Principal
The Future is Listening.
It is fair to say that this is a thought provoking statement. It is also the theme for the National Catholic Education Conference which has been held in Melbourne this week. I have been fortunate to attend along with 1,400 other delegates. The sheer numbers mean that it is a significant gathering for Catholic education in this country.
Similarly, its significance is exemplified by the fact that the delegates ranged from Archbishops to classroom teachers; from the Executives of large Diocesan school authorities of the capital cities to the leaders of small regional and remote schools. The presenters were also from a cross section of the educational community from within Australia and overseas; from academics and administrators to politicians and practitioners. Their insightful presentations across the three-day program covered Catholic identity and mission, leadership and governance, teaching and learning, student wellbeing, and parent engagement.
Event updates and photos are available on the National Catholic Education Commission Facebook page here.
Perhaps the theme for the conference originated from Pope Francis’s statement earlier this year on the 2022 World Day of Communication. His statement was titled ‘Listening with the Ear of the Heart’. I commend it to you as an insightful reflection on the need to be better listeners.
Amongst the highlights for me were the following:
- Fr Anthony Gittins - whose presentation The Future is here Today included the memorable quote that ‘schools are a sacrament of hope’
- Dr Peter Ellerton - a former teacher and now UQ lecturer who made the point that the most important thing happening in the classroom is what the student is thinking
- Barbara Couper - a Scottish school administrator who reflected on the ultimate outcome of Catholic education is who our students become not what they become
- The conference Mass on Tuesday morning at St Patrick’s Cathedral - a stunning venue with a large crowd in attendance
- Dr Jordan Nguyen - an amazing young Australian who is using Artificial Intelligence and various forms of technology to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
- Robert Fitzgerald AM - given that it is National Child Protection Week his presentation was a timely reminder that, in his words, the safeguarding of children and young people is core business for all schools and, given our history, for Catholic schools in particular.
Of course, on the sidelines of the conference there were many animated conversations and catch ups. The pandemic has meant that the conference has not been held for several years and it would seem that this forced hiatus gave greater meaning to such a large gathering of the Catholic education community in Australia.
Finally, as we come to the end of a demanding term at the College, there is still much ahead of many students. In particular, I am mindful of the Year 12s and their mock exams. This assessment signals an important period of preparation for the External Exams that commence late in October. Also, on Friday, we will announce to the community the College leaders for 2023. The past term has been a period of discernment for students and staff as decisions have been made about just who will hold the Leadership roles next year. We pray that these decisions authentically reflect our ability to listen with the ear of the heart to the voices and needs of our community.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal
