The Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, Apostolic Vicar of Donkorkrom Vicariate has urged the new headmaster of St. Fidelis Senior High Technical School,Tease, Mr. Alexander Eisenhower Dzineku to bring a total renewal in all facets of the School.
The Bishop made this known during the induction ceremony of the new substantive headmaster of the school recently.
In his speech, Bishop Asiedu indicated that the induction of the new headmaster was not just a change in leadership but a moment of renewal, a re-affirmation of an enduring mission, a beacon of hope for the future of Catholic education in the Apostolic Vicariate.
“The induction ceremony was not just welcoming an individual to a new role; we are embracing a new chapter in our collective journey as a people with a common goal” he said.
According to the Bishop “We are entrusting the spiritual and academic formation of our young people into capable hands, guided by faith, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the values that define us”.
He indicated that it was a moment to re-commit to the pursuit of excellence in all its forms- spiritual, intellectual, moral, and social in the new dispensation of the leadership.
Again, he entreated the new headmaster to pursue the holistic approach of Catholic education, which doesn’t simply see the Catholic Schools as institutions of learning, but vibrant communities of faith, where the Gospel message permeates every aspect of the School life.
This holistic approach he said transcends mere academic achievement, embracing the spiritual, intellectual, moral and physical dimensions of each student.
As the new headmaster, the Prelate stressed on the fact that he is the administrator and leader of the school, and it was his mandate to provide the best leadership to the staff and the students to attain the goals of the School.
He challenged him in the following areas: discipline (moral and academic), stability (not using the school as a stepping stone but making it his home and attractive to potential headmasters and staff), examination malpractice (making the school unattractive to examination malpractice), enhancing the Catholic values in the school, and collaborating with the school board and all other stakeholders.
This vision, however, he indicated cannot be realised by one person alone.
He noted that it required the collective effort, unwavering dedication, and fervent prayers of the entire school community-the dedicated Heads of Department and staff, the supportive parents, the engaged alumni, and most importantly the students.
Bishop Asiedu exhorted staff (both teaching and non-teaching) of the school to be shepherds in the contemporary era in such a noble Catholic institution.
He admitted that the environment was a challenging one but they shouldn’t give up hope to despair.
He entreated them to exhibit qualities like compassion, patience, wisdom, and courage to tend to the students.
These qualities, he stated, are to put together to form leaders who are not afraid to stand for truth and justice, who are equipped to address the root causes of societal problems, and who are inspired by the Gospel to serve others, especially the most vulnerable in society.
He appreciated their sacrifice and dedication, and hard work for the growth and development of the School.
He encouraged the students not to lose sight of their primary goal of studying which will help form them to be better fit into the society.
He urged them to be self-motivated to study (study hard, and not to rely on cheating during examinations), unlearn to learn (give up unproductive attitudes and practices to give room for better character formation), and be submissive to authority in a more positive way that will enhance their studies and personal life.
He also congratulated the new headmaster on his elevation as the leader and administrator of the school.
He is confident that his leadership would inspire his vision and dedication would uplift the School community to new heights.
Bishop Asiedu urged all and sundry to embrace this new chapter with renewed enthusiasm and a spirit of collaboration.
He stressed on the need to work together, hand in hand, to uphold the sacred mission of the Catholic school.
By Rev. Fr. Matthew Akakpo (AVD-DEPSOCOM)
