STORY - "Recognition for Director of Schools "

Director of Catholic Schools Dr Wayne Tinsey is the 2006 recipient of the
Br John Taylor Award for Excellence in Education. The NSW Catholic Education Commission sponsors this annual award in honour of former Executive Director, the late Br John Taylor CFC .

Wayne was nominated for this prestigious award by Bishop Michael, who said, “I am continually impressed by Wayne 's commitment to the highest ideals of Catholic education, and indeed the Catholic faith.”

On being notified of the award, Wayne said, “I am personally gratified and humbled to receive this honour. I am deeply appreciative of the confidence that Bishop Michael has in me. The mission of Jesus cannot be understood without an option for the poor. The Developing World has taught me much in this regard. Education is a privilege which brings responsibilities. I see this award as an endorsement of our humble efforts to promote an option for poor and marginalised in Catholic education in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.”

A missionary post with the Christian Brothers in Peru early in his career has had a significant impact upon Wayne both personally and professionally. This experience and subsequent travels have been formative influences on Wayne 's commitment to social justice and his leadership in education.

Before arriving in Newcastle , Wayne was concurrently the Director of the Catholic Institute of Western Australia, Director of the Edmund Rice Centre for Social Justice and Head of the School of Religious Education at the University of Notre Dame (Fremantle Campus).

In addition to developing programmes and teaching, Wayne was in demand as a leader of staff retreats. He never accepted remuneration for this work, insisting that “Catholic education has afforded me a good living and there is no need for extra payment.”

Wayne holds postgraduate degrees in education and theology. His doctoral field of study, Teachers, Clergy and Catholic Schools is widely regarded as a valuable contribution to Catholic education and informs numerous programmes for senior staff and principals across Australia . Wayne 's research has provided a template for constructive and positive dialogue between clergy and teachers in their common mission in Catholic education.

Wayne 's commitment to the Church of the Poor has been highlighted by outreach to developing communities in India , Cambodia and East Timor , with whom partnerships have now been forged. The Teachers Helping Teachers programme is a fine example of these partnerships, enabling local teachers to contribute directly and regularly to their counterparts in India.

Year 12 students from a number of local schools travelled to India during their recent vacation. They were led by two teachers who participated in the first Director's Study Tour to India in 2005. Thus this initiative has led to some 25 members of the diocesan community witnessing self help projects in India in just over twelve months.

At Wayne 's invitation, Fr Freddie D'Souza visited the diocese last year, addressing most school principals and launching Teachers Helping Teachers. Initiatives such as JUSTArt and JUSTFilm, programmes which engage the wider educational and Catholic community in social justice issues, have been encouraged.

All these are direct results of Wayne 's spirited promotion of a real understanding of, and a genuine commitment to, the needs of the poor.

Wayne has overseen an extensive and independent system-wide review and renewal, at the request of Bishop Michael. Most of the Review's recommendations have been acted upon. This has required strong, steadfast and value-driven leadership. Justice and the pastoral care of individuals have been given priority.

Wayne has initiated a review of the financial arrangements of the school system with an emphasis on developing fee relief for poor families. This programme, while still in development, has had some immediate impact with the diocese now offering fee support for children of parents on health care cards. The introduction of this model makes operative the values of inclusion and option for the poor.

Under Wayne 's leadership the Catholic Schools Office has altered the way in which teachers in the diocese are employed, bringing the local system into line with common practice throughout the state. This development, regarded by many as the most significant change to Catholic education in the diocese in 25 years, was undertaken in a manner which avoided industrial disputes and which respected the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders. This move reflected Wayne 's view that local communities should be empowered to participate in the way schools are staffed and resourced.

Bishop Michael said, “I know that all join me in warmly congratulating Wayne . The diocese is fortunate to have his services and looks forward to his continued contribution.”

.Tracey Edstein

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