“ROLL ON SEPTEMBER!”

“Roll on September!” says one of the participants following this year’s unique sabbatical programme for headteachers of Catholic schools in the North East of England.

Michael O’Brien of Newcastle, moving onto his fourth headship in September says he can’t wait for the new term to begin.

 “After three weeks sabbatical, I feel really inspired, re-invigorated and above all valued.  My beliefs have been reaffirmed and I’ve had time and space to reflect on the real values in education.

Frank McDermott, Sabbatical Co-Director for the four northern dioceses and Director of Schools for the Diocese of Hallam is delighted with the outcome of this fifth headteacher sabbatical:

“This is unlike any other course or conference I have ever facilitated – it’s exciting, dynamic and transformational. One head of 16 years experience also spoke of looking forward to September and seeing the community with ‘fresh’ eyes, as if a veil has been lifted. Sabbatical really does touch peoples’ lives and has a massive impact on the whole school community.”

Sixty seven heads have now experienced sabbatical over the last five years and they continue to meet, share good practice and support each other.

“Our hope is that this type of experience will become an expectation and an entitlement for all Catholic headteachers every five years.  It really does help deepen the quality of real education in our schools and affirms and values our fantastic heads who do such a wonderful job in leading schools that contribute so much to the common good and social cohesion.  It’s a huge privilege to work with such people.”

Photograph attached: Shows a group of this year’s participants with Co-Directors Frank McDermott (centre, back row) Theresa Laverick (centre, in red) and Fr John McNamee, the Episcopal Vicar for Education for the Diocese of Hallam. (far left)

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