Programme

Wednesday 13 June

Time	Session
7.30am - 6.00pm	Registration desk open
8.30am	Exhibition open
9.00am	Morning tea
10.00am	Opening ceremony & announcements
11.15am	Keynote: A corporate take on Catholic leadership Dame Therese Walsh DNZM
12.00pm	Laureate awards ceremony
12.20pm	Sir Br Pat Lynch book launch
12.30pm	Lunch
12.30 - 3.30pm	Bus tour: Follow the Footsteps of Suzanne Aubert
1.45pm	Concurrent seminars A  1  God-Conscious Decision Making  2  Mana Whenua, Mana Tangata  3  Encouraging Critical Thinking, Forming Imagination  4  Encountering Christ in the Here and Now  5  Imaginative Remembering - an Authentic Response to the 'Tradition' of the Church  6  From threat to opportunity: How Catholic Education Leaders can Tame the News Media to their Advantage  7  Interactive Social Justice Activities for the Classroom  8  Expect the Unexpected  9  Drilling Beneath the Culture of Niceness to Bring About the Kingdom of God; Striving for Excellence with the Learner at the Centre  10  The Catholic Character Elaborations, their Use in Developing Job Descriptions and Reflective Appraisals in Schools  11  Spirituality for Teachers in Their Role as Lay Ecclesial Ministers  12  Creating Centres of the New Evangelisation
3.00pm	Afternoon tea
3.45pm	Keynote: The Joy of Christian Foolishness: Responding to Christ's Call to Discipleship in the Age of Pope Francis  Daniel Horan, OFM
5.00 - 6.30pm	Welcome function - canapé event

 

Bus tour synopsis

12.30 - 3.30pm

Bus tour: Follow the Footsteps of Suzanne Aubert

Deidre Hanlon, Visitor Experience Manager, Home of Compassion

Follow the footsteps of Suzanne Aubert, Meri Hohepa, the woman who will become New Zealand's first saint, with an afternoon trip to sites of significance and pilgrimage. Discover these historic and sacred places for yourself and find out what is on offer for students through the Compassion Schools Programme.

We will stop in Buckle Street and visit Suzanne's recently restored Historic Creche. A short walk around the corner, the Compassion Soup Kitchen in Tory Street is not far from its original location. The response of the Soup Kitchen to hunger and social isolation has been constant since 1901.

Our final stop takes us to Our Lady's Home of Compassion in Island Bay - home to the Resting Place of Suzanne Aubert and the mother house of the Sisters of Compassion. Experience the refreshed and new public spaces and facilities opened in October 2017. Take a guided tour with Sisters and staff and take time to pause awhile and experience the wairua of this sacred place. Afternoon tea will be provided. There will be a short presentation on the Sisters of Compassion and the Compassion Schools programme at the Home of Compassion. Registration required, 48 spaces only.  This tour may also be available on Friday 15th, 12:30 - 3:30pm, if interest is sufficient.

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Seminar synopses

1.45 - 2.45PM

1 

God-Conscious Decision Making

Professor Br David Hall FMS, La Salle Academy, Australian Catholic University

Discernment is both an intuitive and intentional activity. In our rapidly changing times where the past has never been less instructive and the future never less certain, we need to adopt a way of decision making that is grounded yet more expansive and creative. 

In this workshop David will consider a practical way of leading in the Catholic school that brings to fruition the aspirations he proposes in his keynote address. David will present a methodology for decision making that could be adopted by individuals and groups – a methodology that seeks to bring us into union with the hopes and dreams God has for us.

2 

Mana Whenua, Mana Tāngata

Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard, Turanga Moāri - Vicar for Māori, Wellington Archdiocese and Mons. Gerard Burns, Vicar General, Wellington Archdiocese

A session focusing on our school communities' connections, the Māori community, and relationships to the land and environment. This session will explore Mana Atua, Mana Whenua and Mana Tangata, and core Māori values such as whakapapa, manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga. Who am I and where do I stand? Where is my Turangawaewae? What are our school communities' relationship to all this.

