?You feel part of something much bigger, that goes beyond school?

The goal of the meeting in Ponferrada, Spain, of nearly 100 new teachers was to share their experiences as educators of grades one, two and three in a Marist centre of the Compostela province and to increase their knowledge of the institution and of Marist education.

The Centro social Urogallo, managed by the Marist Brothers and Caritas, was the chosen place for this meeting that started began at dawn with an awareness of the new day that lied before them.

From there, the participants reflected in depth on their being educators, both Christian and Marist, and learned a little more about the organisation of the Compostela Province. There was also time for informal sharing and enjoying a sunny day in the ‘Temple’ neighbourhood of Ponferrada.

Perhaps the best summary of the day is the words of one of the participants: “I am pleased to return yet another year to Ponferrada.”

“It is a day of great excitement and enthusiasm,” she added. “You renew your energy and you feel part of something much bigger, that goes beyond school. I am proud and fortunate to be part of the Marist family. Thanks for yet another year. The fact of getting up on a Saturday at 6.30 in the morning, after a week of work, early and with a smile… is because the trip and the experience is worth it. Thank you.”