CEO Blog Archives
The Pat Lynch Blog
April 2012 Harnessing the Evidence of Dramatic Change Occurring before our Very Eyes
March 2012 Simple Answers Are Not Always Easy To Come By
February 2012 Effective Leadership
December 2011 Common International Standards
October 2011 Wide Eyed Idealism Does Carry The Day
September 2011 Amnesia – What Amnesia?
August 2011 Cultural Capital
July 2011 Persuasive Leadership
June 2011 Civility – The Oil of Society
May 2011 Wanted – Doers
April 2011 Joining The Future
March 2011 The Collective IQ of the Population
April 2012
Harnessing the Evidence of Dramatic Change Occurring before our Very Eyes
New Zealand's overall productivity, economic growth and Gross Domestic Product, while good, are not in the advanced class when compared with those nations which are at the top of these indicators. Definitely we rank highly in other desirable international indicators such as well being of the population, lack of corruption and being a desirable place to live.
In considering our "can do better" indicators, a look at the rapidly changing ethnic composition of the nation's population reveals that the possibilities and potential of the burgeoning Maori, Pacific Island and Asian components of the school aged population, particularly in the upper half of the North Island, are quite extraordinary. Well over 50% of the nation's under-18 year olds are from these groups. The question has to be asked, where are these groups represented among the entrepreneurs and leaders of a range of groups that make things happen?
Another area to ponder is the dramatic technological, services industry, scientific and nanotechnology revolutions that are changing the way we interact with the world. In these areas individual New Zealanders are doing cutting edge work. We can ask, how can we leverage off this?
If entrepreneurship is the energy source of the post modern world, we need to understand that not only is it a state of mind, it is about doing something creative and/or productive. Leaders at every level of society have the responsibility to place this expectation before young people, wising them up to the importance of improving their own lives and the lives of those around them. As President Obama often says, "Poverty is not a destiny and neither is it inevitable". We could also replace the "she'll be right" attitude and lift the level of our productive outputs.
Fortunately large numbers of integrated schools realise that by building a school culture that is predicated on spiritual values, high expectations and hope, all children can make a success of their lives and contribute to the well-being of New Zealand. While intellectual values are vital, even more important are the values that enable things to be done and to happen.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
April, 2012
March 2012
Simple Answers Are Not Always Easy To Come By
Individuals and groups of people can easily assert that the sun is the moon, or vice versa, yet the reality of the two celestial bodies does not change.
Group thinking has become a fact of life in many areas of human discourse, where the uninformed, the superficial and the sound-bite grabbers promote ideas which are often only partially true, yet masquerade as fact. We have long known that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and that the unexamined life is not worth living.
To be an informed person presupposes one is a seeker after knowledge and truth. In order to contribute to the development of our communities and people generally, facts must be linked to good judgement, reasonableness, boldness and longer term strategic thinking.
A lot of talk-back radio has got the reputation for superficiality and for forthright views rather than being courageous conversations, where the participants are open to learning something from others.
The new world of rich, readily available information gives us the opportunity to examine and reflect on the many assertions people make, which are often simply false or only partially true. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more people could use the information at their disposal to make life more productive for others and to aid the betterment of human kind, rather than the reverse.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
March, 2012
February 2012
Effective Leadership
In recent times the importance of leadership in an organisation has emerged again as a hot topic of discussion. Consensus, which can result in the establishment of the lowest common denominator between competing parties, has been proven, too often, to be a recipe for mediocrity.
There is no doubt the energy of inspiration ultimately determines the progress and vitality of an organisation. Linked to inspiration is the pivotal importance of trust in the relationship between leaders and those they seek to collaborate with.
The presence of trust in a relationship enables practical steps to be taken to advance an organisation’s goals. At rock bottom, trust is generated when genuine efforts are made by leaders to honour the spirit of their words. Trust breeds confidence in the intention and actions of leaders.
The American Founding Fathers proclaimed, “In God we trust”. They also knew that without trust, nobody can stand, since trust is the intangible, yet real glue of growth and development in organisations and between individuals. Fundamental to trust is leaders possessing values which reflect sound ethics.
As some international media figures have found in recent months, authority is built on trust, and without it leadership simply becomes false and laughable.
Whatever our particular leadership role in life, may we never forget that people can always be persuaded to join leaders who are inspirational and trustworthy, then great things happen!
