Meeting of the Marist principals in Mittagong
In March, the Principals of the 54 Marist schools of the Province of Australia gathered for a conference at The Hermitage, Mittagong, near Sydney. It was the first time in this way since 2019. 60% of participants were either new to the role of Principal or were leading a different school in 2019. As usual, the 2023 Conference was a mixture of formation, discussion of current priorities and directions, and also a time to enhance everyone’s mutual knowledge and collegiality as Marist leaders.
Marist School of Australia Regional Director, Dr John Kyle-Robinson provided the key note and led conversations exploring the question: How do teachers in Catholic secondary schools experience the New Evangelisation?
The topic was the basis of John’s highly acclaimed research over a period of 10 years. John’s scholarship identified the richness and importance of the word evangelisation, citing the different nuances and emphases of Popes, from John XXIII to Francis today. Research literature from across the globe was synthesised, validating observations and aligning with lived experiences shared in Australia. Importantly the findings and recommendations of the research provided stimulus for animated discussion, debate, inspiration, and encouragement for the dedicated school leaders. From the vast richness of the research findings and recommendations, John highlighted the following:
The primary agenda of the New Evangelisation is understood as witness. “Witnesses” are personally committed to Jesus and cultivate a spirituality informed by the values of the Gospel. Consequently, they implement the New Evangelisation by living Christian values authentically and, when appropriate, inviting colleagues and students respectfully to share spirituality.
“This research clearly affirms the integrated nature of our work and activity in Catholic schools. We Marists do not disassociate spiritual formation from professional learning”, affirmed Frank Malloy, National director of the Marist School of Australia.
The major focus on “evangelisation”, led by Dr John Kyle-Robinson, affirmed again the impact of committed teachers and staff in the lives of Marist students.
In collaboration with the MSA Head of Governance, Risk and Legal, Ms Elizabeth Gallagher, Brother David Hall, Chair of the MSA Ltd Board, led a discussion on the Australian Law Reform Commision Inquiry into religious schooling from a national Catholic perspective. “As Chair of the Board, the direct engagement in this forum proved to be a rich opportunity to connect with those in leadership of our Australian Marist schools” Br. David said.
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MSA Newsletter 4 | 21 March 2023 Please find links to the Marist Schools Australia member schools’ websites below:
Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood
Good Counsel College Innisfail
Holy Family Parish School, Parkes
Marian Catholic College, Griffith
Marist Catholic College North Shore
Marist Catholic College Penshurst
Mount Carmel Catholic College, Varroville
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College
St Francis de Sales Regional College, Leeton
St Gregory’s College Campbelltown
St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill
St Michael’s Primary School, Daceyville
St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas
St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore
Trinity Catholic College, Auburn / Regents Park