SHEPHERDS SCHOOLS. Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle. A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed

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1 Young people of the third millennium must be a source of energy and leadership in our Church and our nation. Therefore, we must provide young people with an academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education and faith formation designed to strengthen their union with Christ and his Church. Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005 Office for Catholic Schools 710 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA (206) OCS@seattlearch.org SHEPHERDS SCHOOLS A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle

2 INTRODUCTION The role of the pastor or canonically appointed leader is irreplaceable for ensuring the life and vibrancy of the parish school and, in a related way, the high schools. The parish elementary school represents a unique means of evangelization to the parish that supports it, and the Catholic high school provides a region-wide educational, catechetical, and formational resource for young people. This brief handbook is intended to assist canonically appointed leaders with information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle, illustrative charts, and a list of resources. The Office for Catholic Schools is available to provide additional services upon request. The administration of a Catholic school is more challenging today than in years past, even as it is more necessary than ever. We thank you for your service as a shepherd for our schools. The Office for Catholic Schools Phone: Website: ocsww.org TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to the Pastor Useful Contacts Part I : The Mission and Standards of a Catholic School Select Quotations for Promoting Schools Part II: Organization Category I and Category II Schools Part III: The Role of the Pastor or Canonically Appointed Leader Appointing and Meeting with the School Commission Hiring and Evaluating the Principal Supporting the Principal Questions for the Parish Leader.. 14 Promoting the Ministry of Catholic Education Part IV: Resources for the Pastor For the Priest Personnel Board.. 19 Appendices For a Pastor or Canonically Appointed Leader Recently Assigned to a Parish with a School For All Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Schools A. National Standards for Catholic Schools B. The Six Tasks of Catechesis APPENDIX B PILLARS of the CATECHISM, SIX TASKS of CATECHESIS, and ANCHOR STANDARDS PILLARS OF THE CATECHISM SIX TASKS OF CATECHESIS ANCHOR STANDARDS The Creed 1. Knowledge of the Faith Students explore, profess and reflect on our Catholic faith, which is the content of God s revelation found in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition and lived out in the Creed and Church doctrine. The Sacraments of Faith 2. Liturgical Education Students recognize the presence of Christ and enter into communion with Him through active, full and conscious participation in the Liturgical celebrations and Sacraments of the Church. The Life of Faith 3. Moral Formation Students develop a moral conscience that is informed by Church teachings and conformed to Christ, as modeled in a personal life of virtue and demonstrated in service of the Gospel s demands for society. The Life of Faith 4. Learning to Pray Students experience and engage in Catholic expressions of prayer to deepen their relationship with God and the Church. The Prayer of the Believer 5. The Life, Community, & History of the Church Students study and participate in the life and mission of the church, the Body of Christ and the community of believers, as expressed in the Church s origin, history, ecclesiology, the Communion of Saints and their family, the Domestic church. The Life of Faith 6. Missionary Spirit & Service Students acquire and demonstrate skills to recognize their gifts from God and their vocation to share the good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed in the world. [The] integration of religious truth and values with life distinguishes the Catholic school from other schools. This is matter of crucial importance today in view of contemporary trends and pressures to compartmentalize life and learning and to isolate the religious dimension of existence from other areas of human life. To Teach as Jesus Did, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1972 A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 23

3 APPENDIX A NATIONAL STANDARDS* * Taken from the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (Center for Catholic School Effectiveness, School of Education, Loyola University Chicago, in partnership with the Barbara and Patrick Roche Center for Catholic Education, Lynch School of Education, Boston College.) is guided and driven by a clearly communicated mission that embraces a Catholic Identity rooted in Gospel values, centered on the Eucharist, and committed to faith formation, academic excellence and service. adhering to mission provides a rigorous academic program for religious studies and catechesis in the Catholic faith, set within a total academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture, and life. adhering to mission provides opportunities for adult faith formation and action in service of social justice. has a governing body (person or persons) which recognizes and respects the role(s) of the appropriate and legitimate authorities, and exercises responsible decision making (authoritative, consultative, advisory) in collaboration with the leadership team for development and oversight of the school s fidelity to mission, academic excellence, and operational vitality. has a qualified leader/leadership team empowered by the governing