St Edward’s College today announced the appointment of Michael Chittenden, 53, of New Zealand, to the post of Headmaster.
In announcing this appointment Alfred Mangion, Chairman of the Board of Governors, said that the College considers it a privilege to have Michael Chittenden at the head of their school. He described Mr Chittenden as a competent, effective and innovative leader. He is well-regarded by his past employers and comes with excellent references from the Directorate of Catholic Education in South Australia.
He is considered an innovator and an outstanding achiever whose Catholic faith is demonstrated in the values he holds, his decision-making practices and his worldview.
Mr Mangion said: “St Edward’s College is committed 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.
We thus believe that in Mr Chittenden St Edward’s will be providing the best possible element for the leadership of its College”.
Mr Chittenden joins St Edward’s College following a rewarding 22-year career in teaching.
His expertise includes teaching and leadership at primary and secondary levels, developing teaching and learning environments; international administrative experience, and curriculum and professional development.
His vast experience has included many senior leadership responsible posts in diverse range of circumstances and countries.
These include New Zealand as well as Australia, where he also held the post of Head Master of the Primary School at the Canberra Grammar School, the recognised leading school in Australia. In recent years teaching has also taken him to Qatar as Principal of the Cambridge School in Doha and in the academic year 2005/06 he held the post of Founding Principal of Aqaba International School in Jordan.
Michael Chittenden obtained his Diploma of Teaching in New Zealand. He then went on to obtain his Bachelor of Education in psycholinguistics in Western Australia.
He later graduated in South Australia where he received his Diploma in Educational Administration. Mr. Chittenden graduated Master of Education Administration in Deakin University, Victoria, where he majored in Educational Reform both at systems and school level
Mr Chittenden replaces Anthony Saliba, Headmaster of St Edward’s College since September 2002, who has decided to enhance his educational profession elsewhere. He is leaving St Edward’s College after 12 years of service.
As from September 2007, St Edward’s shall be offering parents a Co-Ed option with its new kindergarten that is being housed in an attractive, historical part of the college which has a 78-year history.
The kindergarten will be structured so as to meet modern teaching methodology where fun, active-oriented learning and activity/games will be the highlights.
A tour of the kindergarten was hosted following the media presentation of Mr Chittenden which was also addressed by Mr Philip Psaila vice-chairman of the board of governors. This was attended by College governors and trustees, former College heads, members of staff, the Director of Education and representatives of various schools.