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INTERNAL

• RELATIONSHIPS

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PRINCIPAL

• As the Executive Officer of the Board and the
  Educational Leader the Principal
• Provides educational leadership to the school
  community
• Leads policy development
• Is the official channel of communication between
  the Board and the school community
• As Servant of the Board the Principal -
• Provides reports, recommendations and information
  regarding the administration of the school
• implements policy and actions

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PARISH PRIEST/DESIGNATED SPIRITUAL LEADER

• The Parish Priest/ Designated Spiritual
  Leader will
• Ensure Board meetings include opportunities for
  faith sharing
• Share pastoral responsibility for the educational
  community with the members of the Board

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TEACHER MEMBER

• The teacher member on the Board provides the
  Board with a practical perspective of teaching
  and learning in the school

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OTHER MEMBERS

• In the same way that the Teacher Member brings a
  perspective to the Board through his/her
  particular expertise, other members do so from
  the perspective of their own expertise and life
  journey

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EXTERNAL
RELATIONSHIPS
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The Board needs to be able to articulate its
relationship with the -

• Local faith community
• PF Association
• Diocesan Catholic Education Office
• Staff
• Civic Leaders

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• THE
• BOARD
• MEETING

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BOARD MEETINGS

• Will be held at the times and venues as decided
  by the Board
• Will be conducted monthly with a minimum of nine
  (9) meetings per year including the Annual Board
  Information and Election Meeting
• Agenda is set by Principal and Chairperson in
  consultation

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AGENDA AT MEETINGS

WELCOME General in nature
FORMATION Scripture, faith sharing, prayer and reflection
BOARD EDUCATION Knowledge and skills development
MINUTES APPROVAL Endorsement of the minutes
CONFIRM THE WRITTEN REPORT OF ACTION Reflect on the actions as determined at previous meeting
REPORTS Principal reports at each meeting Other reports as required
POLICY DEVELOPMENT, REVIEW AND MONITORING Policy focus is a major function of the Board
OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS Specific issues requiring consideration
CLOSURE CONFIRMATION OF THE DATE OF NEXT MEETING This is an opportunity for members to note items which may be on the agenda for the next meeting
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DECISION MAKING

• Decisions will be reached by dialogue, Sharing
  Wisdom and consensus
• A topic should be sufficiently discussed and
  clarified
• Commitment to consensus requires all members to
  support the collaborative decision of the Board

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ABSENTEE MEMBERS

• In the event that an elected or co-opted member
  of the Board shall have been absent without
  reasonable cause from two consecutive regular
  meetings, the Chairperson or the Principal will
  approach that member to seek clarification of the
  members position.
• If an elected or co-opted member of the board
  shall be absent without reasonable cause from the
  next regular meeting, that membership will be
  declared vacant. Upon such a declaration, that
  member is deemed to have resigned.

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QUESTIONS