body to realize and implement the school s mission and vision. uses school-wide assessment methods and practices to document student learning and program effectiveness, to make student performances transparent, and to inform the continuous review of curriculum and the improvement of instructional practices. provides programs and services aligned with the mission to enrich the academic program and support the development of student and family life. provides a feasible three to five year financial plan that includes both current and projected budgets and is the result of a collaborative process, emphasizing faithful stewardship. operates in accord with published human resource/personnel policies, developed in compliance with (arch)diocesan policies and/or religious congregation sponsorship policies, which affect all staff (clergy, religious women and men, laity and volunteers) and provide clarity for responsibilities, expectations and accountability. develops and maintains a facilities, equipment, and technology management plan designed to continuously support the implementation of the educational mission of the school. enacts a comprehensive plan for institutional advancement based on a compelling mission through communications, marketing, enrollment management, and development. 22 An excellent Catholic school adhering to mission provides opportunities outside the classroom for student faith formation, participation in liturgical and communal prayer, and action in service of social justice. An excellent Catholic school has a clearly articulated, rigorous curriculum aligned with relevant standards, 21 st century skills, and Gospel values, implemented through effective instruction. USEFUL CONTACTS OFFICE for CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: The Office for Catholic Schools serves all school leaders and canonically appointed leaders of schools. The assistant superintendents have specific responsibilities for the central services of the Office for Catholic Schools and who represent the office in the regions of schools. Superintendent for Catholic Schools For Curriculum & Professional Development For Enrollment Management & Marketing Assistant Superintendents For Policies & Personnel For Technology & Special Services For Accreditation Services Administrative Coordinator Administrative Assistant (Policies, Personnel) Administrative Assistant (Curriculum & Prof. Development, Technology & Data) Technical Assistant OFFICE FOR CATHOLIC FAITH FORMATION ARCHDIOCESAN RESOURCE LIBRARY THE FULCRUM FOUNDATION The Fulcrum Foundation provides financial assistance to the 74 Catholic schools in western Washington and their students, primarily through tuition assistance, assistance to schools in need, and initiatives that promote academic excellence. A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 3

4 PART ONE THE MISSION AND STANDARDS OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOL For over 160 years, since 1850, Catholic school adds life to a parish by focusing schools have served the mission of the parent volunteers, grandparents, and church throughout western Washington, parishioners on the mission of education for providing instruction in the Catholic faith, the young. Because of their excellent record formation of character, and an excellent of academic excellence and formation in education within an inclusive, welcoming faith, character, and service, Catholic schools community. Graduates of Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Seattle contribute show a greater tendency to persist in church to the common good of communities in attendance and to consider a vocation to Washington State. the priesthood or religious life; a Catholic THE MISSION OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS The schools of the Archdiocese of Seattle, in communion with the Archbishop, in collaboration with parents, parish leadership, and the community, and in the service of teaching Gospel values and the faith of the Catholic Church, educate students in grades K to 12 for leadership and service to the church and society through excellent religious, academic, and co-curricular programs that strive to be accessible to all. Our Church and our nation have been enriched because of the quality of education provided in Catholic schools over the last 300 years we are called to sustain and expand this vitally important ministry of the Church. In Support of Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, United States Catholic Conference, Accreditation of the School Every parish school is required to be accredited every six years through the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA). The OCS has published a brief piece on the importance of accrediting a school and the pastor s role in the process; to obtain a copy and for further information, please contact the assistant superintendent for accreditation services. The School Commission The role of the School Commission is explained in the booklet Many Gifts, One Spirit, which is available on the OCS homepage OCSWW.ORG under the PERSONNEL tab; a short pamphlet for school commissioners is available from the assistant superintendent for policies and personnel or via a link in the right hand sidebar on the homepage. Catholic schools are often the Church s most effective contribution to those families who are poor and disadvantaged, especially in poor inner city neighborhoods and rural areas. Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005 A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 21

