Teachers and staff in Australia’s largest Catholic school system are set to receive a major boost to professional development and career progression opportunities following the launch of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Vision for Leadership. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
The vision, unveiled on March 3 at the State Library of Victoria, sets out clear pathways to leadership for MACS’s 18,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, preparing them to respond to the complex challenges facing society.
MACS executive director Edward Simons said that now, more than ever, “in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, our students need leaders who are present, calm and grounded in faith, leaders who recognise the goodness in others, inspire hope and believe in the power of faith-filled education”.
Dr Simons said strong, faith-filled leadership has a direct and lasting impact on students’ lives, pointing out that the “values of empathy, compassion and a deep sense of social responsibility are deeply ingrained in the Catholic way of being, and is what sets our leaders apart”.
Shaped by insights from employees and backed by national and international research, MACS’s Vision for Leadership blends deep Catholic wisdom and contemporary evidence to provide a distinctive framework for leadership in its almost 300 schools.
Dr Simons said the Vision for Leadership complements MACS’s Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement, strengthening a cohesive approach to teaching, learning and school culture across the system.
This cohesive approach reflects the Church’s commitment to integral human development, endorsed strongly by Pope Francis and now Pope Leo XIV.
Natalie Harper, MACS director of people and culture, said the vision helps translate Catholic mission into daily practice.
“While we each bring our own experiences, the Vision for Leadership aligns our aspirations, purpose and mindset,” Ms Harper said.
“This is supported with practical resources and tools that enable self-reflection, goal-setting and continuous learning, to ensure leadership growth directly strengthens outcomes in our schools.”
“Looking ahead, the way leaders engage with the vision, individually and collectively, will strengthen our schools, enrich the student experience and support MACS’s 2030 ambition to be the employer of choice in the Victorian education sector.”
Former undersecretary to the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education, Fr Friedrich Bechina, also spoke at the launch.
Noting that the Catholic Church is a global player in the world of education, Fr Bechina said this role comes with immense responsibility towards the faith, the students entrusted to its care, their families and society at large.
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MACS launches a distinctly Catholic vision for leadership (Melbourne Catholic)
