SABBATICAL MAY WELL BECOME AN ENTITLEMENT AND REQUIREMENT FOR HEADTEACHERS OF CHURCH SCHOOLS. . .

The impact of this sabbatical experience has been so significant that consideration is now being given to build the experience into headteacher conditions of service and contract as an entitlement and requirement every five or six years. Over 80 headteachers have now experienced this sabbatical! (Read the NCSL independent report on www.nedfos.org )

WHAT IMPACT DOES IT HAVE?

            “This has been the best professional development experience of my teaching career.”

            “This experience has been completely unique and I will treasure my memories of our time together forever.”

            “This experience has been profoundly rewarding – it should be a requirement for all headteachers in Catholic schools.”

            “I am deeply grateful - I have been able to deepen my knowledge and understanding of Catholic education, visit exciting schools in differing locations and plan for further school development”

            “This has been a transformational experience for which I will always be grateful.”

            “My spirit has returned. I have come away greatly enriched -quite simply, this has been the most inspirational and transformational ‘course’ I have ever attended.”

Comments from 2009 participants

WHEN?

Monday 28^th June to Friday 16^th July 2010

WHERE?

Three nights (one night each week) residence in beautiful country hotels; home based tasks for three days; visits to schools of your own choice; retreat style experiences to enable contemplation; reflection and renewal; personal, pastoral and professional support.

COST?

£945 for the three week programme plus a planning day in January – 16 school days

PLANNING

Your three week programme will be unique to you.  To make sure you and your school get the best value from the experience there will be an important planning day in York on 22^nd January 2010 but you will need to make prior contact with Frank in the autumn term 2009.

SABBATICAL DIRECTORS

Frank McDermott, Anam Cara and former Director of Schools for the Diocese of Hallam and Theresa Laverick, Assistant Director (RE and Inspection) for the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you’re thinking that 2010 will be the year to take your sabbatical (whether your first or second) then please contact Frank McDermott directly on his email:  anam.cara@btconnect.com  

Booking and a deposit will be required by February 1^st 2010. Only 12 places are available.

The sabbatical programme carries the support of the four north-eastern dioceses, the Catholic Education Service and the National College of School Leadership.