WELLINGTON Four principals of Catholic schools have been named as the latest recipients of Catholic leadership scholarships, awarded by the New Zealand Catholic Education Office. They are Anne Miles of Aucklands McAuley High School; John Young of St Josephs School, Upper Hutt; Stasia Kennedy of St Josephs School, Levin; and Marie Barrett, St John Bosco School, New Plymouth.

The scholarships provide financial support for the principals professional study and for research they are undertaking that will benefit the Catholic schooling system.

Mrs Miles and Mr Young were awarded Spotless scholarships, sponsored by the Auckland company of the same name.

Mrs Miles will travel to the United Kingdom to study how low-decile schools are raising academic achievement and the link between Catholic character and achievement.

Mrs Kennedy will travel to the United States to learn about the Oregon Resiliency Project focusing on the development of strong young people, and the use of social-emotional assets and resiliency scales.

Mr Young will travel to South Australia to work with Professor Alan Reid on school self-review.
Mrs Barrett is attending workshops on mindful leadership, and will further develop her work with Dr Samir Heble, clinical director of mental health for the Taranaki Health Board, so that mindful living and learning becomes embedded in the school.