On behalf of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), I am pleased to welcome Ms Agnieszka Baran as the new JECSE Director as of January 1st. 

Ms. Baran is of Polish origin, holds a master's degree in psychology and a master's degree in pedagogy, and has been working at Kostka Public Jesuit High School (Krakow) since 2013 as a psychologist and as coordinator of various international activities, including those co-financed by the European Union through the Erasmus + Programme. Ms Baran has also developed a number of new areas of cooperation, including with Boston College High School (Boston, USA), Colegion San Fracisco Javier (Tudela, Spain), Feni Gyula Jezsuita Gimnazium es Kolelegum (Miskolc, Hungary) and other schools. Every year she participated in the Formators Conference organized by JECSE. She also took part in the JECSE program on Ignatian leadership, the Educate Magis program on 4 Key Practices in Ignatian Spirituality and the Pilot and Masterclass "learning by refraction”. She is a member of the JECSE Safeguarding Task Force as well, so she is already well acquainted with and committed to the JECSE programs.

I am sure that with her the network is in good hands. She can also count on the close support of a competent and committed Deputy Director, Brian Flannery, and Steering Committee, as well as on the trust of the European education delegates. I wish her much joy and consolation in her mission. May the Holy Spirit assist and guide her.

I would also like to thank Mrs Ilse Dekker most warmly for the three years (and a bit more) that she has spent at the head of JECSE. Under her leadership, the network became more aware of itself, of its strength and potential, and took on a whole new dimension with several new and creative initiatives. We will miss her very much. We wish Ilse the best for her future and God’s blessing.

Franck Janin SJ
JCEP President