A leading international educational authority has praised Catholic Schools Broken Bay for its healthy school culture and its direct effects on student learning.
Speaking from the United States, Anthony Muhammad said that in seeking improvement, leaders tend to focus, almost exclusively on technical changes, without recognising that deep and sustainable improvement cannot be achieved without changing culture.
“A healthy school culture is one where educators have an unwavering belief in the ability of all students to succeed and where this is passed on through policies, practices and collaboration,” Dr Muhammad said.
“Catholic Schools Broken Bay has correctly and courageously sought to deliver improvement in classroom practices by establishing a collaborative culture of continuous improvement, a culture that is absolutely focused on ensuring all students succeed.”
Dr Muhammad was addressing, via live video link, more than 1800 staff from Catholic Schools Broken Bay’s 43 schools and central office gathered for their recent annual strategy day.
The day reflected on the progress made since the launch of the Towards 2025 strategy, and reaffirmed its commitment to the next chapter through Shaping Tomorrow, Together in Faith.
A former teacher and principal and now an international educational consultant and author, Dr Muhammad told the gathering, “CSBB’s culture recognised there are only two types of roles, the educator in the classroom and the staff who support them.”
Director of Schools Danny Casey said the strategy day was an opportunity to celebrate how far CSBB had come over the past six years, recognising that its greatest achievements were seen every day inside the classroom.
“Learning outcomes occur in the classroom, not the board room, and today, by any objective measure, we have come a long way, with stunning improvements in faith and learning outcomes,” Mr Casey said.
“We have also built strong partnerships with families, creating a more connected, responsive and future-focused Catholic education system in Broken Bay.”
Reflecting on the progress to date, Diocesan Administrator Fr David Ranson thanked CSBB staff for the progress made and the work they do each day.
He reminded all that Catholic education must continue to respond to the changing needs of families, while always remaining grounded in mission, a mission shared with parishes.
FULL STORY
Top marks for collaborative school culture in Diocese of Broken Bay (Catholic Schools Broken Bay)
