Strategic workshop on Catholic education ends

An Archdiocesan synod on Catholic education.

This is likely to be the next step following the four-day virtual strategic workshop on Catholic education organised by the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM).

The opening was June 26 with Archbishop Jason Gordon giving context and outlining purpose for participants. “It is your task, if you choose to accept it, to think beyond the scope of what has been defined thus far and to dream of the Catholic school that will be a space of mission, where the Catholic DNA is awakened and developed in teachers and students and affecting and nurturing the families and the community,” the Archbishop said in his meeting notes.

Breakout team discussions were held June 27 and 29 on six topics: Catholic Identity; Teaching and Learning Experience; The School as a Learning Community; Governance; Achieving Excellence; and Relationships with the State, Parish, and Community.

The plenary session with group presentations was July 3. Using PowerPoint presentations, the six group presenters put forward the key issues discussed, relevant challenges, possible solutions and their recommendations.

At the end of the three-and-a-half-hour session, lead facilitator Anthony Watkins thanked the more than 50 participants. He encouraged group facilitators to “fine tune” their reports and presentations before submitting to the CEBM.

Dr Roland Baptiste, CEBM chairman and Archbishop Gordon gave closing remarks. Both thanked participants for giving of their time, and CEBM staff for their work in organising the event.

Archbishop Gordon said while the workshop was “a marathon event” it was filled with “great energy, great reflection on Catholic education” and “a lot of food” for thought.

He challenged the CEBM to examine the submissions and from each group, identify three things that could be “fairly urgently” implemented as Catholic education moved forward. —RS