5 Standards for Teaching Religion The standards for teaching the religion curriculum, with sample lesson plans, are located via links on the right hand sidebar on the Office for Catholic Schools homepage at OCSWW.ORG. The Catechetical Certification Program The program for certifying religion teachers and catechists of the archdiocese is managed by the Office for Catholic Faith Formation. Requirements and other information about this program may be found on the OCFF website at SEATTLEARCHDIOCESE.ORG/CFF. Financial Support The Fulcrum Foundation has several programs to assist schools through tuition assistance and through grants for schools in need of assistance. Further information is available at their website: Marketing and Enrollment Management The assistant superintendent for enrollment management and marketing is available for on-site consultations about branding and communication strategies at the local schools and has developed strategies and promotional pieces, which are available to assist pastors with promoting the school. Annual Data Report (Indicies of Vitality) A School Data Report is sent each November to the parish leader with a school to apprise him or her of the state of the school and to assist with planning. This document shows statistics such as enrollment by number and ethnicities, test scores, and budget information. Site Visits The superintendent or any of the assistant superintendents is available for a personal visit on-site or over the phone to discuss questions that the pastor may have about the school. 20 Historically, and down to the present day, a Catholic school wraps itself around the entire family, creating a strong community of concern for the child. Because it provides personal attention, high expectations, and strong support, a Catholic education is highly effective, especially for immigrants and the poor. On average, in every grade and in every subject, students in Catholic schools are learning at above-grade level, and the longer they stay in a Catholic school, the more success they achieve. PERCENTAGE OF ETHNIC COMMUNITIES IN OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN ALL SUBJECTS STUDENTS IN GRADES 2-8 achieve, on average, above their grade level* NATIVE AMERICAN 1% ASIAN 12% BLACK 5% WHITE 64% NATIVE HAWAIIAN/ PACIFIC ISLANDER 2% MULTIRACIAL 16% PRESENT GRADE LEVEL GRADE EQUIVALENT BASED ON TEST SCORES *composite scores based on 40 schools reporting ITBS results A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 5

6 PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Grades 7 & 8 CATHOLIC SCHOOL 46% RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 54% High School CATHOLIC SCHOOL 55% RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 45% At the present time, Catholic schools are especially important for the new evangelization, since they enroll a high percentage of all children and young people in the Archdiocese when compared with all programs of religious education, and the environment of the school for several hours a day and five days a week provides a unique and favorable environment for catechesis and faith formation in the context of an excellent education. Catholic schools are located throughout the Archdiocese and provide a focus of spiritual, academic, and personal growth for the students and families they serve. 6 PART FOUR RESOURCES FOR PASTORS For the PRIEST PERSONNEL BOARD: To assist with the assignment of pastors to parishes with schools, the OCS provides the Office of the Vicar for Clergy with data-rich profiles of schools ( indices of vitality ) with commentary during the assignment process. For a PASTOR or CANONICALLY APPOINTED LEADER RECENTLY ASSIGNED to a PARISH with a SCHOOL: With the cooperation of the local school, and upon request, the OCS will provide a data-supported profile and an on-site tour of the school to orient a new parish leader to the strengths and challenges of the school. For ALL PASTORS and CANONICALLY APPOINTED LEADERS of SCHOOLS: The Archdiocesan Plan for Catholic Schools The complete strategic plan and a vision statement, entitled From Strength to Strength, approved by Archbishop Sartain in 2014, are available via links on the right hand sidebar on the OCS homepage at OCSWW.ORG. The national standards for a Catholic school, the six tasks of catechesis, and the actions to be implemented by the plan can be found in the vision statement. Policy Manual The Policy Manual is also on the Office for Catholic Schools homepage under the PERSONNEL tab and contains important information that a parish leader will find useful, such as: How to promote Catholic identity and mission How to select a principal How and when to evaluate a principal, with the standard evaluation form The reasonable formula for parishes without a school A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 19

7 About Promoting the Mission of Catholic Education Does the parish leader promote the school as our school to the people of the parish in the pulpit, in the parish bulletin, and in casual conversation? Does the parish leader, with the principal, help the school staff to understand and embrace the school s role as a ministry of the parish? Does the parish leader meet with parents who are considering attending the Catholic school to explain the mission of the school, the cost of tuition and the availability of financial assistance, and the expectations of parents and children? Does the parish leader support the parish s and the school s participation in the Fulcrum Foundation s Celebration of Light in support of all Catholic schools? Does the parish leader help to create and promote a vision for Catholic education as a mission of his deanery? Does the parish leader carefully review nominees before approving members of the school commission or the Archdiocesan School Board? Does the parish leader nominate recipients for national and archdiocesan educational awards, when requested or on his or her initiative? Are teachers and principals