Bishop David Walkowiak and Superintendent Dave Faber recently discussed the "Catholic Schools: Bridging Faith and Future" strategic plan on local radio.
They were guests on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin on Friday, September 15, 2017. Listen to their interview here.
"Catholic Schools: Bridging Faith and Future" is in the beginning stages of implementation and will shape the direction of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids for the next five years. This strategic plan was developed over the course of nearly two years through the Bishop's Catholic Schools Initiative, an effort to strengthen Catholic schools.
The plan focuses on four strategic areas: Catholic Culture and Mission, Programmatic Excellence, Affordability and Accessibility, and Stewardship and Sustainability. Within these four strategic areas are tactics including promoting students’ and families’ active engagement in parish life, enhancing academic excellence and cocurricular opportunities, studying the feasibility of new schools and maximizing efficiency through shared services. The plan also calls for making Catholic schools more accessible for families at all income levels and of diverse backgrounds. We’re taking approaches like sustaining the Bishop's Catholic Schools Initiative’s increased scholarship levels, supporting students with a broad range of learning needs, and cultivating cultural competency. The plan seeks to engage pastors, principals, and families in making our schools places where all are welcomed and cherished.
Learn more about "Catholic Schools: Bridging Faith and Future" here.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 30 vibrant learning communities (25 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,500 preschool through 12th grade students within a seven-county area of West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential.