Sabbatical 2004
Headteacher Sabbatical Goes from Strength to Strength
Catholic Headteachers from Hallam, Hexham & Newcastle, Leeds, and Middlesbrough Diocese have again taken part in this years three week Sabbatical programme. Now in its third year the Sabbatical offers headteachers a three week break from school for personal reflection and professional development.
During this year’s Sabbatical headteachers made visits to other schools, took part in two pilgrimages, participated in three twenty-four hour conferences and had time for personal research. This year six of the headteachers spent a day at Beth Shalom, the Holocaust Memorial Centre in North Nottinghamshire. Paul Storey, headteacher for fourteen years at St Mary’s in Rotherham feels very blessed to have participated. “The Sabbatical has been a very special experience both professionally and personally. The visit to Beth Shalom brought an inspiring perspective to the importance of education.”
John Cape, headteacher of Holy Family, Worksop is adamant that this is the best course around! “It’s given me the opportunity to think, to pray, to talk, to learn and to be! It has renewed my enthusiasm and commitment to Catholic education – and recharged the batteries.”
The Sabbatical is facilitated on behalf of the four dioceses by Frank McDermott, Director of Schools for the Diocese of Hallam together with Theresa Laverick, RE Adviser from the Diocese of Leeds. Frank is delighted that the Sabbatical is now so well established, “Our hope is that all Catholic headteachers will make use of this opportunity every five to seven years of their time in headship. It’s a huge privilege to be involved in such an important experience.”
For further information and the dates of next years Sabbatical programme please contact Frank McDermott: email: schools@hallam-diocese.com; tel: 0114 2566440, fax: 0114256273; www.hallam-diocese.com/schools or Theresa Laverick: email: theresalaverick@hinsley-hall.co.uk; tel: 0113 2618040; fax: 01132618044.