Principal
It is stating the obvious that we are all living through an era of increasing accountability. This is true in our workplaces and in other dimensions of our lives. Think of involvements in clubs, associations and recreational pursuits to name a few. Accountability applies to us as individuals with specific roles in a workplace as well as to the workplace entity itself - the company, the employer or the entity for whom we work. Quite rightly, we (the individual and the collective) are held to account for our actions. On a very prominent scale, public institutions in Australia, such as the Catholic Church, the banking system and our disability and aged care systems, have been held to account through Royal Commissions in recent years.
The era of accountability certainly also applies to schools and education systems. As a school, it is vital to the integrity of what we do every day at Nudgee College that we are held to account. In 2021, there are two significant accountability processes that the College will undergo with external bodies. These were flagged at the Parent Information Evenings back in February.
The first accountability process will be undertaken in two weeks time. This accountability process, which is called School Renewal, is conducted by our governing body, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), and it is undertaken every five years. Our School Renewal was scheduled for May last year but due to the COVID-19 lockdown it was delayed until 2021. To use the language of EREA School Renewal is described in this way:
‘Primarily, School Renewal presents a structure for accountability to the Church, the Christian Brothers and EREA about the Catholicity and the expression of the charism in the schools. It is a comprehensive process leading to continuous improvement in key areas of the school life related to the EREA Charter and Touchstones.
Renewal also presents a secondary accountability within the Strategic Directions of EREA, as a reporting methodology to the EREA Board and, in relevant jurisdictions, an accountability methodology to National, State, Territory and Diocesan Catholic Education system processes.
School Renewal offers a strategic opportunity for each EREA School to capture meaningful information which may contribute to future planning and improvement.
School Renewal recognises the interdependence of the Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition with each other, the Church, EREA Council, Board, Catholic Education systems, State jurisdictions and the whole EREA family.’
In short, School Renewal is asking: are we authentic to who we say we are when we claim to be a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition? Importantly, the Renewal report will provide guidance for us for our future improvement and direction. The EREA panel will visit the College on 12 to 14 May and interviews will be held with staff, students, parents and members of the community. Details of the numerous interview groups will be shared with those involved in the coming days.
In preparation for their visit a number of information gathering tasks have already been undertaken. In March, an EREA survey of all students from Year 7 to 12, who were at the College prior to the start of the year, was conducted. In total 1,200 responses were received and overwhelmingly the feedback from our students was positive.
Some sample survey statements and responses include the following:
- I would describe the relationships within this school as: respected - 96% always/ often/ sometimes
- In this school, I feel that I am: safe & I belong - 95% always/ often/ sometimes
- My lesson experiences inspire me because they are: challenging - 97% always/ often/ sometimes
- My teachers share the story and teachings of Jesus: by using positive language and images - 90% always/ often/ sometimes
We look forward to the School Renewal visit as well as to the report that will follow.
Later this year, the school must successfully complete the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) audit process - a process that is also typically undertaken every five years. If we were unable to pass this rigorous process then we would have to effectively ‘close the gates and shut up the school.’ The preparation work for this audit is already underway and I thank our Deputy Principal, Mr David Johnston, for his leadership of this important process and for ensuring that the gates will most certainly stay open.
Finally, a brief heads up for next week:
- We will celebrate the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice next Wednesday 5 May in a variety of ways throughout the day. Similarly, his life will be honoured in over 280 fellow schools in 20 other countries around the world
- Information has been provided elsewhere about our rescheduled House Showcase next Wednesday afternoon. For many boys, staff and families it is one of the highlights of the school year.
- All roads lead to Rockhampton next week for Beef 2021. Our Cattle Club and Show Team will be there throughout the week and various staff, including some members of the CLT, Boarding and Admissions, will be present. The College will have a display in the Sidney Kidman Pavilion throughout the week and we are hosting the Bull Dust Dinner on Wednesday night at Headrick's Lane.
Every best wish for the week ahead.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
