Adventist Schools Australia (ASA) has created dual associate national director positions.
Dr Jean Carter has been appointed associate national director—quality assurance, while Jacques Calais’ role has been recrafted to the associate national director—identity and culture.
The introduction of dual associate national directors will allow the leadership team to become more specialised in their areas and give them a chance to develop and implement new ideas.
Dr Carter and Mr Calais both have been employed in Adventist education for more than 30 years and will bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to these positions.
Dr Carter will focus on a range of initiatives designed to support school leaders and staff as they strive for excellence in Adventist education.
Part of her role will be overseeing Quality Adventist Schools, a framework which allows for continuous improvement in our schools. She will also manage the Adventist Leadership Institute and focus on curriculum development and coordination.
When asked how she felt about commencing her new position, Dr Carter said Philippians 2:13 (AMP) summed it up: “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energising, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfil your purpose] for His good pleasure.”
Dr Carter added, “The purpose for Adventist education is to reveal Jesus and I feel excited, nervous and blessed to be part of a team who is dedicated to this purpose.”
Mr Calais will place his energy into a range of initiatives designed to support school leaders and staff enhance Adventist identity and culture, which will draw young people to Christ.
He will work closely with the associate ministerial association secretary—chaplaincy, as he enhances the pastoral care services to support staff and student wellbeing.
“As I step into a new role focused on identity and culture, I am excited at building greater clarity and intentionality about the purpose of Adventist education,” explained Mr Calais.
“In my mind, Adventist education exists because we believe in the profound love of Jesus and the hope, peace and joy that comes from knowing Him, and living with Him and for Him. We want to share this good news through Adventist education.
“Through my role, I hope to contribute to building a nurturing, inclusive system that shines for Jesus. I want every level of our organisation to work in harmony with passion and excellence to build the culture and services we need to impact every child, every family, every staff member, for Christ.”
National director of Adventist Schools Australia, Dr Daryl Murdoch, explained that having two associate national directors gives him, “more space to focus on governance, government liaison and policy development”. They are “proving to make an outstanding team”, he added.
