When we think of parent leadership in Catholic education we may immediately think of the Chairperson or members of the School or Parish Education Board, the President and members of the Parents and Friends or Parent Council. Whilst the parents or carers who hold these volunteer positions are highly valued leaders, there are many opportunities for all parents to demonstrate and be engaged in leadership inside and outside of Catholic learning communities.

As soon as we set foot on school property, we are being observed by the very people who are at the centre of learning in our schools, the students. Leadership is demonstrated through actions and how we contribute to the development of a welcoming and positive learning culture and environment for children.

When we think of leadership, we may at times put leaders on a pedestal or view them through a lens of being a ‘hero’. “For too long, too many of us have been entranced by heroes. Perhaps it’s our desire to be saved, to not have to do the hard work, to rely on someone else to figure things out.” We may think that leaders have all the answers and that they will solve all problems. Instead, if we think of leaders rather as ‘hosts’, it can alter the whole culture and perception of leadership in education and more specifically our role as parent leaders in our homes, our schools and in the community.

As host leaders and volunteers in our communities, we are demonstrating through actions as examples, showing the way for others, much like Jesus taught us and what our children are learning in our Catholic schools. Following in the footsteps of Jesus means that we are the guides, not the superheroes who have all the answers or who seek gratification.

Leaders as hosts take on a different role in that they collaborate and share ideas, then solve challenges together. This is what is considered a genuine partnership approach, where each member of a learning community is a valued leader, capable of positive contribution to community, included in decision making and the development of whole school community culture.

Leaders as hosts demonstrate selflessness and in the words of Mary McKillop, “see a need and do something about it.” These leaders don’t wait to be asked to take action. In taking action, however, they are not trying to be a hero, they are showing genuine leadership in doing the right thing and make a difference for others.

As parents of children in Catholic schools, we are very capable of leading positive change in the Church and in our communities, but most of all within our families. Parents are the first leaders in the education and guidance of their children.
Pope Francis continues to emphasise the importance of families in setting an example. He states, “Truly Christian families are known by their fidelity, their patience, their openness to life, and their respect for the elderly…..the secret to this is the presence of Jesus in the family.”

We are all leaders, learning from and with each other in our learning communities.

Everyone has a role to play in a Catholic learning community. Each experience we have as our children take their journey through school is a learning opportunity and a chance to show leadership. It is a shared responsibility and one that extends beyond the school gate. In our local communities and in our homes, we are always demonstrating leadership and guidance with our children.

About Catholic School Parents Victoria

Catholic School Parents Victoria recently developed a five-year strategic plan that provides opportunities for parent leadership in Catholic education at a system, state and national level. The parents who sit on the council are current Catholic school parent volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in education and contributing parent perspective as partners in key decision making in education.

Some exciting projects we are currently or have recently been involved in include a review of Naplan, parent engagement workshops for pre-service teachers, development of a Parents As Partners Policy for Catholic Education Melbourne and assisting in the organisation of forums with guest speakers and the National Catholic Education Commission Conference due to take place in September 2020.
CSPV have also been involved in developing an Australia-wide Parent Engagement Toolkit as well as collaborating and supporting the work several governing bodies and working alongside each diocese to improve and promote Catholic education.

Catholic School Parents Victoria invites parents to share in a dialogue session with Lois Vermilya, to explore parent leadership in education.