Kōtui: School & Policy Updates - Term 1 Issue 2 2025 (NZCEO)

TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA: Editorial by Dr Kevin Shore, CEO

Kia ora koutou

Thank you to those who responded to my last editorial in February where I mentioned that 2025 will mark the fifty-year anniversary of the signing of the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act (PSCIA 1975). One of the responses was very powerful. The respondent who is part of a religious order talked about how for his order the Integration Act “was a definitive experience. It was a momentous opportunity to affirm our identity as hard-working teachers and catechists and ….for almost all of our men, integration provided a resounding validation of their chosen vocation. In many instances our teaching communities were able to wrestle free from a hitherto enforced frugality. Some were able to re-balance their responsibilities, or transitioned into retirement.”

I am not diminishing the very real sacrifices being made by our current staff in schools and the challenges they face now but this response did bring home to me how difficult it must have been for the teachers in our schools before integration. Class sizes of sixty to eighty students, having to ration chalk and paper, cleaning classrooms and toilets after classes were finished and religious teaching staff having to work on into their late seventies and even eighties because schools did not have the funds to pay teachers to replace them. It was a very difficult time. However, let me once again reinforce to those who served through the transition from private to state integrated schooling that your efforts are remembered, valued and appreciated.

Teacher Supply

The Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS) met with Anna Welanyk (Deputy Secretary Ministry of Education - Education Workforce) recently to discuss teacher supply. The Ministry of Education (MoE) had apologised to the state sector for some errors in their projections for 2023/24 which were at odds to what our school leaders were experiencing at the coal face. Anna talked to what the MoE had done to strengthen their systems and improve the accuracy of their projections. She was able to debunk the current myth that students are not entering tertiary teacher training with current data indicating there has been a 10% increase in students undertaking teacher training in 2025 after a 25% drop through COVID which was replicated across all university courses.

Recent world events have resulted in a 35% increase in interest from international teachers looking to move to New Zealand from the United States and Europe. Coupled with international primary teachers gaining a new immigration pathway into teaching in New Zealand, the MoE is also seeing interest from a significant group looking to return to teaching.

While this is some good news, I have no doubt our schools are still challenged to find quality teachers in what is a tight market. It is disappointing to hear that many schools started the new year with vacant positions and the continuing challenge for some of our proprietors and schools is attracting teachers who can be tagged into special character positions. This is a challenge in our Catholic schools and one we are going to have to grapple with and address if we are to maintain and preserve our special character and our unique identity.

Roll Numbers

APIS was pleased to see roll numbers (as at July 2024) in the state integrated sector increased by approximately 2500 students in 2024. The education provided by our schools continues to attract new parents and students and I want to recognise the wonderful service provided by our school leaders, the teaching staff, ancillary staff and proprietors in promoting a faith and values based education that is highly sought after.

One of the major obstacles to further growth in the sector is the affordability and cost of building for proprietors and the parents who support our schools. The cost of building a single classroom is now approximately $1M and a new build for a primary school or secondary college could vary from $20M to $100M. These are large numbers and are moving beyond the reach of individual proprietors and our parents to debt service. APIS continues to have discussions with the Minister about this issue but austerity is a very real challenge in the current environment. Despite that, the Minister is engaging with APIS and hopefully we can convince her that we are worth investing in as part of the state education system. APIS believes its quite possible to grow state integrated schools without negatively impacting on our state school cousins but we will need some government financial support in some cases.

Finally

I am off on a holiday for two weeks to remote Western Australia to visit family including three grandsons. I am looking forward to the sun but will check my shoes each day for snakes and will only swim in shallow waters to avoid the great whites that are known to enjoy the coastline. Hopefully I will be back in one piece.

Best wishes and every blessing to you all.

Kevin Shore, Chief Executive Officer

Catholic Schools Day 2025

We are celebrating Catholic Schools Day 2025 on Wednesday 28 May! This is an opportunity to showcase who we are to our communities. The theme of Catholic Schools Day 2025 is Shine like stars in the world: E tīaho ana koe hei rama i te ao.

To support schools NZCEO has developed a range of resources and information to help minimise the extra preparation required to celebrate the outstanding work of our schools. 