publically recognized and celebrated for years of service or outstanding accomplishments? Catholic schools are vital to the New Evangelization, because they reflect the light of Christ in a powerful way. They place a candle in children s hands, and God lights it with his Son. Catholic schools guard and nurture Christ s light because we know it is only by his light that children will see and learn the truth. Most Rev. J Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle, SELECT QUOTATIONS FOR PROMOTING SCHOOLS The following quotations can be used to promote Catholic schools in the Sunday Bulletin and in other communications from the pastor or principal. The OCS website also posts updated quotations at OCSWW.ORG. Catholic schools are vital to the New Evangelization, because they reflect the light of Christ in a powerful way. They place a candle in children s hands, and God lights it with his Son. Catholic schools guard and nurture Christ s light because we know it is only by his light that children will see and learn the truth. Most Rev. J Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle, 2014 Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He founded. Through education the Church seeks to prepare its members to proclaim the Good News and to translate this proclamation into action. To Teach as Jesus Did, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1972 Among all educational instruments the school has a special importance. It is designed not only to develop with special care the intellectual faculties but also to form the ability to judge rightly, to hand on the cultural legacy of previous generations, to foster a sense of values, to prepare for professional life The influence of the Church in the field of education is shown in a special manner by the Catholic school. Declaration on Christian Education, Second Vatican Council, 1965 [The] integration of religious truth and values with life distinguishes the Catholic school from other schools. This is matter of crucial importance today in view of contemporary trends and pressures to compartmentalize life and learning and to isolate the religious dimension of existence from other areas of human life. To Teach as Jesus Did, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1972 [The] integration of religious truth and values with the rest of life is brought about in the Catholic school not only by its unique curriculum but, more important, by the presence of teachers who express an integrated approach to learning and living in their private and professional lives. To Teach as Jesus Did, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1972 Our young people are the Church of today and tomorrow. It is imperative that we provide them with schools ready to address their spiritual, moral, and academic needs. Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005 A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 7

8 Young people of the third millennium must be a source of energy and leadership in our Church and our nation. Therefore, we must provide young people with an academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education and faith formation designed to strengthen their union with Christ and his Church. Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005 Catholic schools are often the Church s most effective contribution to those families who are poor and disadvantaged, especially in poor inner city neighborhoods and rural areas. Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005 the Church and its schools are often among the few institutions providing immigrants and newcomers with a sense of welcome, dignity, community, and connection with their spiritual roots. Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005 Of the Catholic school in America we say humbly, and with gratitude for the grace of God manifested in it, that it has nurtured the faith of Jesus Christ in millions of men and women who have lived vibrantly Christian lives and have given themselves generously in service to others. Scarcely a man or woman in the Church in American today has not benefited either directly or indirectly from the sacrifices of his fellow Christians in creating the Catholic school system. To Teach as Jesus Did, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1972 Our Church and our nation have been enriched because of the quality of education provided in Catholic schools over the last 300 years we are called to sustain and expand this vitally important ministry of the Church. In Support of Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, United States Catholic Conference, 1990 I am convinced that Catholic education of one of the most effective tools for preparing a new generation of Catholic citizens who will offer the world the gift of a well-formed conscience and a true vision of life, hope, and peace. Most Rev. J Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle, PROMOTING the MINISTRY of CATHOLIC EDUCATION The pastoral leader has a primary role in promoting the importance of Catholic education to parishioners both in the parish and throughout the deanery and, on occasion, within the Archdiocese at large. Speaking on behalf of the school helps not only to ensure enrollment at full capacity but also promotes the new evangelization by inviting all to consider the value of a Catholic education for their children and their families. Promoting the school requires that the pastoral leader and the pastoral team have a plan for Marketing the school in a way that emphasizes the school s distinct mission of faith formation within the context of a sound and excellent academic curriculum. Creating a large pool of prospects by analyzing the parish s demographics, baptisms, and other data, and making recurring strategic contacts with likely prospects until a full class is enrolled. Maintaining many and various relationships with parishioners and their friends so that outreach is easier and part of the natural flow of the pastoral leader s week. Ensuring that the school maintains a strong and deserved reputation for excellence and fulfills the expectations of parents for the education of their children. The following questions can serve as topics for reflection and discussion with the pastoral team about how to promote the mission of the local school and the work of Catholic education generally. Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He founded. Through education the Church seeks to prepare its members to proclaim the Good News and to translate this proclamation into action. To Teach as Jesus Did, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1972 A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 17

9 About Financial Viability (see Fomula for Subsidy at OCSWW.ORG, under the PERSONNEL tab, FORMS) Does the parish with a school provide a direct subsidy to the school approaching, if not equal, to the recommended level of 15% of ordinary income? Do the leaders of parishes without schools support their parishioners whose children attend a neighboring parish s school, according to a reasonable formula? Do deaneries and neighboring parishes provide inter-parish financial or pastoral support for parishes with schools and for Archdiocesan high schools? Are the finances of the school clearly accounted for and available for mutual review by the principal, the finance council of the parish, and the school commission? Do the pastoral leader, the parish council, the finance council of the parish, and the school commission work together to create a fiscal plan that supports the mission of the parish school? Does the school charge at least enough tuition to pay for salaries and benefits (about 70% of the budget), with supplementary revenues from fundraising, parish subsidy, and other sources, like an endowment? Does the school participate in the FACTS tuition management program and in other opportunities for joint purchasing of supplies and services? I am convinced that Catholic education of one of the most effective tools for preparing a new generation of Catholic citizens who will offer the world the gift of a well-formed conscience and a true vision of life, hope, and peace. Most Rev. J Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle, 2014 About Supporting the School Commission Does the parish leader consult broadly and consider carefully when making appointments for the school commission? Does the parish leader meet at the start of the school year and on other occasions, as needed, to communicate his or her vision and support for the school? Does the parish leader offer opportunities for school commissioners to grow in faith and in zeal for mission, for example by offering days of reflection or retreat? About Parish-School Cooperation Do the school and the parish clearly understand and communicate about the use of shared resources such as a bookkeeper or custodial services? Are the parish s finance council, parish council, and school commission in regular and open communication, especially about the allocation of resources? Do the parish and the school share a common vision and resources for catechesis? Are school spaces available and negotiated for use by the parish in after-school hours and on weekends? Do the parish and the school share in the stewardship of talent, for example by allowing volunteer hours to count in either the parish or the school? Do parish and school staff seek ways to contribute their expertise to programs in either area, for example by religion teachers of the school offering presentations for adult faith formation in the parish or parish youth ministers offering expertise in the school s co-curricular programs? 16 PART TWO ORGANIZATION Catholic schools belong to two categories of governance: Category One (I): These schools are owned and operated by the corporation sole of the Archdiocese of Seattle. Elementary schools are owned directly by the juridic person of the parish; high schools are owned either directly by the archbishop (Bishop Blanchet, O Dea, Kennedy Catholic) or indirectly, through a board of limited jurisdiction (John Paul II and Seton Catholic). Category Two (II): These schools are owned and governed by an entity other than the Archdiocese of Seattle, such as a religious order (Bellarmine Prep, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, Holy Names Academy, and Seattle Prep) or an independent board of trustees (Archbishop Murphy High School, Eastside Catholic High School, Holy Family in Lacey, Pacific Crest Academy, and Villa Academy). Each Catholic school belongs to one of ten regions, which are so organized that all schools in the region are within relatively easy reach of one another, and each region is anchored by a Catholic high school. Regions are not the same as deaneries and may cross deanery lines; functioning midway between the central services of the Office for Catholic Schools (OCS) and the local school, regions cooperate in planning, professional development, marketing, and other initiatives. A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 9

