Endorsements.....
Leave your own endorsement or review using the form at the bottom of the page
Dear Leone,
Thank you for the copy of the book. I’ve started looking through it, (even making some time to read the first part !) and it’s exciting, re-energising and encouraging. We will be doing some work with staff on teaching as a vocation later in the year. I remember fondly the retreat you directed for us. I made sure I ‘procured’ multiple copies of the booklet and have used parts many times over the years. Regarding the new book—has there been any thought to issuing an electronic copy? It would make the book more ‘user friendly’! Denise Ryan Ministry Coordinator on Krambach Parish Lay Leadership Team (Maitland Newcastle) |
"In its title, the book - 'Will Catholic Schools be Catholic in 2030?' poses the question that many of us in Catholic schools have not yet seriously contemplated. Kavanagh and Pallisier provide the reader with a rich history of the work done by those who had the vision to found and foster Catholic Education in Australia. The reflections this text provides on the future of schools paints for us an overwhelmingly positive view of what we can expect from Catholic Education in the years to come. The authors have produced a very practical resource that will support both our leaders and those new to Catholic Education as we work within our schools to bring to fruition the Church’s salvific mission."
- Kurt Challinor, former REC at Parramatta Marist, now Director of The Centre for Deep Learning at the same school |
"'Will Catholic Schools be Catholic in 2030' by Br Aengus Kavanagh and Sr Leone Pallisier, provides the teacher with a “hands-on” resource for a truly differentiated learner. It challenges the reader with a useful blend of historical facts, points of view from distinguished educators, and a deep investigation into prayer and spirituality. In creating this resource, Br Aengus and Sr Leone have put together a book that can assist the teacher in the numerous roles ... whilst also challenging a diverse community. Personally, and in its use by our College Leadership team, I have found this book very relevant and reader friendly."
- Patrick Finnerty Assistant Principal, Xavier College, Llandilo, NSW. |
"'Will Catholic Schools be Catholic in the 2030?' is an insightful, timely and practical resource which provides a valuable contribution to the rich story of Catholic Education in Australia. This books beautifully illustrates the achievements and challenges of Australian Catholic Education today, and provides a practical resource for schools to develop their own directions in evangelizing the young people and teachers in our care. The articles, exercises and options for prayer are 'short and sweet' and ideal as a focus at Leadership Team gatherings, as conversation starters with teachers, students and parents, and invaluable in the formation of teachers.
There is perhaps no greater priority for Australian Catholic schools at this time than the ongoing formation of teachers and the enrichment of them as women and men of faith. Thankfully, this is at the heart of this publication of Aengus and Leone. A must for Catholic educators.' -- John Robinson, Principal of Trinity Catholic College, Auburn, Sydney |
At time of publication
"Aengus’ and Leone’s book has been helpful in keeping our focus as a Leadership Team on the core mission of our Catholic schools, in prompting reflection on and discussion around our vision for flourishing school communities and in supporting us to create a space for prayer across our office. The articles and exercises do invite further conversation and deeper dialogue about the important role Catholic schools play in our Church and how we can continue to meet the challenges faced by Catholic education in our increasingly pluralist context." Six months on.... Our diocesan schools’ advisory council met this week with a particular focus on staff (teacher and leader) formation. We found a few of the chapters from your new book particularly helpful to focus our discussion and to inform our decision making. This was backed up by a chapter from Paul Sharkey’s new book (Educator’s Guide to Catholic Identity) and made more practical with reports provided by the three principals whose schools we were visiting. They were each able to validate the challenges and particular needs outlined in your book as being of relevance to their small country schools. We also used some of the prayers from Part 2 as we gathered and paused throughout the two days. Another lovely resource to have! Anyway, this is really just a note to say a sincere thank you to you both for the quiet inspiration and gentle leadership you provide through the written word. Our Council is a diverse group – parents, priests, principals, educators – and all of us found the chapters accessible, relevant and challenging. From where I sit, it’s so good to have a trustworthy resource which I can use with all our stakeholders. -- Audrey Brown, Executive Director of Schools, Diocese of Ballarat |
"The book is a vast compendium of resources which I am sure will assist many school leaders to understand the story of Catholic education in Australia. The reflection on the future of Catholic schools by notable educators such as Bro Kelvin Canavan, Bro Tony Whelan, Anne Benjamin, and others adds significantly. The extensive offerings of prayers and reflections will be very valuable to practitioners in schools."
-- Peter Hamill, Executive Director of Schools, Diocese of Broken Bay |
"'Let those who drink of the water remember the ones that dug the well'
So begins a chapter on Religious Founders in Will Catholic Schools be Catholic in 2030. The stories that define us as Catholic educators, the challenges we face today and those we have overcome in the past, stories of how our Catholicity is expressed in schools and reflections on all aspects of our story, are at the heart of this timely and provocatively titled collection of articles relevant for all who are part of this rich tableaux called Catholic education. Edited by Leone Pallisier OSU and Aengus Kavanagh FSP, both of whom are highly regarded educators in their own right, the volume also includes articles and commentaries from other well-known Catholic educators. Substantive sections have been written by the editors. Kavanagh provides a chronology of articles, many with reflection and discussion questions for those involved in educational leadership, staff and the broader school community. The third section is a collection of prayers and reflections, once again, with widespread application. For our schools to be authentically Catholic in 2030 not only do we need to remember the ones that dug the well, but we need to lead, resource and support the faith formation of staff, the witnesses of life and hope (Pope Francis) who are charged with the mission of teaching. This rich and varied collection will prove to be a valuable resource in doing so." -- Pam Betts, Executive Director Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Brisbane |
"Once in a while a resource comes across your desk that becomes an invaluable tool for the development of leaders, teachers and staff in our Catholic schools. Will Catholic Schools Be Catholic in 2030? is an outstanding publication that should be on the desk of all principals of Catholic schools. The articles are great ‘discussion starters’ for Leadership Development Programs, Staff Meetings or Staff Development Days, or for personal reflection. The reflections are relevant and easy to adapt to personal, or any school context. Once again Sr Leone and Br Aengus have provided an outstanding resource that draws on their many years of wisdom and experience working with leaders in Catholic Education."
-- Brian Lacey, Head of Religious Education and Spirituality Services, Catholic Schools Office, Maitland-Newcastle Diocese |