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
February, 2012
December 2011
Common International Standards
The emphasis on quality standards in New Zealand is part of an international awareness of the value of establishing acceptable benchmarks. People throughout the world, including the remote parts of Africa and Asia, are raising their voices and boldly stating that they want living standards which reflect those of any developed nation. Do we blame them? Clearly the answer is ‘No’. Many would say it is part of their legitimate quest to enjoy the dignity of being human.
The standards movement has been around for a long time. The League of Nations, formed after World War One, was the first international organisation to govern aviation, seafaring and labour practices, amongst other things. Of course, the United Nations over the last fifty years has greatly expanded the setting of standards at the behest of its member states. These have occurred in a huge number of areas, including information technology, communications, science, shipping, aviation, conduct of war, food, medicine, monetary policy, finance and trade. The point about standards is that they generally focus on good practice, and, if a jurisdiction hasn’t reached them, at least it knows what it is able to aspire to.
Globalisation, and the strong international trend towards co-operation is stimulating a re-think about standards in a whole range of areas. No jurisdiction has a monopoly on enlightenment. If its citizens are to prosper in a very competitive world they need to know what international good practice looks like. They then are better able to aspire to achieve it. The penny is also dropping that collaboration and alliance creation are the hard wiring of the 21st century. The experience of the United Nations and its subsidiary organisations e.g. WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, is that it takes intense debate to develop agreed standards of good practice. Once they are in place there always needs to be a process of regular review to ensure they are kept up to date and are relevant to changing times.
International standards are aspirational and if sought after will strengthen our nation as a member of the global community.
I wish you well for the Christmas Season and thank you for your dedicated involvement on behalf of our Integrated Schools.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
December, 2011
October 2011
Wide Eyed Idealism Does Carry The Day
Who would have thought that 2011 would be such a rocky year for the world? Yet this is exactly how it is turning out.
The Arab world's awakening; the continued aftershocks of the Great Recession; civil disorder in some European countries and fractured politics in various democracies are all illustrations that humanity is on a journey as it seeks better prospects for itself.
A quick reflection on the post World War 11 era leads one to conclude, through a myriad of examples, that oppressed peoples in almost every continent of the world have sought to take charge of their own destinies and have succeeded. Often violence has accompanied this quest, yet the desire for freedom is the common denominator in each instance.
History teaches us to hope, simply because oppression in its various forms never endures. It is always overthrown because the human spirit is strong and liberty is a precious gift prized by every human being.
While the United Nations is not always the most efficient of organisations, it has often provided the inspiration and support to enable oppressed people to become free and develop a democracy of one kind or another. Government by the people, for the people sounds trite, yet it is an enduring truth which people are prepared to die for, as we have been seeing this year through our media feeds.
In this new century it is opportune to examine our attitudes to see if we are in fact internationalists at heart. Internationalists, because each human being is sacred and many are simply unable to adequately help themselves, despite their deep desire for freedom. Giving them a helping hand, in whatever way we can, is an obligation we have to each of them.
The founding statement of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said it all in 1946 when it was founded. "It is in the minds of men (sic) that wars begin, so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed." This piece of inspiration is as relevant today as it was in 1946.
So, as the year moves along on its rocky journey, it behoves each of us to be grateful for the liberty we experience and recognise that it is a delicate flower which must always be nourished for it to flourish.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
October, 2011
September 2011
Amnesia – What Amnesia?
Pope Benedict XVl, at the World Youth Day gathering recently held in Spain, suggested that many people in today’s world seem to have suffered amnesia in relation to God in their lives. One is left wondering how increasing numbers of individuals frame personal answers to the weighty soul-shaking questions, like “To what end do we as humans live?” to quote Paul Tillich. Tillich went on to say that “It is through religious beliefs that one unleashes a vitality which is the power of creating beyond oneself.”
Fortunately, globalisation and the social media phenomenon, in particular, are both emerging as forces for good in bringing to the notice of humankind issues associated with individuals and groups of individuals, particularly where these groups are downtrodden or suffering injustice. These issues exercise most individuals.
Part of the problem Pope Benedict is focusing on has to do with stimulating the post modern world’s interest in the spiritual dimension of our humanity – a sense of the spiritual more readily leads on to religious beliefs and is a significant motivation for altruistic behaviour.
In our first world country we have to better face up to the imperative of the responsibilities associated with our privileged position in the world. Progress is made with any weighty question when individuals are prepared to engage in courageous conversation, whatever the topic happens to be.
We often forget that human energy is a dramatic and real form of capital. Energy is dynamic, driven by an insatiable hope. In turn, hope is fundamentally the fruit of a belief in God, as the author of life. Fortunately, hope is not an island and is contagious when its fruits are apparent in people’s lives.
