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- Cardinal Parolin: Pope serene despite 'pain' over Archbishop Viganò's testimony
- Australian bishops, religious say seal of confession is sacred
- Why Catholic schools aren't asking for a special deal
- Curriculum review must align with Gonski 2.0 & address middle years
- Thinking Strategically
- Engaging Parents
- How to Fail with Finesse
- ACSP State Conference Save the Date
- University of Newcastle Researcher on Disability Standards for Education
- Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards
Cardinal Parolin: Pope serene despite 'pain' over Archbishop Viganò's testimony
While recent accusations by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò have created tension in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis is approaching the situation calmly, the Vatican secretary of state said. In an interview posted Aug. 30 by "Vatican Insider," the online news supplement to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that in situations like the current crisis "that obviously creates so much bitterness and worry," the pope "has the ability to take a very serene approach."
"From what I saw — I haven't seen him today, but I have seen him in these days; I was with him during the trip to Ireland and after — he seems serene," Parolin said.
In an 11-page statement, published Aug. 26, Viganò, who served as nuncio to the United States from 2011 to 2016, accused church officials, including Pope Francis, of failing to act on accusations of abuse of conscience and power by now-Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. Viganò claimed he told Pope Francis about McCarrick in 2013.
Citing the rights of the faithful to "know who knew and who covered up (McCarrick's) grave misdeeds," Viganò also named nearly a dozen former and current Vatican officials — including Parolin — who he claimed were aware of the accusations. Read Full Article Here
Read LessAustralian bishops, religious say seal of confession is sacred
Australia's Catholic bishops and religious orders, responding to recommendations from the Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, accepted 98 percent of its suggestions, but said they could not accept recommendations that would violate the seal of confession. "We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people while maintaining the seal. We do not see safeguarding and the seal as mutually exclusive," said the preamble to a 57-response to dozens of recommendations concerning child safety, formation of priest and religious workers, ongoing training in child safety and even out-of-home care service providers.
The response, published Aug. 31, came eight-and-a-half months after the Royal Commission released its 17-volume report on child sexual abuse. The report was based on five years of hearings, nearly 26,000 emails, and more than 42,000 phone calls from concerned Australians. In February 2017, Australian church leaders spent three weeks testifying before the commission. Read Full Article Here
Read LessWhy Catholic schools aren't asking for a special deal
The Australian school landscape has been a foundational element of our nation's success story.
For generations, our schools have been places where children have received instruction and developed. They are renowned for their equality of opportunity and comprehensive offering across the nation. In global terms, it is unique, marked by a well-established public education network and supported by a parallel system of faith-based and other non-government schools.
The success of this model rests on the principle – held by federal governments for over 50 years – that parents should have choices about how and where their children are educated, and that government funds children's education equitably, regardless. That's why it is appropriate that government supports non-state provided education.
This means vigilance is required when a public policy proposal puts this crucial piece of social infrastructure risk. The federal government's 2017 changes to the school funding model did just that. The ramifications are still being sorted out today.
Read LessCurriculum review must align with Gonski 2.0 & address middle years
Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) supports the NSW Government’s review of the Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum, particularly the focus on overcrowding and how to improve the design and presentation to better support teaching, learning, assessment and reporting. CSNSW Chief Executive Officer Dallas McInerney said that the review was a critical opportunity to align NSW curriculum reform processes with the Australian Government’s Gonski 2.0 agenda. “The Federal and State governments need to have close regard for each other’s reform processes and look for ways they can be progressed jointly to avoid competing objectives or timeframes.” Mr McInerney said the review must also address student engagement between Years 7 and 9. “There is always much focus and discussion on what is best during the K-2 years of learning and in the lead-up to the Higher School Certificate. “What is often neglected in curriculum debates are the middle years, particularly in Year 9 where research has shown that maintaining student engagement is often a real challenge.
Read LessThere are two key factors that drive most organisations: strategy and culture. It applies to businesses, not-for-profits and schools. For many schools, strategy is simply assumed, a consequence of regulatory and system demands. However, strategy is more than a thoroughly documented strategic plan, it is a way of thinking.
‘A strategic plan is basically knowing where an organisation is going. It can be defined as a roadmap to sustainable value creation based on the best possible information available at the time.’ AICD
Read LessResearch shows there is a major difference between involving parents in schooling and engaging parents in learning. Parent involvement is about harnessing what parents can do to help the school realise its outcomes, whereas parent engagement is about them being an extended part of the pedagogic process. However, both are necessary if the aspiration of raising achievement is to be fulfilled – and there is a wide range of ways to do so, some of which are explored here.
Read LessThomas Edison is credited with saying: ‘I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’ His commitment to persevere with his work and his motivation to keep learning from what didn’t work led to Edison’s ultimate lightbulb moment. School leaders need to ensure their schools promote a true culture of learning by acknowledging ‘failing’ as an important part of the learning process and building a school that celebrates growth and effort as well as achievement.
Read LessACSP State Conference Save the Date
ACSP State Conference will be held next year from 22nd to 24th May at the Sheraton on the Park. The Theme What Matters Most – Faith, Learning and Well Being in Our Catholic Schools. We have confirmed Pasi Sahlberg to continue the conversation from our last conference as well as Donna Cross, Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop Peter Ingham and Ben Waldon. Simon Breakspear has also been invited. We have also confirmed the conference dinner to be held in the Museum
University of Newcastle Researcher on Disability Standards for Education
University of Newcastle researchers would like to hear views from principals, teachers and learning support officers on how the Disability Standards for Education are put into practice in schools, and what professional learning would be of benefit. If you would like more information about this research, please follow this link www.dseinpractice.com and, if after reading the Information Statement, you agree to participate, you can complete the survey online. Your participation will provide valuable insight. Survey participants may elect to be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift voucher. This research is being conducted by Dr. Kerry Dally, Prof John Fischetti and Michelle Ralston, a PhD candidate. Website and Survey link For more information, contact: Name: Michelle Ralston Tel: 02-49216744 Email michelle.ralston@newcastle.edu.au
Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards
Do you know a great teacher who inspires curiosity, makes a difference and is shaping a brighter future for their students and their school? We want to hear about them!
I'm pleased to let you know that applications open soon for the 2019 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards, an initiative of Schools Plus and the Commonwealth Bank.
The Teaching Awards celebrate excellence in teaching and school leadership. This year, 12 outstanding educators from throughout Australia will receive a $45,000 Teaching Fellowship, including $30,000 for a project at their school, $10,000 for professional development and a $5,000 study tour to a high-performing education system.
Applications opened on 27 August
Visit teachingawards.com.au for more information, to apply for an Award or to nominate a great teacher or school leader you know.