We have a range of resources available on our website at this link. The resources page contains new material not available when the last issue of Kōtui was published. We will continue to add resources so please come back and visit this page regularly:

Teachers' Certification Handbook, Te Kupenga

From Robert Blucher, CEO, Te Kupenga Catholic Leadership Institute

Ngā Kōeke Tiwhikete – Certification Levels for Teachers/Kaiako in Catholic Schools

This official Handbook outlines the updated requirements and processes for gaining Certification Levels. They are expected to be progressively implemented in schools, as possible and appropriate, from January 2025 onwards, and in place by January 2026. This Handbook replaces the Handbook promulgated by NZCBC in 2014.

The major purpose of Certification is to ensure that our kaiako have the right formation and qualifications to confidently and capably develop and enhance the faith formation of their students and the Catholic Special Character of their school.

The updated requirements highlight the importance of gaining qualifications and provide a system by which teachers suitably qualified for positions in Catholic schools can be determined and applied nationally. The update follows wide consultation in the sector and is endorsed by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC).

The handbook is available to read at the link below, and can be accessed from the NZCEO website on the Resources page, and on Te Kupenga website, here. 

New Zealand Catholic Primary Principals Association Conference 2025

Post-Graduate Studies In Catholic Leadership

From Robert Blucher, CEO, Te Kupenga Catholic Leadership Institute

Te Kupenga – Catholic Leadership Institute is Aotearoa’s tertiary Catholic education provider. One of the purposes of Te Kupenga is to inspire and grow leaders at all levels in the Catholic faith through education.  Through the Catholic Theological College, we currently provide undergraduate certificates and diplomas, a Bachelors’ Degree and a Graduate Diploma. In conjunction with the New Zealand Catholic Education Office, we are now developing a post-graduate qualification suitable for leaders and aspiring leaders in Catholic and other faith-based schools and organisations.  

 A suitable post-graduate certificate will comprise of four 15-credit papers at Level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework. Papers will enhance leadership skills through advanced learning, reflection and research from a Catholic faith-based perspective.   

 At this stage, we are consulting with various stakeholders throughout New Zealand. Please contact us with your thoughts on the need for and the composition of such a qualification by emailing one of us:
Robert Blucher (CEO, Te Kupenga) r.blucher@tekupenga.org.nz
Dr John Evangelista (Director, CTC) j.evangelista@ctc.ac.nz
Susan Wilson (Dean, CTC) s.wilson@ctc.ac.nz

Clarifying Catholic Schools’ stance as Ministry of Education removes Relationships and Sex. Ed. Guidelines

From Colin Macleod, Director of the National Centre for Religious Studies (NCRS)

In response to some schools being confused by recent media statements, the director of the National Centre for Religious Studies (NCRS) released the following statement: Catholic schools have always approached human sexuality education from a distinct position which incorporates Catholic teaching in this area. The framing document for Catholic schools is He Mea Hanga Mīharo ki tō te Atua Āhua – Wonderfully Made in God’s Image: A revised Framing Document for human sexuality education in Aotearoa Catholic schools. (Oct. 2021). Recent government and media statements regarding ‘relationships and sexuality education guidelines being withdrawn’ do not affect Catholic schools because we have always had our own guidelines, which include specific PLD via the Having Life to the Full course, and the above mentioned framing document. Schools, therefore, may have confidence to continue doing what is expected of them by the NZ Catholic bishops, and may be assured that should there be a Ministry of Education directive which specifically impacts on NZ Catholic Schools in this area, NCRS will respond in a timely and appropriate manner.

Gene Editing (GE) in Aotearoa New Zealand 2025 and Beyond

From Dr John Kleinsman, Director of the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics

As a response to the coalition government’s commitment to upgrade the laws and regulations around genetic engineering (GE), Christian bioethicists and scientists associated with the InterChurch Bioethics Council (ICBC) and the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics have collaborated to produce an information resource that explains the basic science and some of the ethical questions raised by GE. Between them, the two groups represent the Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Catholic churches. The resource outlines the benefits that can be derived from advances in gene technology as well as identifying various risks. A key question is how to carry out a meaningful risk assessment when many of the risks are not easily measured or understood? Some people will consider potential financial gains or advances in science as reasons to pursue new technologies, but the ICBC and Nathaniel Centre suggest that a genuine assessment of the use of gene technology needs to balance economic benefits and scientific progress with human well-being and the well-being of all life. This involves a robust consideration of the cultural, ethical and spiritual dimensions.

