How do lay educational leaders within a church school sustain the culture, values and ethos of their school?

Abstract

The expeditious and unpredictable changes in our society give rise to educational challenges that educational leaders constantly confront in schools. Rapid societal changes, globalisation and new technologies are increasingly affecting cultural beliefs, values and religious beliefs within the school community and society at large. The influx of laity within Church Schools occurred after the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). In Malta, this phenomenon had a rise during the last two decades. The objective behind this intrinsic case study is to envisage how a lay educational leader will be able to lead, sustain and nurture the culture, values and ethos of the school while remaining faithful to the original mission of the congregation. The Church advocates the holistic wellbeing of the person in the light of one’s heavenly vocation. Thus, the intent of the Church towards authentic education aims at the formation of the human being and for the good of the society, where ultimately the person will be able to share the knowledge acquired with others to foster unity and peace within a secular world. One of the main findings within this research study is that lay educational leaders leading Church Schools carry the same responsibilities as other leaders leading State and Independent Schools in developing students’ potential in regards to academic subjects and social aspects. The distinguishing responsibilities lie in the advocacy of the Church religious values, and the nurturing of the culture, values and ethos of the congregation. This research study sets out valuable insights and recommends that through the open-mindedness of lay educational leaders evangelization transpires.