Partnership with Parents and Clergy

Working within the Deanery Structure

The Diocese is divided into twelve deaneries. Each deanery is served by a secondary school and a number of primary schools. Each deanery should appoint a schools convener whose role it is to bring headteachers and clergy together in order to discuss and coordinate a response to local issues. There is also an important role for the deanery in matters affecting the whole diocese. For example, officers of the Schools Service meet periodically with the deanery groups to discuss the strategic issues of school place planning.

The School, Parish and Parental Partnership

Heads and clergy need to work very closely together in order to ensure that Catholic parents gladly send their children to the Catholic schools in their area. Equally, as the parish is at the centre of a Catholic community, the school needs to support the clergy in involving parents in the life of their parish. Parish and school are brought together, for example, in preparing children for the sacraments. The preparation programme should normally take place in the parish, as this demonstrates to the parents and children that they are fully members of the parish as well as the school. The parish programme is supported by teachers and catechists working closely together.

The following list gives an indication of what the partnership between the school, parents and parishes is likely to look like when it is going well.

• The parents have a positive attitude towards the school and parish as the centre of the Catholic community, give support to both and feel involved.

• The school mission statement is clearly conveyed to parents.

• The parents make a practical contribution to the RE curriculum and to the general Catholic life of the school.

• The parents are made aware of and consulted on the RE/PSE/EPR/sex education policies and schemes.

• The parents are involved in both the school-based and the parish-based aspects of sacramental preparation programmes.

• The parish clergy visit the school regularly and work well with staff and pupils.

• There is good teamwork involving the school’s pastoral staff and the chaplain, RE staff and parish clergy.

• The parish clergy take part in school liturgies and celebrations.

• There is good liaison between the school and parish on preparation for the sacraments.

• There is good general communication between school and parish and they support each other’s publicity with parents.

• There is good liaison between school and parish groups.

• The school actively supports parish initiatives.

• There are effective links with other Catholic schools and colleges in the area.