The resource, which uses accessible language and has been written with Secondary Teachers and students in mind, can be found here: 

Written and oral submissions on the Gene Technology Bill are currently being considered by the Health Select Committee, which will report back to parliament in due course. Following this report, the Bill will get its second reading and, if it passes, MPs will then debate particular clauses of the Bill on the basis of feedback from the Health Select Committee as well as their constituents.

About the Nathaniel Centre

The Te Kupenga Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics was established by the NZ Catholic Bishops in 1999 and its key functions include:

• developing educational opportunities in bioethics
• acting as an advisory and resource centre for individuals, and professional, educational and community groups
• carrying out research into bioethical issues
• carrying out research and action to support the Church’s pastoral response to bioethical issues taking into account the needs of different cultures and groups in society

Fundraising Opportunity: Pilgrimage Aotearoa | Haerenga Tapu Aotearoa

Pilgrimage Aotearoa / Haerenga Tapu Aotearoa, by Jenny Boyack and John Hornblow offers readers a unique guide to 100 sites in Aotearoa New Zealand, blending history, culture and spirituality. It invites you on a journey of reflection and discovery, uncovering rich stories that make these places significant to our country’s identity and soul.

A 25% discount is now available for 10 or more copies purchased through the publisher Philip Garside Books. Then sell at the retail price of $49.50 with $12 per copy for your school or parish. P&P additional.

The guidebook tells why each site is important, gives directions for how to get there, and provides links for more information about place or people. It includes practical tips for planning individual or group pilgrimages and thoughtful reflections for personal contemplation.

Thirteen sites covered in the book are of specifically Catholic interest, including the Pompallier Printery in Russell / Kororareka, Hiruhārama / Jerusalem on the Whanganui River, and St Mary of the Angels in Wellington.

Leadership in Education: Leading for Learning, UNESCO

By Rosalie Connors, Special Character Manager, New Zealand Catholic Education

Leadership matters at all levels of education-school and system-as education leaders shape the direction of their institutions and teams. Therefore, strong leaders are needed to help schools, education systems and societies change for the better (UNESCO (2024). Leadership in education: Leading for learning).

Understanding these and other challenges facing leadership in education was the focus of a UNESCO: New Zealand National Commission presentation that Dr Kevin Shore and I were privileged to recently attend in Wellington. The presentation centred on two of the latest Global Education Monitoring (GEM): Leadership in Education: Leading for Learning and Technology in Education: A Tool On Whose Terms?

The Leadership in Education report argues that in pursuing specific goals education leaders are more than managers, they are change agents, who need time, trust and support to focus on setting vision and develop the people they serve and work with. Therefore, investment in school and system leaders, particularly investment in growth opportunities that recognise the scope of their roles, is needed. The report also advocates for collaborative leadership that empowers others to lead in their own roles.

The report examines the requirements of good leadership, the vision and goals that are driving leadership in education and  through what practices the exercise of leadership contributes to better education outcomes.

The Technology in Education report highlights the rapid evolution of technology and the bitter divisions in how the role of technology is viewed. While the report examines these debates it also explores education challenges to which technology, with appropriate use, can offer solutions, while recognising that many solutions proposed may be detrimental. The report also explores system-wide conditions that need to be met for any technology in education to meet its full potential.

We highly recommend you read the summaries of the Leadership in Education and Technology in Education to better understand and appraise some current challenges and hopes for education. 

Hastings Hibernian Catholic Education Trust

The Hastings Hibernian Catholic Education Trust was set up to mark the Centennial of St. Joseph’s Branch No. 172 of the New Zealand Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society.

The objects of the Trust, as established, are to generally provide financial support for the educational needs of primary and secondary school students, who practice the Catholic Religion, provided they reside in New Zealand and are nominated either by a Branch of the Hibernian Society in New Zealand, their Parish Priest, senior parish member, or current school principal.

The administration of the Trust is vested in a “Trust Board”, made up of the four Trustees represented by St. Joseph’s Branch No. 172, and the National Body of the Society.

Applications are now called for from those who meet the criteria of needing financial assistance for the furtherance of their education. This assistance may be in the form of supplementing costs of fees, books, and travel and/or accommodation overheads.

If approved, applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications for assistance.

The decision of the Trust Board will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Applications must be in the hands of the Secretary on or before 1 December each year.

