Frater Scholarship

GUIDELINES for the Frater Travelling Scholarship 2008

OVERVIEW
Australian Catholic University (ACU National) is pleased to invite applications for the Frater Travelling Scholarship which was established as a result of a generous donation from Dr Bob Frater AO and Mrs Margaret Frater DSG.

Bob and Margaret Frater have sought to recognise and reward eligible teachers within the NSW or ACT Catholic systemic primary school system who display leadership qualities and commitment and whom it is thought will contribute to the continuing development and enhancement of the school system.

The scholarship supports an overseas activity, for example, a suitable conference combined with meeting appropriate colleagues in the educational field. A conference only or a short course/study tour/activity may also be considered.

GUIDELINES
Applicants should print these guidelines for future reference.

Information regarding supporting agencies
In order for the scholarship application to be considered, it should be endorsed by the relevant agency with acknowledgement by the agency that some financial assistance is required. This would mean that the agency would have to meet the recipient’s salary (including the relevant super contribution), as well as that of a relief teacher during the period of the scholarship winner’s absence. The length of absence from duties should be negotiated between the applicant/recipient, especially if it is for an extended period. The applicant must attach a statement from their agency with their application.

Information for Applicants

1. Eligibility

Applicants must:

be a graduate of ACU National (or one of its predecessor colleges) working in the teaching profession in a NSW or ACT Catholic systemic primary school;
show evidence of postgraduate study (either completed or currently being undertaken) – a postgraduate degree from ACU National or current enrolment in a postgraduate course at ACU National would be an advantage but is not essential.
have demonstrated leadership in schools;
display a commitment to using their qualifications to work for the betterment of the educational community;
show evidence of acceptance into a conference/activity/course - this must accompany the application.

2. Benefits

2.1 There is provision for a scholarship to be awarded each year to a total value of approximately $10,000. Depending on the applications, the Selection Committee may decide not to make an award, make one award or to award two scholarships in one year (approximately, $5,000 each).

2.2 The value of each scholarship will be determined by:

The quality and nature of the applications submitted;
The anticipated costs of the conference/activity/course.

3. Conditions

Conference/activity to be undertaken some stage during the financial year of July 2008 to June 2009.

After completion of the overseas period, it is required that the recipient/s make a presentation to their cohort outlining the achievements and benefits gained from having had the overseas experience. Bob and Margaret Frater will be invited to attend this function.

4. Required documents

The completed Application Form must be accompanied by:

4.1 A concise report that provides the following information:

Details demonstrating your leadership ability including one example of your Best Practice in leadership in your school; (500 words);
What you believe to be your strengths as a leader in your school. (up to 200 words).

4.2 A one-page outline showing your commitment to Catholic primary education, and evidence of how you have worked for the betterment of the educational community.

4.3 Evidence that you have been accepted into the conference/ activity/course including a budget estimate for the total cost of the proposed conference/activity/course including airfares, conference/ activity/course fees and accommodation. Your budget should also show funds acquired from all sources, either institutional or private.

4.4 Two references: one academic reference and one professional reference.

A senior academic staff member who is familiar with your most recent academic work and is able to comment on your academic achievements should provide the academic reference.
The professional reference should be from the Catholic school community (eg school principal, regional supervisor) including comments on your leadership qualities, any extra-curricular activities within the educational community as well as your personal qualities.
Contact details must be provided for referees, i.e. phone, email address and fax.

4.5 Statement of support from relevant agency indicating that the agency, should the application be successful, agrees to meet the recipient’s salary (including the relevant super contribution), as well as that of a relief teacher during the period of the scholarship winner’s absence.

5. Application Procedure

Stage 1 – Expression of Interest form (PDF, 35kb) lodged by 4:30pm Wednesday 21 November 2007.

Stage 2 – All short listed applicants will be invited to submit a full application lodged by 4:30pm Friday 29 February 2008.

Stage 3 – Further shorted listed applicants will be invited to meet with the Selection Committee in March.

For more information please download the Frater Travelling Scholarship 2008 flyer (PDF, 99kb).

If you are unable to download the Expression of Interest form or flyer please contact:

Australian Catholic University Foundation, PO Box 456, VIRGINIA QLD 4014
Telephone: (07) 3623 7476 or Email: foundation@acu.edu.au
Catholic Education Offices in NSW & ACT

Applicants may also be interested to read about the varied activities of previous scholarship recipients:

Further information

For further information contact the Foundation Co-ordinator by email: Foundation@acu.edu.au.

For more information about other scholarships, bursaries and prizes available at ACU National, please refer to the ACU National Handbook.