Maria Teresa Spinelli : an influential school leader and her relevance to contemporary society

Abstract

The charism embraced by Mother Teresa Spinelli, foundress of the Augustinian Sisters, Servants of Jesus and Mary, is a determining factor in the ethos of the schools run by the same Congregation. This dissertation starts by examining what were Teresa Spinelli’s intentions for the school that she established, and its distinguishing characteristics. Her aim was to ensure that the education offered in her school would be inclusive, while respecting the dignity of each student and aimed at developing each student holistically. Through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires, this dissertation explores how the Heads of the St Monica Schools are embracing Teresa Spinelli’s mission, amidst the challenges encountered, and how they are passing on the school beliefs and ethos to staff and students, thus enabling the schools to maintain their distinctiveness. The findings were used to draw conclusions as to whether the school leaders are embracing and passing on the values and ethos of Maria Teresa Spinelli as well as to determine whether the education of Spinellian is still relevant for contemporary society. This led to a discussion of the implications of the conclusions drawn. Subsequently, some recommendations were made to suggest ways how the school can envisage and implement the way forward.