2002

20th May 2002
Catholic School Communities Gather for Launch of New Vision Statement
About 150 teachers, students, priests, parents and administrative staff representing the Catholic school system in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will gather at Hamilton's Sacred Heart Cathedral tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday 21st May) for a ceremony to launch a new vision statement for Catholic schools.

According to Mr Michael Bowman, Director of Catholic Schools, "It is important that we celebrate and give attention to the creation of a new vision statement.

"Our new vision statement for Catholic schools calls for the entire diocesan community to understand the purpose of our Catholic schools; to appreciate efforts to make them more inclusive, transparent and accountable; and to base them entirely on the person of Jesus Christ, his teachings and the Church which he established."

Mr Bowman said, "This new vision statement builds on a 1991 statement and is the result of extensive consultation and agreement with parish priests and school principals."

Commenting on the new vision statement for schools, Bishop Michael Malone said, "Over fifty years ago Catholic schools struggled to exist. They were attached to parish communities which supported them with varying degrees of success. Religious women and men battled inadequate conditions, high class loads and limited financial assistance.

"As a result of their considerable efforts, Catholic schools have emerged from those years of struggle with new purpose, mission and vision. But in one sense, Catholic schools are faced with more challenges than in the past, because of new socio-political and cultural factors. To survive in the present context requires not only strong commitment and solid values, but a clear unequivocal vision of what the Catholic school is, what its expectations are, and how it will achieve them."

Following a dramatic and symbolic presentation led by students from St Francis Xavier's College, Hamilton, Bishop Malone and Mr Bowman will officially launch the document to the Catholic school communities.

The Catholic Schools' Vision Statement will be launched at 1:00 pm on Tuesday 21st May 2002
SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL, 827 HUNTER STREET, NEWCASTLE

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