10 CATEGORY I and CATEGORY II CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SOUTHERN REGION Our Lady of Lourdes, Vancouver Pacifi c Crest Academy, Camas St. Joseph, Vancouver St. Rose, Longview Seton Catholic HS, Vancouver St. Anthony, Renton St. Bernadette, Seattle St. Francis of Assisi, Seahurst St. Philomena, Des Moines St. Vincent de Paul, Federal Way Kennedy Catholic HS, Seattle SOUTH SOUND REGION Holy Family, Lacey St. Joseph, Chehalis St. Mary, Aberdeen St. Michael, Olympia Pope John Paul II HS, Lacey OLYMPIC REGION Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bremerton Queen of Angels, Port Angeles St. Cecilia, Bainbridge Island St. Nicholas, Gig Harbor PIERCE REGION All Saints, Puyallup Holy Rosary, Tacoma St. Charles Borromeo, Tacoma St. Frances Cabrini, Tacoma St. Patrick, Tacoma Visitation, Tacoma Bellarmine Prep, Tacoma SOUTH KING REGION Holy Family, Auburn Holy Rosary, Seattle Our Lady of Guadalupe, Seattle SOUTH SEATTLE REGION Holy Family, Seattle Seattle Nativity, Seattle St. Edward, Seattle St. George, Seattle St. Joseph, Seattle St. Paul, Seattle St. Therese, Seattle O Dea HS, Seattle NORTH SEATTLE REGION Assumption-St. Bridget, Seattle Christ the King, Seattle Our Lady of Fatima, Seattle Our Lady of the Lake, Seattle St. Alphonsus, Seattle St. Anne, Seattle St. Benedict, Seattle St. Catherine, Seattle St. John, Seattle St. Luke, Shoreline St. Matthew, Seattle Villa Academy, Seattle Bishop Blanchet HS, Seattle Holy Names Academy, Seattle Seattle Prep, Seattle 10 NORTHERN / SNOHOMISH REGION Assumption, Bellingham Holy Rosary, Edmonds Immaculate Conception, Mt. Vernon Immaculate Conception/Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Everett St. Mark, Shoreline St. Mary Magdalen, Everett St. Michael, Snohomish St. Pius X, Mountlake Terrace St. Thomas More, Lynnwood Archbishop Murphy HS, Everett EASTSIDE REGION Eastside Catholic MS, Bellevue Forest Ridge 5-8, Bellevue Holy Family, Kirkland Sacred Heart, Bellevue St. Brendan, Bothell St. Joseph, Issaquah St. Louise, Bellevue St. Madeleine Sophie, Bellevue St. Monica, Mercer Island Eastside Catholic HS, Bellevue Forest Ridge HS, Bellevue KEY Category II Schools High Schools shown in bold school leader with respect for the principle of subsidiarity? About Catholic identity Do the principal and the teaching staff even those who are not Catholic embrace the Catholic mission of the school, understand its mission, and show evidence that they are working to further it? Do the principal, teachers, school commission, and parents understand that the school is integral to the teaching mission of the parish? Is religion being taught in keeping with the teaching of the church? [The pastoral leader can ascertain this by meeting with the teachers as a group or by asking the principal for his or her assessment.] Do celebrations of the Eucharist and prayer services occur regularly, at least bi-weekly? Are penance services celebrated regularly, especially in Advent and Lent? Does the parish leader offer tours of the church to the school children, using it as an occasion for catechesis? religion by talking at home about what the students are learning in school? [The pastoral leader might suggest this in the homily, in the bulletin, or at a parent club meeting.] About Pastoral Presence Does the parish leader communicate pastoral concern for children and young adults? Does the parish leader visit the school regularly, spend time in the classrooms, and attend school functions? Does the parish leader attend meetings of the school commission, especially when his or her perspective would be important to have? Does the parish leader offer a yearly retreat for the school staff, either alone or with other parish staff? Is the parish leader available to speak to the school children about sacramental preparation or perhaps to offer a class in the 7th or 8th grade? Is the church made available for school use? Does the school display religious art and other aids to devotion? [The pastoral leader can determine this as part of a regular walk-through. ] Are all of the school s teachers of religion certified as catechists by the Office for Catholic Faith Formation or working toward certification? Are school teachers commissioned for service at the start of the school year? Do parents reinforce the teaching of A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 15

11 SUPPORTING the PRINCIPAL and the CATHOLIC SCHOOL The Mission of the Principal in the School Community INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS The Role of the Principal The principal has many responsibilities within the school and in relation to internal and external stakeholders, as illustrated in the diagram, to the right. Faculty Development: Hiring/ Professional Development Community Building Pastors School Commissions Parents Faith/Mission STUDENTS Management: Governance/ Planning/Budget/Building Curriculum: Standards/Design/ Alignment/Assessment/ Accreditation Fund Raising Enrollment and Marketing The Role of the Pastor or Canonically Appointed Leader EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS The pastor or canonically ASB Fulcrum Foundation Regions Chancery appointed leader has appointed the principal and entrusted him or her with responsibility for the mission of the school. The parish leader can support the principal in many ways, as suggested by the following questions, which can serve as topics for dialogue with the principal about the mission of the school and the work of education. Broad Questions that Promote Dialogue About Support for the Principal What fuels the passion of the parish and the school leaders for Catholic education? How does the mission of the school contribute to the teaching mission of the parish? How can the parish and the school support the children and the families who attend the school and all families of the parish? How do the parish leader and the school leader help to foster the Catholic identity of the school? What are the challenges of serving the mission of the local Catholic school? What are the consolations? Do the parish leader and the principal enjoy a relationship of trust and mutual support? Do they meet regularly to calendar events? To offer guidance and support? To discuss