Letter to Schools - April 2008
Dear Colleagues
“Education must pay regard to the formation of the whole person, so that all may attain their eternal destiny and at the same time promote the common good of society” Code of Canon Law (Canon 795).
We all wish you well in the final term of this academic year. For some it will seem a lifetime ago that you were actually on holiday at Easter and for others you are just returning. It has been quite a difficult time for some families, including families of school staff, with the very varied holiday patterns across the Diocese. Hopefully we will not have the same problems for a few years.
Insurance
In the event of a serious building problem eg a Voluntary Aided school would be re-built with funds from the Governors’ 10% liability cover and the rest from the Secretary of State. Until recently this never presented a problem because the DCSF were able to access the DFC, LCVAP and Targeted Capital unspent pots of money. However, now that more money has been delegated to schools there is not the same flexibility.
Consideration is now being given as to whether or not it would be possible to take out an insurance policy to cover the Secretary of States “liability”. As always there are a large number of issues including the fact that if there is already a commitment (Blue Book Guidelines) can you have a valid insurance policy to cover the possible problems? Who has an insurable interest etc.? The Catholic Education Service are currently pursuing legal advice on the best way forward and a soon as they inform me of the outcome of their discussions I will pass it on.
At least one of our authorities are looking to find an insurance answer and the firm concerned has recognised the potential difficulties but agreed to offer cover and the anticipated cost will be around £10 per pupil. I understand that the insurance market does not see schools as a particularly attractive area for insurance so competition is not likely to drive the costs down.
Admissions
It is now a requirement within the School Admission Code for our schools to consult with the Diocese over their admissions policy. This year we have had approximately two thirds of schools sending in their policies. Those schools that have not sent in their policies should do so as a matter of urgency.
You will be aware of the press coverage over this issue and the statements made by politicians, many of which have been completely ill judged. It is certain that the scrutiny will continue and the requirement for Local Authorities to refer any concerns with individual admission policies to the Schools’ Adjudicator will be strictly adhered to by admissions’ teams - so we should get them right.
Bishop’s Award 2008
Hopefully you will have received a letter inviting you to take part in this year’s event. If anyone has any concerns/pieces of advice/irritation over last year’s process do let us know so that we can do a better job this year. If you have not already returned your form and you wish to take part please return it to us by Tuesday, 29th April 2008.
Website
We are really hopeful that the new website will be up and running shortly. Our intention is that the site should be interactive and so we would very much appreciate good news stories and pictures that we can share with colleagues.
The Catholic Leadership Programme
The 3rd cohort are presently engaged on the programme. At a recent set of interviews for deputy headship a governor told me that the candidate was expressing an answer in a particular way because she had been on the programme!
We would like to thank all those headteachers who have so willingly supported this programme in so many practical ways as well as sharing experience and allowing access to their schools. The actual mentoring is undoubtedly one of the major reasons for the success of the programme.
Building Issues
The negotiations between the Dioceses and the Local Authorities are currently taking place. By the middle of May we will be writing to schools to let you know which school in your authority has been allocated funds. We will also be informing your consultant so that for some work can be carried out over the holiday period.
Secondary
I have been congratulated on our “prayer support” for secondary schools and have to admit that Bernard Stuart and Just Youth did this work with no contribution from myself. Anyone wishing to either thank him or get more details can contact Bernard on 0161 256 6207.
Primary
Along with this letter you will find a flyer about the annual conference, which is being led by Frank McDermott. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Thank You
Special thanks go to Mr Maloney, the staff and pupils of St Gregory’s, Farnworth for giving us children’s artwork to adorn our corridors and make these offices a much pleasanter place to work. If any other school would like to offer their work we would be delighted to hear from you. We aim to change the displays each term and we have boards on 2 floors and spaces for about 30 pictures (A5 size).
Rest in Peace
Please remember in your prayers Fr Bourke and Fr Kitchen who died recently. Both of them had a great involvement in schools over many years.
Best wishes
Yours sincerely
M J Lochery - Director for Education