My Sisters and Brothers,
I am writing to inform the Archdiocese that on April 18, 2011, Justice Annestine Sealey, the Chair of the Conversation on Catholic Education, presented me with the “Strategic Plan 2011-2015” for the renewal of the primary level of Catholic Education.
The report was presented in partial response to Resolution 7 of the Archdiocesan Synod which stated: “Be it resolved that the Archdiocese articulate a clear vision for Catholic learning institutions and ensure that those learning institutions have adequate resources and effective quality assurance systems to achieve it.”
While the report concentrates on the primary level of Catholic education, the Synod resolution obviously also embraces in principle secondary and tertiary Catholic education. These levels of education will be addressed after the Strategic Plan for primary education is implemented.
The Strategic Plan is quite lengthy and detailed. It has already been distributed to the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM) and the Council of Vicars. Individual members of the CEBM have already volunteered to begin the implementation of individual sections of the Plan.
Since the Strategic Plan is both lengthy and detailed, it is not feasible to provide individual copies of the Plan to all interested parties. However, because the Report is so important for the future of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, the entire Strategic Plan will be posted on the Archdiocesan website so all interested parties can read and reflect on the text (DOWNLOAD THE STRATEGIC PLAN)
It is important to note that the Chair and Educational Consultant will continue to function until Resolution 7 is applied to all levels of Catholic Education.
I am grateful to the Chair, Justice Annestine Sealey, the Educational Consultant, Ramona Khan and all the members of the Strategic Planning Team for the very significant service they have provided to the Archdiocese.
I authorize the implementation of the Strategic Plan by those so designated in the Plan.
With every best personal wish, I am
Most Reverend Edward J. Gilbert C.Ss.R.
Archbishop of Port of Spain