Governance Changes
Governance of Catholic Schools.
As parents are currently aware the Governance of each Catholic Primary Schools is the responsibility of the Parish Priest. Following a recommendation from the Royal Commission this governance structure must change by 2021. The Archdiocese of Melbourne and Catholic Education Melbourne are in consultation currently with schools and Parish Priest around what this new Governance Model will look like. The following thought from Archbishop Peter Commensoli’s message at the outset of the process expresses an important consideration in our current endeavours: ‘Our parents and families of Catholic school students deserve the best and the safest learning environments we can offer for their children, and good governance is one of the ways we can ensure the future of Catholic education in the years ahead.’
The proposed model under consultation is:
A Steering Committee has been establish that includes:
|
Jim Miles |
Acting Executive Director |
CEM |
|
Fr Michael Gallacher |
Parish Priest |
Glen Iris |
|
Fr Mark Reynolds |
Parish Priest |
Surrey Hills |
|
Nigel Zimmermann |
Principal Advisor to Archbishop |
CAM |
|
Paul Velten |
Director – Finance & Corporate Services |
CAM |
|
Tracy Connors |
Parent representative |
CSPV |
|
Victoria Wissell |
Primary Principal – St Brigid's School |
Healesville |
|
Christina Utri |
Secondary Principal – Catholic Regional College |
St Albans |
|
Anna Rados |
Acting Assistant Director, Enterprise Services |
CEM |
|
Paul Sharkey |
Director, Catholic Leadership and Governance |
CEM |
Timeline and Process
October 2019 to June 2020
- Regional Forums with PPs and Principals
- Working Parties develop a framework
- Website with Fact sheets, FAQ, regular updates
July 2020 to January 2021
- Constitution of Company Ltd. established
- School advisory committee charters written
- Employment, assets and liabilities, lease arrangements transfer to Company Ltd.
- All responsible persons registered
- All principals attest to regulatory compliance
- January 2021 all 292 schools come under the new governance arrangements
I will keep the School Board updated on matters regarding Governance over the next 12 months.
Regards
Michael Juliff