The head teachers of the Salesian network have met over the last fortnight in two locations: in Blundellsands and in Battersea.

The Fellowship headteachers met at Sandymount House of Prayer, Blundellsands (above), to reflect on the experience of All Saints in Kirkby as it develops its long term Salesian strategy. Sr Pat Devine FMA also spoke passionately to the group about the importance of Mother Mary Mazzarello in the development of the Salesian charism. This group has agreed to meet twice a year and draw on the experience and tradition of Salesian trustee schools around the country.

The trustee head teachers met in Battersea to review progress and listen to a valedictory address from Mrs Alison Burrowes as she ends her eleven years of leadership at Thornleigh Salesian College in Bolton. We learnt that she is to take up a new leadership role with the Catholic Education Service especially focusing on Catholic leadership development in schools.

Members of both of these networks are joining a pilgrimage to Turin this weekend with Fr John Dickson SDB and Dr John Lydon. This is all part of a wider strategy to deepen the sense of salesian vocation for those who work in education. At present there are 12 schools in the network and you may be interested to view the salesian schools web site at www.salesianschools.com

Fr David O'Malley SDB