Date of Award

2023

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (College of Education)

Schools and Centres

Education

First Supervisor

Professor Kevin Watson

Second Supervisor

Professor Sean Kearney

Abstract

This study examines the introduction of lay (non-religious) principals into three of the four Australian Jesuit Province schools, and their influence on Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit charism within the tradition of Catholic education in Australia. This study coincides with a decrease in the number of clergy available to provide extensive academic, pastoral, and social justice activities throughout the Australian Jesuit Province. First, this study seeks to explain the values, understandings, and pedagogy of the schools, their heritage, and contribution to Australian Catholic education as well as the contribution of the laity in partnership with the (Society of Jesus) Jesuits. It also examines the formation of lay principals, their immersion, and professional development as a purposeful attempt to secure the future of the schools. Second, this study is also relevant for people beyond the schools and Province and may interest those of other charisms, in Catholic Schools Education all of whom discuss/manage/experience similar changes. More broadly, it is of interest to those concerned with understanding spirituality and the dynamism of religious ethos and practice in Australian Catholic schools and those beyond the Australian Province.

This is a case study situated within the Bronfenbrenner Bio-Ecological theoretical framework and the social constructivist/interpretive paradigm. The main research question was What is the influence of lay principals on Ignatian Spirituality in Australian Jesuit Province schools? Five sub-questions focused on the role, relationship, leadership of lay principals and Ignatian Spirituality, and directed the study to examine Ignatian spirituality in schools today. The study used primarily qualitative data collection methods in four phases: questionnaire, interviews, document analysis and reflective notes. The study used thematic analysis for data from the interviews and documents, and from statistical analysis for the questionnaire. The findings indicated lay principals demonstrate Ignatian values, religious and spiritual leadership, and capabilities to sustain the Jesuit charism. Spiritual formation and collaboration between laity and Jesuit clergy are two overarching themes found. It is recommended that future principals must be mindful of the spirituality and educational philosophy of the Jesuit charism to sustain authenticity in the future. The research that concludes a collaborative leadership model of a lay principal and Jesuit Rector is favoured to sustain the Ignatian spirituality and Australian Province schools in the Jesuit charism.

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