Unpacking the Framework

This resource has been designed for use by all who are interested in Catholic school advisory bodies.

The Conceptual Framework

The framework itself can be thought of as a map or a guide – it describes who needs to be involved, what capabilities, attributes, understandings and resources are needed. Essentially the Better Together framework brings together the following key dimensions: people, principles and practices and shows the (inter) relationships among them in order to help people, or groups of people working together, have a successful journey with their school advisory body.

However, a conceptual framework is just that – conceptual. Those who use it will need to breath life into it and make it their own.

The Keystone

The ‘Keystone’ of the framework is the Catholic dimension. Sitting at the apex, it is the central supporting element, as a Catholic school advisory body cannot be truly effective without a strong Catholic identity and mission.

The Dimensions

People

All Catholic schools operate as a mission of the Parish and the Catholic Church.

This section outlines how the educating community can work better together in partnership to support student faith formation, learning and well-being and build community.

            It very clearly situates ALL students 
               at the centre of the partnership. 

Outlining the important contribution individuals can make to the educational partnership and the work of the advisory body in particular, there are also video vignettes of parents, principals and parish priests from the two partner dioceses talking about their experiences of being part of an advisory body.

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Principles

There are certain principles of Catholic teaching and practice that should infuse the governance of any Catholic institution.

This section outlines the Catholic principles that underpin and guide the work of Catholic school advisory bodies. They are based on the twelve 
core principles outlined in the 2002 National Catholic Education Commission’s (NCEC) 
Catholic School Governance document. 

        Emphazies the role and purpose of the Catholic school and the 
   valuable contribution Catholic education has made to Australian society.

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Practices

Although the structure and specific roles of advisory bodies vary widely, certain key characteristics are evident.

This section outlines the key practices of effective school advisory bodies:

• Engaging,
• Learning,
• Knowing and
• Responding.

The keystone supporting each practice being Catholic identity and mission.

Each core practice is supported by a statement, attributes and indicators of effective practice, with reflective questions as to how it relates to the local context and links to a range of resources. 

The Practices can be summarised as: 
           
   Effective Catholic school advisory bodies:

• Are Faithful to the Mission of Catholic Education and the Church (Catholic)
• Engage in learning and well-being conversations and partnerships (Engaging)
• Focus on building a learning community (Learning)
• Know how to know their communities (Knowing)
• Respond in meaningful ways (Responding)

Resources

The framework is supported by a bank of resources and tools to support the work of advisory bodies. The resources are aligned to the practices:

• Catholic Matters: To be faithful to the mission of the Church in all our work, these resources help tell the story of Catholic education and support Catholic ways of doing and being in our work, for example prayers and reflections; shared wisdom models of decision-making, overview of key statements on Catholic Identity and Mission and Catholic Social Teachings and their relevance to contemporary Catholic school communities.
• Engaging Matters: Being inclusive and welcoming is central to being an effective advisory body. You’ll find resources here to help you engage in good learning conversations, engage others in your work including tools to enhance internal and external communication.
• Learning Matters: All our schools aspire to be learning communities. You’ll find resources here such as fact sheets or primers on key educational issues, for example Catholic school funding.
• Knowing Matters: Effective advisory bodies know how to know their communities. You’ll find tools here to help you understand and know your community such as surveys, communication tools, tools to help you unpack your data, including broader educational and financial data.
• Responding Matters: Once you’ve had the conversation and have your data, these resources and strategies will help you respond in meaningful ways.

PLUS 

Meeting Matters: Effective advisory bodies have good structures and processes in place. Resources you’ll find here include agendas and minute templates, planning and evaluation tools, checklists and tips for chairing meetings.

Download Powerpoint: Unpacking the Better Together Framework

There are 5 key steps you can work through:

1. Explore each of the dimensions in this framework - People, Principles, Practices. 
2. Understand the practices - Catholic, Engaging, Learning, Knowing, Responding.
3. Assess your current situation in each practice.
4. Use the matrix to work out which resources will enable you to work as an effective advisory body with your community in moving forward. 
5. Evaluate and reflect on your partnerships, processes and progress.