3 

Encouraging Critical Thinking, Forming Imagination

Fr. Gerard Aynsley, Parish Priest, Dunedin

I propose in this seminar that critical thinking and an engaged imagination are essential to a mature faith. Having established a place for critical and imaginative thinking we will explore how these capacities can be formed in our students.

4 

Encountering Christ in the Here and Now

Lyn Smith, Head of RE TCI / Projects, Auckland, NCRS

In 2014, the NZ Bishops said, "The encounter with Christ gives rise to a desire to know more about him and his teaching." (#14) We will explore what encountering Christ means in the light of Lumen Fidei and how this can be useful in Catholic schools.

5 

Imaginative Remembering - an Authentic Response to the 'Tradition' of the Church

Fr. Stephen Berecz, HOD RS, Sacred Heart College, Auckland

Biblical concepts such as Imagination, Remembering and Canon, and how they can be used to direct and inspire communities of learning to be guided by the creative Tradition of the Church.

6 

From threat to opportunity: How Catholic Education Leaders can Tame the News Media to their Advantage

Pete Burdon, Founder and Head Trainer, Media Training NZ (School Leader Specialist)

The seminar will have two focuses. Firstly, how to prepare for negative media attention and how to deal with it when it comes. This includes media interview skills, crisis communication planning and how this has been transformed in the Digital Age.

The second focus will be on how to use the news media as a massive untapped opportunity to grow school reputations, rather than threatening them.

7 

Interactive Social Justice Activities for the Classroom

Michael Stewart, Education Coordinator with Gemma Sinnott, Social Justice Education Advisor, Caritas Aotearoa NZ

Participate in a range of interactive activities designed for groups of students to promote and raise awareness of social justice issues.

8 

Expect the Unexpected

Koleta Konise, Chaplain for Pacific Students, Massey University, Wellington

As a lifelong support educator and support person for Pacific Islands students from preschool to tertiary study, I can bring you stories from my rich experience.  I will cover aspects such as what you need to know of the cultures and backgrounds of P.I. students, accepting and respecting them as they are, getting to know parents and working alongside them, and ways of teaching that "work" for P.I. students.  Join me for a glimpse of my world.

9 

Drilling Beneath the Culture of Niceness to Bring About the Kingdom of God; Striving for Excellence with the Learner at the Centre

Saira Boyle, Principal, St Mary's School, Ellerslie with Hellene Varoy, Claire Hart, Rachael Hill and Gail Christie

A learner-centred approach and authentic Catholic curriculum is the foundation to bringing about the Kingdom of God in any Catholic school. This is a story of courageous leadership and disruption in which we will share our practical ideas, challenges and successes!

10 

The Catholic Character Elaborations, their Use in Developing Job Descriptions and Reflective Appraisals in Schools

Francis Wafer, Catholic Schools Education Service, Wellington Archdiocese, with Rosalie Connors, Palmerston North Diocese

The seminar will look at how the new Catholic Character elaborations can be used by schools as a practical tool for schools in developing job descriptions and appraisals.

11 

Spirituality for Teachers in Their Role as Lay Ecclesial Ministers

Cynthia Piper, Lecturer and Site Coordinator, The Catholic Institute, with Paul Shannon, Religious Education Advisor for the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton and Lecturer for the Catholic Institute of Aotearoa.

In the past there were two dimensions to Catholic schools; the founding order's charism, and an ecclesial identity arising from Church governance. These dimensions still exist but they have been less influential since integration. Teachers are supported by the school's charism and spirituality. Their work is incarnational, paschal, ecumenical, ecclesial, corporate and a ministry of the Church.

12

Creating Centres of the New Evangelisation

Huw Warmenhoven, Youth Coordinator, Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia

This practical seminar will explore a dynamic new model of staff and student formation. Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia has a vision to inspire and equip Catholic Schools to become centres of the New Evangelisation. Hear about our successes and the inspiring work coming out of our schools. Come along to learn how you can transform your school and Diocese.