Since we are all made in the image of God, maybe it will be through the manifestations of hope in the world that the amnesia Pope Benedict spoke about will turn into courageous conversations and a flowering of positive belief in the reality and goodness of God as the author of creation.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
September, 2011
August 2011
Cultural Capital
The 20th century world witnessed a range of political systems from extreme dictatorships, through to free market capitalism, socialism and communism.
The 21st century is currently witnessing rebellions which may lead to the triumph of liberty and democracy in its various forms. The latest part of the world to experience this is the Middle East and North Africa. Sovereign jurisdictions that are successful societies have evolved and continue to evolve a balance between the development of strong social capital and economic structures that are wealth creating. At the same time, they ensure there are systems in place that focus on the common good of citizens.
To enable a coherent sovereign jurisdiction to emerge, leaders at various levels in a society have to build a consensus on what a nation stands for, how it is going to look after its most vulnerable, and at the same time, it has to work out how it is going to enable its best and brightest to use their intelligence and energy to promote economic growth, innovation and support the well-being of the entire citizenry.
In the era of globalisation, where human capital and financial capital are fluid and flow across borders very easily, leaders need to be thinkers and persuaders. A society's well-being fundamentally depends on leadership that is ultimately committed to enabling its people to be healthy, happy and free.
All of this sounds heavy and complex. However, we all know that inspiring leadership that is in touch with its constituency will always manage to deliver a coherent vibrant society. There are many contemporary examples of where this occurs. By looking over any fence, we can always learn something from our neighbour both locally and internationally.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
August, 2011
July 2011
Persuasive Leadership
The exercise of effective leadership has evolved over the last twenty five years. It has gone from a relatively authoritarian, 'do as I say' approach, to a style which is more persuasive in its operation.
One of the drivers of this change has been the heightened level of educational achievement amongst the population. Educated people are less inclined to follow orders and prefer to think for themselves given the evidence in front of them. Equally, they are open to reasonable solutions to the challenges they face, as well as having a disposition to be persuaded about the rightness and appropriateness of a proposal.
Leadership at essence is an exercise of influence, which is based on the personal credibility of a leader. In turn, trust and confidence in the leader is of equal importance.
Successful organisations in the 21st century thrive on encouraging initiative and leadership at all levels of the enterprise. Equally, those who are in designated leadership positions move things along by exercising their authority in political, persuasive and strategic ways. The common recipe for today's successful leadership is a commitment to review and change, which in turn focuses on structural change.
Successful leaders whether in schools or elsewhere, continuously scan the environment looking out for cues and ideas, which ultimately will improve what is delivered by the organisation for its clients, whoever they happen to be.
To change is to inspire, to thrive and to grow.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
June, 2011
June 2011
Civility – The Oil of Society
Globilisation is having the effect of mixing up a wide range of people from various ethnicities and sovereign states. This is actively occurring in New Zealand society as well as in many large urban settings of the world. People, are different from each other. When they rub shoulders, either in public settings or in other interactions, there is always a capability for negative behaviour to occur.
Nobody is born to hate or to dislike others. Unfortunately, children learn negative attitudes and behaviours for a variety of reasons, which in turn contribute to the weakening of the norms of civil behaviour. This can become exacerbated when cultural differences rub together as societies become more diverse.
Civil behaviour is fundamental for the smooth functioning of a society. Too many people sometimes forget that discourteous and impolite behaviour is unacceptable, particularly in crowded situations where individuals are in close proximity to one another.
In order to strengthen the bonds of civic behaviour, children and young people need to be taught by their elders what is acceptable and what is not in relating to others. This means stating the ordinary norms of courtesy and politeness.
Irrespective of whether one belongs to any faith, philosophical persuasion or none of these, there is no excuse for impolite, loud or pushy behaviour. The simple markers of politeness are encompassed in these concepts: we are all members of the human family and are citizens of the universe; we walk in one another's shoes; civility begins with a smile; forbearance and respect for others is fundamental, while "doing unto others as you will have them do to you" is a universally accepted moral precept.
Fortunately, the overwhelming number of people are fundamentally good, despite their human frailty occasionally getting the better of them. Again, the conventions of politeness are well known, enabling the rectifying of situations where people get things wrong.
