This book presents leadership in the Catholic school as an expression of mission. The various chapters explore and discuss the four principles that shape leading for mission, which form the same principles that guide leading the Catholic school: Living Tradition; Liberating Purpose; Integral Learning; and Authentic Witness. In this book, faith, culture, and life come together in leadership which aligns with a framework for mission that is centered in a Living Tradition, narrated in a Liberating Purpose, engages Integral Learning, and is reflected in Authentic Witness. Grounded in theological and philosophical reflection, the paradigm of leading for mission aligned with the mission of the Catholic school bridges disciplines of education, theology, and psychology to create a leadership framework that is integrated, inspired, and infused with faith. While the overview situates leadership as complex and critical, the postscript invites leaders to reimagine leadership through a lens of creativity, courage, and the unifying presence of the Holy Spirit, shaping a transformative vision for Catholic education.
Associate Professor William (Bill) Sultmann is Teacher, Psychologist, Theologian, and Administrator with executive and governance roles in education, health, and welfare sectors across 40 years. His qualifications span the arts, education, psychology, and leadership, with research doctorates in educational psychology and pastoral theology. His current position is Associate Professor and Director of Catholic School Identity and Mission within Australian Catholic University (ACU), with responsibilities as Deputy Dean within La Salle Academy. His continuing interests are with professional writing and governance participation in not-for-profit boards in support of mission, nationally and internationally.
Associate Professor Janeen Lamb, Ph.D., is Researcher in La Salle Academy at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). She has expertise in educational leadership, curriculum and pedagogy, statistical applications, and research methods. Her professional experience and expertise have been evidenced in her position as Director, Higher Degree Research in Education, and in instructional leadership in teaching doctoral courses. Her work on leadership and the development of leaders within faith-based cultures has been across several national projects as well as provincial research in support of specific Arch/Dioceses. Professor Brother David Hall FMS is Foundation Dean of the La Salle Academy at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). David came to this position after thirty years in Catholic education, where he held positions as Teacher, Head of mission and religious education, Principal, and Systems' Administrator. In addition to his duties as Dean of La Salle Academy, he teaches in Masters of Educational Leadership and is involved in the governance of Australian Catholic schools. Among his range of international engagements, David designed and led a Catholic school leaders' program across 22 countries in Africa. Associate Professor Paul Kidson is Senior Lecturer (Educational Leadership) and Head of Postgraduate Studies in the National School of Education at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). He brings 25 years' school experience, including 11 years as School Principal and, since 2017, as Educational Leadership Academic. His teaching and research reflect a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, drawing on a range of academic disciplines and insights. Through this, he explores how school leaders work within, and critically transform, their complex personal and professional lives. This underpins his current work leading redevelopment of the Master of Educational Leadership degree (in partnership with the La Salle Academy), as well as his involvement with the Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey through ACU's Institute for Positive Psychology.