the work of the school? Are the parish leader s expectations for the school clearly communicated and discussed? Is the principal invited to give reports and updates to the parish council or to write updates for the parish bulletin? Does the parish leader communicate respect for the legitimate authority of the 14 PART THREE THE ROLE OF THE PASTOR OR CANONICALLY APPOINTED LEADER To achieve its mission, a Catholic elementary school must be integral to the teaching mission of the parish, supported by the parish and contributing to the life and ministry of the parish. A Catholic high school serves as an important means of evangelization for young people across parish lines and as a capstone to a full Pre-K to 12 Catholic education. Pastors or canonically appointed leaders are not directly responsible for a high school, but they may support their local high school individually or as a deanery through contributing a portion of their parishes ordinary income or through a special collection, by sitting on the school s commission, or providing pastoral services. The pastor or canonically appointed leader has several important responsibilities toward the parish school of which the most important is to select and support the principal. The Policy Manual of the Office for Catholic Schools, with appendices, provides guidance for how to do this, and references are provided below to help with finding that and other information. Besides overseeing the implementation of the school s strategic plan and policies, the pastor ensures the excellent integrity and success of the school s missions by: APPOINTING and MEETING with the SCHOOL COMMISSION HIRING and EVALUATING the PRINCIPAL SUPPORTING the PRINCIPAL and the CATHOLIC SCHOOL PROMOTING the MINISTRY of CATHOLIC EDUCATION Pastors can access information about their schools through the Catholic schools website at OCSWW.ORG under the OUR SCHOOLS tab. A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 11

12 APPOINTING and MEETING with the SCHOOL COMMISSION The school commission is advisory to the principal and ultimately to the pastor or canonically appointed leader concerning the mission, policies, and operations of the school. When selected wisely, given clear expectations, and consulted collaboratively, a school commission can provide valuable advice and support. To promote robust discussion while ensuring broad representation of expertise and parish membership, the commission should include about 12 members, with stated terms, and should function with clear by-laws, agendas, and minutes. The pastor or canonically appointed leader should meet with the principal to prepare or approve the agenda for commission meetings, meet at stated times with the commission to communicate a vision and support for the school or to discuss important issues, and to offer opportunities for religious formation and retreats. The Office for Catholic Schools provides information about school commissions and training sessions each year. The schedule is posted online at OCSWW.ORG in the right handsidebar under OCS CALENDARS. HIRING and EVALUATING the PRINCIPAL Hiring The selection of the school s principal is a very important responsibility. The person selected must have the necessary qualifications, skills, credentials, and attributes to fulfill the many roles required of leadership within the school and be able to work professionally and cordially with the pastor or canonically appointed leader and enjoy his or her full confidence to undertake the administration of the school, according to the principle of subsidiarity. The Assistant Superintendent for Polices and Personnel in the OCS should be consulted before beginning the search for a new principal in order to review the pertinent policies and to assist with the search. Among all educational instruments the school has a special importance. It is designed not only to develop with special care the intellectual faculties but also to form the ability to judge rightly, to hand on the cultural legacy of previous generations, to foster a sense of values, to prepare for professional life The influence of the Church in the field of education is shown in a special manner by the Catholic school. Declaration on Christian Education, Second Vatican Council, Evaluating The pastor or canonically appointed leader is responsible for evaluating the principal in January or February of each year, according to the policies, the evaluation form, and the process available from the OCS. Prior to the time for evaluation, the pastor/canonically appointed leader should have been in communication with the principal through regular meetings in order to resolve issues and to support and affirm the principal. If the pastoral leader has confidence in the principal and if meetings occur regularly, communication is easier and small challenges can be discussed before becoming major issues. If the pastoral leader has lost confidence in the principal and wishes to terminate him or her, due process must be followed in documenting this dissatisfaction. The yearly evaluation is an important piece of this documentation, and the pastoral leader should contact the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, who can advise about how to proceed. Depending on the evaluation, the principal s contract may be renewed, with or without an improvement plan, or not renewed. Notice of the intention to rehire or not must be sent to the Office for Catholic Schools by March 15th of each year. A reminder notice is sent in January. Policies for hiring and evaluating the principal may be found through the Catholic schools website at OCSWW.ORG under the PERSONNEL tab. A Resource for Pastors and Canonically Appointed Leaders of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle 13