New Zealander to head St Edward's College

St Edward's College yesterday announced the appointment of Michael Chittenden, of New Zealand, as the school's new headmaster.

Addressing teachers and parents, former members of staff and college governors and trustees Alfred Mangion, chairman of the board of governors, described the 53-year-old educator as a "competent, effective and innovative leader".

Mr Chittenden joins St Edward's following a 22-year career in teaching that has taken him to different countries including the Primary School at the Canberra Grammar School in Australia, the Cambridge School in Doha, Qatar, where he acted as principal and also Jordan, where he was Founding Principal of Aqaba International School.

His expertise includes teaching and leadership at primary and secondary school level.

Thanking outgoing headmaster Anthony Saliba who has been headmaster since September 2002, Mr Mangion said Mr Chittenden's appointment reflected the college's commitment to provide an educational service in Malta of the highest European standards.

"We aim to achieve this by providing, in a Catholic school environment, a broad education that meets the students' needs and prepares them for life in contemporary society," Mr Mangion said.

Mr Chittenden, the 12th headmaster since St Edward's College was founded, said his overall aim would be to develop the school as "a truly inspirational environment".

Challenging the notion of the routine nature of teaching and learning was fundamental, he said, also emphasising the need for learning to be transformative, enlightening and enriching.

Too often students learn to pass examinations as education is reduced to "largely irrelevant learning experiences".

Mr Chittenden said students must be given the opportunity to engage in challenging and substantive themes drawing on knowledge, skills and understanding across the disciplines.

At the end of yesterday's presentation guests were taken on a tour of the college's new kindergarten, which is to open in September.