Human interaction will deteriorate as the world's population heads towards ten billion individuals if good people are not on the lookout to constantly improve civil behaviour. After all, courtesy and politeness are the oil that smoothes relationships and enables the world to go round. If we dismiss the imperatives of civility, we do so at our collective peril.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
June, 2011
May 2011
Wanted – Doers
A young man in his early twenties recently complained to me that he was often tired, the implication being that not many others on the planet have to endure the same condition, despite their work, or because of particular circumstances of their lives.
There is always the danger that we extrapolate from our own circumstances and are not aware of what other people have to endure, simply because they have to live!!
Of course, there are multitudes of people who are worse off than any of us and who soldier on with courage and fortitude, often without complaining.
One of the great gifts we are able to bequeath to students and to the younger generation is the virtue of hope and the value of resilience.
Much of popular television and the media have degenerated into showing superficial topics, such as makeovers of one kind or another, culinary dramas and the list goes on. Serious issues are tending to drop off the serious discourse agenda.
Increasing numbers of the population seek simplistic solutions to complex issues and seek to protect themselves from the harsh realities of the world often by mouthing slogans!
Given the challenges human kind faces, encouraging people to harden up and to creatively stare down problems is becoming a major cultural necessity for any school and for our wider society.
Worrying never solved anything; resolute and bold approaches to issues are indispensable in the 21st Century. Collaboration and alliance building are the smart wrap around recipes for today’s challenges. The yeast ingredient for success is inspiration and leadership – not so difficult, even though, yes, it is tiring at times!!
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
May, 2011
April 2011
Joining The Future
The advent of the iPad in the marketplace could well be the tipping point, which will ultimately change the way schools operate their learning systems.
The competition to the iPad is coming from the Samsung Galaxy and similar devices from other technology companies.
These inventions, which are very user friendly and operate intuitively, have the potential to dramatically change the way in which schools deliver the education they provide.
Where cost has been a barrier to schools using lap tops across the board, these new easily portable technology units are becoming the way of the future.
This technology is able to deliver text book information, plus a wide range of useable and creative resources from anywhere in the world. At the same time the applications on mobile phones and other emergent technology, enhance the potential to dramatically transform the way students learn.
While some teachers are still not fully computer literate, many of their students are, however, and this fact is part of the way forward. Combined teachers and students are part of the escalator, which will enable iPad type devices to be the change agents in the learning revolution – all part of the wonderful challenges of post modern life!!
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
April, 2011
March 2011
The Collective IQ of the Population
This month's reflection commences with a message of active support and good will to our Christchurch colleagues who continue to adjust to the tragedy of February 22nd. All New Zealanders are in admiration for the get-up-and-go attitude of Cantabrians despite this major historical setback. With them, we shall overcome!!
Travel outside of this country is mainly a positive experience. It helps New Zealanders to obtain a better view of themselves against an international backdrop. Sure, we are a small nation at an extremity of the world, yet we are largely seen as a gutsy entity, which is respected in the world community.
Yes, we are not as affluent as some other countries, yet we are perceived as having a strong group IQ with an emotional quotient, which reflects our get up and go approach to life. "New Zealand would be a good place to live," is the often heard refrain when visiting off shore destinations.
Kiwis are great travellers and that is a good thing since it leads to an openness to others who are different and to an acceptance that nobody has a monopoly on enlightenment. Travelling Kiwis have brought home a multitude of ideas, wealth and international connections, which the rest of us have richly benefited from – the restaurant and food industry are cases in point.
One of the greatest gifts the country has picked up and run with is the internet. It has strengthened our connections with the rest of the world and is enabling all sorts of opportunities in business and social interaction to evolve. It is strengthening the understanding the international community has of our nation, again, a good thing.
We will always have the nay sayers, the anxious and the 'no-nothings' of this world who would like us to become fortress New Zealand. We cannot allow these troubled souls to get in the road of the majority who have the vision and energy to better themselves. We must continue to reach out to those who are timid, or who need encouragement to better themselves through education, or through engaging in entrepreneurial and service activity.
It is salutary to look back over the last generation or two and count the very positive gains, which we have made in our growth as a nation. We are not the richest in the world but we do have life style, benefits which are the envy of many outside of the country. We must continue to accelerate wealth creation since that is very necessary in the long term. In the meantime, the more we embrace the notion that ideas are now the engine of progress we will flourish as a small but significant player in the world.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
March, 2011
February 2011
The excitement and enthusiasm of a New Year is a catalyst for us to reflect on the importance of encouraging the individuals in our school communities to look out for each other. Giving and receiving charity creates the bonds of community, something no arm of government is able to do.
