Education Vicar’s message for new school term

At two separate sessions of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American Fr David Khan, Vicar for Education, highlighted a few values which should underpin the education at Catholic schools: integrity, discipline, perseverance, and mutual respect.

He spoke of these in a message for the start of the new term January 5, 2026, after the Christmas break.

Fr Khan, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Education Board of Management said the new term marked “a fresh start, renewed commitment, and shared responsibility for learning, growth, and character formation within our school community.”

He placed the school community under the blessing of God given in Numbers 6:22 to 27, the Aaronic blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Fr Khan said this was both a blessing and promise as it told of God’s protection, guidance, favour and peace over all who teach, learn, and serve within schools. He added: “It reminds us that education is not only about academic achievement, but also about integrity, discipline, perseverance, and mutual respect.”

Directing words of encouragement to the Standard Five pupils preparing to sit the Secondary Examination Assessment (SEA) on March 26, he stated it was an important and demanding stage of their academic journey, “may the Lord bless you with clarity of mind, discipline in study, confidence in your abilities, and peace of heart in moments of pressure.”

He urged them to remain focused and, with the support of their teachers and families, “give the best effort each day.”

To teachers and staff, he thanked them for their dedication, patience, and professionalism. He extended prayerful support that the Lord will bless their work, strengthen resolve, and grant them wisdom and peace as they guide and support the students of Catholic schools.

Fr Khan asked that the entire school community be marked by cooperation, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. He concluded: “May God’s blessing rest upon our school, not only in success, but also in the way we care for one another and grow together. The Lord bless you and keep you, now and throughout this school year.”