Subject: 'austraLasia' # 273

QUALITY, CULTURE, CHARISM

Fr. Chris Ford (Australia) writes on Salesian education

BERKELEY: 5th Jan '00 -- Chris Ford, an Australian Salesian priest recently

appointed as Principal at St. John Bosco College, Engadine, NSW (Aus),

provides an in-depth study of the importance of the Salesian charism in our

striving for quality education. His article appears in the latest isuue of

the 'Journal of Salesian Studies' (Fall '99) from the Institute of Salesian

Spirituality, Berkeley Ca. USA.

Chris notes two significant studies, one from the US, the other from

Australia, which confirm the influence of the overall school culture on both

faith and academic development of students. But neither study had given much

weight to the role of 'charism' in Religious schools....possibly because so

many Catholic schools today are generically Catholic and have lost or never

had a specific Religious charism. And there's the rub! Where do our

Salesian schools stand at the moment? While CHris does not specifically ask

this question, it lies between the lines.

A good read - get your copy. If you do not subscribe, maybe Chris will let

Bosconet put up a copy of his article.....are you reading this, Chris? And

BTW - have you looked at the all-new Bosconet yet?

http://www.bosconet.aust.com your online Salesian resource.

Ignore the AOL address in returning mail. It is temporary only.

'austraLasia' can be contacted at jbfox@is.com.fj