Young people who are attracted to all sorts of stimuli in the market place will always respond positively to examples of positive leadership, which is other oriented. The adults in a school community are the role models who are able to set the expectations of what superior leadership, which is other directed, looks like.
The Book of Genesis, along with other scriptural references, makes it plain that we are our brothers and sisters keepers and therefore we have obligations of charity and good will to each other.
Many human conflicts are the result of cultural and social differences which in turn reflect different values. As educators, not only do we have an obligation to mould and guide students to develop attitudes and actions, which are family and school community friendly, we also owe it to the wider community of the nation to instill good habits of civility.
The globalized twenty-first century is emphatically stating that collaboration and looking out for each other are fundamental dimensions of good international citizenship – this is all started in families and schools. Hence the importance of ensuring we all have this vision as part of our leadership role, whatever this happens to be.
I wish you well for the year ahead offering you support and best wishes.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
February, 2011
November 2010
Good teaching is a dynamic activity, which, if effective, is motivating and meaningful. It is not easy to meet this challenge when faced with students who are immersed in a range of stimulating activities, driven by the ever widening avenues of choice open to them.
As they mature and grow students rapidly develop a range of interests, knowledge and skills which are a resource for savvy teachers. The question has to be asked, 'does a student see the work she/he is asked to do, as their work, or do they see it as the teacher's work?' If ownership becomes theirs, students are more likely to engage in the task assigned and get it done.
Student engagement in their studies is predicated on gaining their confidence and collaboration, which fundamentally is to do with the human characteristics of their teachers. Teachers who are unstimulating and grumpy, normally do not create healthy relationships of any kind. We all know what enthusiastic, energizing teachers do for their students.
A collaborative approach to students seeks out their developing talents and skill base and takes them into a teacher's confidence. In turn, more often than not, this delivers student learning, enjoyment, motivation and ownership.
Maybe it is helpful to think of a group of individuals as having a group IQ which is reflective of the adage, 'one of us is never as strong as all of us.'
The October 2010 Chilean miners were able to escape their entombment simply because of the diverse creative engagement of the international community – successful classrooms and schools are built on the same type of framework.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
November, 2010
October 2010
During September an ambulance crew which had been sent to an emergency situation in one of the nation’s towns was on the receiving end of malicious behaviour by a group of young people.
The crew had their personal belongings removed from the ambulance while attending to the emergency. The vehicle’s radio was also removed. To add insult to injury the offenders proceeded to mock the personnel on the stolen radio while they were doing their life saving work.
Given that the New Zealand ambulance service provides medical aid to every human being who needs specialist emergency help, it is appalling that there are some young people around who have little appreciation of the needs of vulnerable and sick individuals.
Unfortunately, there seems to be a growing number of emergent young people who appear to be moral zombies. They simply have very little empathy for their fellow human beings and do not see them as worthy of respect.
This goes back to the importance of schools and families teaching and expecting virtuous behavior from young people, while establishing strong values which are supportive of building resilient human behavior.
The country will weaken and degenerate if the oil of civility, which is fundamental for the smooth functioning of society, does not freely lubricate human relationships. This includes strangers, as well as acquaintances and friends. The adult community has a strong responsibility to contain the behaviour of young people who mindlessly attack the core of sound human interactions. Fundamentally, it is a recognition of the sacredness of each human being. We lose this concept to our national peril.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
October, 2010
September 2010
The world’s great statesmen and women are lauded and hailed as such when they paint the large picture and are able to create an image of what is possible in human endeavour. The power of education as a tide to lift the well-being of human beings is well known among the elites of the world. These people talk about education as a liberation for individuals and point out that it is the world’s most powerful tool for promoting peace and building sustainable development for humanity.
These lofty ideas can often get lost in the daily pressures of living and working. Yet, if we sink and succumb to the pressures of the present and forget about shaping the future, we blunt our effectiveness as leaders.
The swirling pressures and demands of the present surely have to be addressed, yet leadership demands we keep an eye on solving the structural challenges we are immersed in.
Post modern life for leaders is full of pressures, yet they are able to be managed, if an eye is kept on the fact that we can only effectively make our contribution to uplifting the lives of those around us, providing we feed and nurture our own spirits and keep a measured grip on our job, whatever that happens to be. The sun will get up tomorrow and for millennia to come. The God whom Saint Thomas Aquinas described as majesty, mystery and mercy will always be there to sustain us.
