News from the Archdiocese of Winnipeg Catholic Schools

New Plan for Catholic Education

1. Over a year ago I initiated a review process focused on the governance and management of Catholic schools in our Archdiocese. In June of 2002, I corresponded with the Archdiocesan School Board and the schools apprising them that I had requested the Superintendent of the Vancouver Independent Catholic Schools to undertake an external review of our governance structure. His observations revealed various weaknesses and ambiguities in the current system. He recommended that the process of developing strong Catholic schools is best begun by selecting a small group of people who understand the needs of the Archdiocese and can work well together. Subsequently, I established an Advisory Committee charged with assisting me in examining the governance and management of the Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Winnipeg.
2. Over the past nine months the Advisory Committee has met regularly with me. We have undertaken select consultations, examined documentation from previous organizing efforts, reviewed structures used in other dioceses, and discussed the schools' current situations and future challenges. As a result of the deliberations, several pressing needs emerged. These included the need to streamline the governance process, the need to clarify roles, responsibilities and accountability, and the need to underscore the Archbishop's leadership role in Catholic education.
3. My participation in this healthy debate on the schools has led me to make some substantive decisions regarding the governance of Catholic schools.
4. The Advisory Committee has examined the various models that have been developed in the past to enable the Archbishop of Winnipeg meet the governance role assigned him in Canon Law. I believe I can best fulfil my responsibilities by taking a more direct role in the governance of Catholic schools within our Archdiocese. Consequently, I will be establishing a new office of the Director of Catholic Education. The Director of Education will be my official delegate and will be answerable to me. The office of the Director will be situated in the Catholic Centre. Administrative and clerical service provided to schools will be continued. Effective June 30, 2003, the current Archdiocesan School Board and the Office of the Superintendent will be dissolved.
5. In announcing these changes, I wish to express my gratitude to those who have laboured long and hard in advancing Catholic education within our Archdiocese. I would specifically like to single out the members of the AWCS Board and the Superintendent, Mr. Brian Murphy, for their service and commitment.
6. The Director of Catholic Education will have the responsibility of advising and assisting me in the development of, and compliance with, general Archdiocesan directives for the operation of Catholic Schools as ascribed in Canon 806 of the Code of Canon Law. The Director will act as my spokesperson. The Director will also provide assistance to the educational leaders in the schools who are responsible for ensuring that the education provided is of a high quality.
7. Parochial schools and the one inter-parochial school will continue to be managed by their existing boards and parish communities. Schools owned and managed by religious congregations will see their ownership and management structures unchanged.
8. We all know that our organizational structure cannot mirror the public system as set out in the Public Schools Act of Manitoba. Nonetheless, we are an Archdiocesan community of schools committed to the formation of youth in our care, and it is essential that we work together. As such, the general directives I will be issuing over the next number of years will be focused on clarifying Archdiocesan expectations for the effective operation of Catholic schools within our Archdiocesan community.
9. As my delegate, the Director of Education will be instructed to listen closely to the needs and aspirations of the local schools and help us create an Archdiocesan vision for Catholic education.
10. To assist me, I will be establishing an Archdiocesan Council on Catholic Education. This advisory body will aid me in addressing strategic issues facing our schools. It is my intent to have a broad representation of the Catholic community on this council.
11. My goal in taking a more direct role in governance is to provide leadership, to require fair and equitable treatment of all stakeholders, and to ensure that our Catholic schools are centres of excellence and learning.
12. Today's first step is to announce the winding down of the AWCSB. I am asking the AWCSB to make, as its final contribution, recommendations regarding areas in which it sees a need for general Archdiocesan directives to aid in the effective governance of our schools.
13. We will immediately begin a search for a Director of Education. The Director's first tasks will be to establish the Office of the Director in the Catholic Centre and to begin the process of drafting general Archdiocesan directives. The Director will consult with parochial school boards, religious school boards and school administrators to make recommendations for general directives. As the process unfolds, I anticipate that the office will be better equipped to serve the schools' needs, ensure compliance with Archdiocesan norms, and provide support and leadership in our pursuit of faith-filled excellence for our schools.
14. Over the next few months, more detailed information on the organizational model will be developed and shared. Meetings will also be held to explain how the changes will impact schools and to listen to concerns from stakeholders. This input will be used to further refine our Archdiocesan governance and management model.
15. In closing I would again like to express my thanks, and that of the Archdiocese, to the AWCSB, the superintendents, the local boards, pastors, religious, principals, teachers and support staff for all your fine efforts on behalf of Catholic education. Catholic schools in our Archdiocese have a long and rich tradition and are a valued part of our Archdiocesan mission. In spite of limited resources and historical injustices Catholic schools in our Archdiocese continue to be shining witnesses to the Gospel. Our schools are about the education of our children and I would ask that we continue to work together to build a community of schools that delivers not only first rate education, but education that is thoroughly Catholic.

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