The Application form can be downloaded at the links below as either a PDF or Word document.

Caritas Update

The Caritas education team has enjoyed connecting with Catholic schools across Aotearoa, especially as we journey through Lent. We’ve been inspired by so many young people and dedicated teachers following both the Jubilee Year theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, and our Caritas Lenten theme, ‘Restoring hope: Your compassion in action.’

Caritas Justice Chats

We’ve been overwhelmed by passionate student leaders who are willing to live out their faith and values as pilgrims of hope in their schools and communities. Throughout March, we’ve been running online Caritas Justice Chats with hundreds of students across Aotearoa. It’s been great to hear their amazing plans for social justice initiatives in 2025!

YCC Day

Last year, Catholic schools across New Zealand came together to support Holy Trinity Primary School in Papua New Guinea through YCC Day. Together we raised more than $33,000! This funding helped provide desks, chairs and student workbooks, and we were thrilled to recently receive photos from the school showing students proudly using their new resources.

The students and teachers shared this message:

“We want to thank you for helping our dream become a reality! This is the first time for most of the students to have their own textbook for each subject. Now, everyone has their own space to study and learn!”

What an amazing outcome!

Now, we’re looking ahead to YCC Day 2025, where we will support St Leo’s Secondary School in Kiribati. The school is in great need of additional resources and facility improvements, and we hope to make a difference.

We invite schools to save the date:

Friday 27^th June (last day of Term 2)

Schools can also participate in any day that works best for them!

Thank you for your solidarity and willingness to help those far away who you may never meet. Posters and learning resources about Kiribati St Leo’s Secondary School will be available in early Term 2.

Caritas Competitions

Before the end of term, schools will receive a special pack with the latest posters to go on display promoting upcoming Caritas events including YCC Day and our two student competitions, SINGout4JUSTICE and Kaitiaki2Share.

Students of all ages have a great opportunity to be creative and enter these social justice centred competitions before their closing dates in August.

• SINGout4JUSTICE in 2025 continues the bring the theme from Catholic Schools Day to life. Students can create an original song or perform a cover that connects to the theme of being pilgrims of hope and shining like stars in the world. More information can be found at caritas.org.nz/singout4justice
• The Kaitiaki2Share competition also connects to the theme of the Jubilee Year. Students can share their original idea in any format to inspire others to be pilgrims of hope and caretakers of God’s creation. More details can be found at caritas.org.nz/kaitiaki2share

Get in Touch

For any resource orders or queries contact us at:

michaels@caritas.org.nz

justine@caritas.org.nz   

For more education related resources, visit our website at www.caritas.org.nz/schools

2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference

Registration is open for the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference to be held at the Cairns Convention Centre from Wednesday 20 August to Friday 22 August 2025.

National Catholic Education Commission is partnering with host diocese, Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns to offer an engaging professional learning experience for an anticipated 1,500 Catholic educators, leaders, clergy, parents and others from the broader Church involved in Catholic education.

With the theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’, the conference will focus on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access. We will be featuring a broad range of speakers, presentations and workshops focused on Catholic identity, mission and formation; learning and teaching; leadership and governance; parent engagement; parish and community engagement; resourcing and infrastructure; advocacy and marketing; and more.

Early bird registration is open until 31 March 2025 - Save $100!

The Archbishop Francis Carroll Bursary Program is now open for Catholic educators and emerging leaders in rural, regional, and remote areas to attend the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference (ACEC) in Cairns from August 20-22.

In honor of Archbishop Francis Carroll, founding Chair of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC), a limited number of bursaries up to $5,000 are available to assist with conference registration, accommodation, return travel, and transfers.

These bursaries aim to make the conference more accessible for educators from rural, regional, and remote areas across Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania.

Applications are open now! Full details are here.

Pleroma Christian Supplies is seeking a new manager

From Pleroma Charitable Trust Board Chair, Chris Duthie-Jung

We seek a dedicated and enthusiastic Manager to oversee the daily operations of Pleroma Christian Supplies. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the store, leading a team of dedicated staff, and fostering a welcoming environment for our customers, online, by phone and face-to-face. If you have a passion for Christian resourcing and a strong desire to serve the community, this is a fantastic opportunity for you. Apply online at Pleroma - Seek or directly to The Trust Board Chair, Chris Duthie-Jung, c.duthie-jung@wn.catholic.org.nz