Managing our lives in a productive way is one of the challenges for today’s leaders – it can be done as most do, providing a statesman/women vision is kept firmly in focus. Ultimately, we are on a journey and we are in for the long haul!!
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
14th September, 2010
August 2010
Nimen Hao (hello)
New Zealand and China have a world class positive relationship which is enhanced by regular visits between leaders of both countries. The interaction includes a Free Trade Agreement which is the envy of many nations. The question is often asked in diplomatic and commercial circles, how did you Kiwis manage to pull off such a coup with China, which is a world first? The answer to the question has a lot to do with the position New Zealand has established over the years in its relationship building with the world's most populous sovereign State. Chinese leaders do not forget the proactive leadership successive New Zealand Governments have exercised in favour of bringing China into the international family of nations.
The late Premier of China, Deng Xiaoping, was one of the first modern Chinese leaders to promote the importance of the teachings of Confucius. He was also a very practical man who often used to say, "It doesn't matter whether a cat is black of white providing it catches mice." It was he who promoted the virtues of entrepreneurship and the capitalist system which has unleashed the Chinese economic miracle and catapulted the nation into a dominant world leadership position.
The values and wisdom which Confucius has infused into the Chinese nation are enduring and valuable for all nations, including New Zealand. They promote the well-being of individuals and families and enable people to live happy lives.
One of the important things New Zealand students have to come to appreciate is that learning about the great nation of China and learning the Mandarin language are a very desirable goals, since China has 20% of the world's population and is a major world power, as well as a huge international economic engine.
New Zealand and China need one another. Confucius says: "Respect yourself and others will respect you." This advice is taken to heart by both countries who are good international friends.
I commend the Chinese Government for its initiative in establishing the Confucian School Centre in the same way it established the Confucian Institute at Auckland University some years ago. This includes the participation of several of our Catholic schools, to their great credit.
I'm sure this initiative will strengthen the long term relationship between The People's Republic of China and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
16th August 2010
July 2010
In recent months metropolitan and provincial newspapers have carried the 2009 NCEA results for the nation’s secondary schools. Overall, our Catholic schools have shown excellent results, which is a great credit to our principals, teachers, students and boards of trustees, not forgetting parents and caregivers.
Part of the growing success of our schools, both primary and secondary, arises from our Catholic educational philosophy and school culture. This in turn is based on our faith which is founded on the three great virtues of faith, hope and love.
The new Archbishop of New York, Timothy Dolan, stands up for the fundamental importance of Catholic schools in the life of his great city. He says we are called to be men and women who love and share that love with the students and families we serve. If we cannot do our work with love, there is little sense in doing it. The Archbishop is not too keen on any educators who love themselves above all else, however. He says such individuals are the last thing our Church needs.
All this translates into the importance of positive relationships in enabling students to achieve. Certainly, the recently published Ministry of Education landmark Best Evidence Synthesis outlining what works in delivering student achievement across the board, is unequivocally clear that a holistic, loving approach to student education does work with all students.
Thank you for encouraging young people in our schools to feel they are important and that they belong, while they are in your educational care. The people who deliver it, and the way they deliver our educational services are the messages students will remember more than anything else in their adulthood. Their lives will ultimately depend on both.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
6th July 2010
Greetings!!
- This communication is being sent to a network of individuals and communities within the New Zealand Catholic education system. It will focus mainly on broad contemporary issues rather than get involved in bread and butter topic areas.
- Leadership is the driver of change and without it stagnation and regression are the outcomes. No matter who we are or where we live there is always the danger of going stale, which is not good for any of us or for the institution we serve.
- This Blog will hopefully provide some stimulation and be a vehicle for building greater cohesion and stimulation in our school system.
- The international Church has drawn a lot of international ‘flak’ in recent times. This has caused embarrassment and dismay for many Catholics as they have seen in bold relief, aspects of the Church’s human frailty. We have also fortunately experienced several of our NZ Bishops providing positive public leadership on the tragic issue.
- Leaders are individuals who are purveyors of hope. They promote human flourishing no matter what the circumstances they face. History gives accolades to those leaders who overcome adversity by building self confidence in their followers. They demonstrate commitment to promoting human flourishing where good is promoted over evil. Where goodness is found, there God is found.
- Thank you for entering into the spirit of the Catholic Schools Day last week. Celebrating what we stand for is good for us and good for the nation!
- I offer you encouragement as you engender hope and confidence with those whom you serve.
Wishing you well and offering you support and best wishes.
Patrick J. Lynch
Chief Executive Officer
O1.06.10