Some questions were put forward from the floor at the briefings to parents and alumni during the launch of the Foundation. Sister Jeanne Houlihan, as Chairperson of the Council of the Foundation, responded to the questions. The following is an excerpt of some the questions and answers.
Q1. Why do we need to set up a School Sponsoring Body for MaryknollConvent School?
A1. We've always had a School Sponsoring Body. The Maryknoll Sisters have been the School Sponsoring Body. The Maryknoll Convent School Foundation will take over that role on the effective date. The School Sponsoring Body is responsible for supervising and overseeing the operation and the administration of the School.
Q2. Why set up the Foundation now?
A2. Maryknoll Sisters are decreasing in number and are not getting any younger. The day will come when they will no longer be able to continue to be the Sponsoring Body. There are talents and capabilities in the Maryknoll community - former students and former teachers, former principals and parents. It is the right time to look into the future within these people who carry the Maryknoll spirit to take the School to the future.
In the meantime, there are Maryknoll Sisters in the Foundation. There are four Sisters on the Council.
Q3: What is the mission of the Foundation and will its continuity be guaranteed?
A3. The Foundation is set up to ensure continuity of quality education and the Maryknoll traditions and culture established by the Maryknoll Sisters. It draws its members from among the alumnae, former teachers, former principals and parents. We call on all those willing to serve the School they love to join us.
Please refer to the Vision & Mission statement as set out by the Foundation. Click on “Vision & Mission” in the overhead bar on the screen.
Q4: What are the functions of a School Sponsoring Body?
A4. The School Sponsoring Body is responsible for supervising and overseeing the operation and administration of the school. Its main responsibilities include:
- setting the vision and mission for the school and to ensure that the mission is carried out;
- maintaining full control of the funds and assets owned by the school;
- giving general directions to the School Management Committee in formulating the educational policies of the school and overseeing the Committee’s performance.
Q5: How can we contribute to the running of the Foundation?
A5. Sister Jeanne Houlihan, Principal and Supervisor of the School from 1972 to 1986 and Chairperson of the Foundation, answers this question:
“Many of you asked, "What can we do?" First, join the Foundation. Second, be an active member willing to assume responsibility in the Foundation. We need Ordinary Members to become Executive Members. From the Executive Members the Councilors are elected and selected. Councilors have terms of one, two or three years. These are renewable but not forever. Thus, we will always need new members to step forward to take over the torch.”
Q6. Is the Foundation set up in response to the new Education (Amendment) Ordinance?
A6. No. The preparatory work for the Foundation began some three years ago, predating the Bill.
Q7. Will the Foundation raise funds?
A7. No. the Educational Trust set up in 1992 is responsible for raising funds for meeting school operation expenses. The Foundation will not raise funds for that purpose. The Foundation's funding will come mainly from its membership fee and will be used mainly for administrative expenses of the Foundation itself. The expenses are expected to be small.
Q8. Will Maryknoll continue to be a Catholic School?
A8. Yes. We remain a Catholic School for girls. This is enshrined in the Memorandum and Articles of the Foundation. Maryknoll has had lay principals for years. Parents must remember they are the first educators of values for their children.
Q9. Will Maryknoll go for Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS)?
A9. No. There is no plan to go DSS. It is the intention to keep tuition fees affordable as it always has been.
Q10. Will there be "through train" for our Primary girls?
A10. The School is in the process of working with the Principals of the Primary and Secondary sections to make this possible.
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