Thursday 14 June

Time	Session
7.30am - 5.00pm	Registration desk open
8.00 - 8.30am	Meditation (optional)
8.30am	Morning prayers & announcements
8.50am	Concurrent seminars B  1  Fear: The Enemy of Christian Discipleship in an Unjust World  2  Building a Civilisation of Love  3  Meeting the Needs Within Our Community  4  Why did so many people attend Suzanne Aubert's funeral in 1926?  5  The Mass - Wonder or Wander? Fed or Fed Up  6  A New RE Curriculum!  7  Online Year 4 RE Assessment Project  8  Abstract Pictorial Art in Religious Education  9  Meditation with Children  10  Whakapapa Matters: IVF and the Changing Landscape of Families  12  Creating a Compassionate Fund in your School
10.00am	Associate Minister address - Hon Jenny Salesa
10.30am	Morning tea
11.15am	CEO address - Paul Ferris QSM
12.00pm	"Change the World" video resource launch
12.15pm	Tertiary teaching awards ceremony
12.30pm	Lunch
1.30pm	Keynote: Catholic Schools and the Possibility of God  Professor Br David Hall FMS
2.45pm	Afternoon tea
3.15pm	Mass
4.15pm	Concurrent seminars C  1  Cheer up. You look like you're sucking a lemon!   2  It Takes a Village  3  I Am Made in the Image and Likeness of God  4  A Framework for Pastoral Care in Catholic Secondary Schools  5  Evaluating Catholic Special Character: How Effective Are We in Forming Christ in Others?  6  Activating the Call to Care for Our Common Home  7  The Forgotten Principle of the Social Encyclicals: Synthesis in Catholic Education  8  Flipped Learning in Religious Education  9  St Edith Stein: Educator, Religious, Saint of the Church - an Introduction to Her Life  10  Developing a School Retreat Curriculum Years 7 - 13  11  AGM for Catholic Primary Principals
5.30 - 7.30pm	Matariki celebration - canapé event

Seminar synopses

8.50am-9.50am

1 Fear: The Enemy of Christian Discipleship in an Unjust World
Fr. Daniel Horan, OFM, Visiting Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
Nearly every one of Jesus's post-Resurrection appearances includes the exhortation for his disciples to "Be Not Afraid!" And yet, we live in a world in which fear is a constant threat to Christian discipleship, to our becoming instruments of God's peace, love and justice in the world.

This workshop looks at how to respond to a culture that promotes fear of the "other," especially those who are different in race, gender, religion, nationality, or language of birth. Drawing on the Gospels, as well as wisdom figures including Pope Francis, Thomas Merton, Oscar Romero, and others, we will examine how to keep our eyes on Christ, and embrace trust in God and discipleship amid a culture of fear and violence.

2 Building a Civilisation of Love
Professor Br David Hall FMS, La Salle Academy, Australian Catholic University
Our current Holy Father Pope Francis has captivated the minds and hearts of millions of people across the globe. Within the Church many are concerned about whether his vision for a more pastoral approach and emphases – a Church of mercy – has been sufficiently embedded in the departments of the Vatican to make any lasting difference. In the Congregation for Catholic Education, it would seem so. The most recent document from this dicastery of the Holy See, Educating to Fraternal Humanism: Building a Civilisation of Love, is a challenging and inspiring document that confirms our commitment to a holistic education and proposes how we might achieve this in the context of our rather complicated and conflicted world.

In this workshop, David will offer his gleanings from this document and the way in which it builds on the richness of previous documents of the Congregation.

Friday 15 June

Time	Session
8.00am - 1.00pm	Registration desk open
8.00 - 8.30am	Meditation (optional)
8.30am	Morning prayers & announcements
8.45am	NCRS launch
8.50am	Concurrent seminars D  1  Greatest Truths from the smallest Gestures – Catholic Schools as Evangelising Communities  2  A Franciscan Spiritual Guide for Social Media Engagement  3  Hokianga - Where it all Began  4  Dealing With Conflict: Hammers or Harmony?  5  A Beginner's Guide to Running a Caritas Challenge Event  6  Parents - First Educators in Faith  7  Religious Studies Teachers' Association of Aotearoa NZ  8  RE Digital Resources Development Research/Professional Learning Project  9  What Does it Mean to 'Be' Human? 10  Change the World: Evangelism in the 21st Century 11  Maths-Whizz: Award-winning online programme - helping every child reach their potential!
10.00am	Morning tea
10.45am	Keynote: "Shoulder my yoke and learn from me" – Catholic Education and the Art of Accompaniment  David Wells  Kindly sponsored by The Catholic Institute
12.00 - 12.30pm	Concluding ceremony
12.30 - 3.30pm	Bus tour: Follow the Footsteps of Suzanne Aubert

Seminar synopses

8.50 - 9.50am

1 Greatest Truths from the smallest Gestures – Catholic Schools as Evangelising Communities
David Wells, Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Plymouth, England

Many of our schools were built to educate Catholic children from Catholic families living in a Catholic community. Things have changed. How does a school respond to the call of Pope Francis to become places of missionary zeal when the context is changing so rapidly? In a world where people are more connected but less together, more comfortable but less at peace, what can a school do to bring the  message of the Gospel to the unconvinced and the weary. The seminar will demonstrate why Catholic schools have never been so vital in the mission of the Church and in the lives of the people we encounter. 

2 A Franciscan Spiritual Guide for Social Media Engagement
Fr. Daniel Horan, OFM, Visiting Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
A 2015 Pew Research Centre comprehensive study showed that in the past decade there has been a "tenfold jump" in the number of all adults who use social media regularly. Meanwhile, in the young adult world, 24% of those in the post-millennial generation report going online "almost constantly" and 92% of these young people report going online "at least daily".

In this digital age, where are Catholic educators to turn for guidance for themselves and their students? This workshop presents the wisdom of the Franciscan tradition as a resource for engaging social media. Drawing on its Gospel mission, renunciation of unjust power structures, and celebrating the centrality of the Incarnation, Franciscan spirituality has a surprising number of insights for modern women and men negotiating the"digital continent".

3 Hokianga - Where it all Began
Monica Johnson, Principal with Stateira D'Souza, DRS, Marist College, Auckland
A spiritual journey into our past.  Participants will trace our Aotearoa Catholic heritage and open their hearts and minds to the life and work of Bishop Pompallier and the tangata whenua of Hokianga where it all began.  It will be an opportunity to reflect on being true witnesses of the name they and we proudly bear - Christian - disciples of Christ. 

4 Dealing With Conflict: Hammers or Harmony?
Brenda Mauger with Eileen Henderson, Ahead Associates
If not handled well, conflict can lead to the breakdown of relationships and resulting damage for a community. This seminar will help you navigate your way through those challenging situations and behaviours that catch you by surprise. How do you take advantage of the window of opportunity between identifying or being confronted with conflict and disciplinary action, to achieve the best outcome for all?

5 A Beginner's Guide to Running a Caritas Challenge Event
Michael Stewart, Education Coordinator with Gemma Sinnott, Social Justice Education Advisor, Caritas Aotearoa NZ
Find out more about what the Caritas Challenge is and how you can run an event at your school in the future. Discover more about resources and hear how other schools have made it work.

6 Parents - First Educators in Faith
Chris Duthie-Jung, Leader Family & Young Church Vicariate, Wellington Archdiocese 
Faith formation begins for most in the family. If it is to be effective, parents need to be equipped with the faith tools and confidence to make their homes true centres of lived faith. This seminar will focus on recent efforts in the Archdiocese of Wellington to work with Catholic schools in nurturing the faith of parents of young children.

7 Religious Studies Teachers' Association of Aotearoa NZ
Colin MacLeod with Philomena Clare, and others from the Executive, and John Chote, HOD RE/DRS, Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt
An opportunity to hear about and discuss the work of the committee thus far, such as work towards NZQA Scholarship in RS, raising the profile of the association and planning for future foci. John Chote will also discuss his research on the uptake of RS Standards.

8 RE Digital Resources Development Research/Professional Learning Project
Cushla O'Connor, RE Advisor; Rory Paterson, RE Advisor; and Mike Nolan, Manager, Catholic Education Office, Christchurch Diocese with Whitney Hansen, E-Learning Coordinator, St Francis of Assisi School, Christchurch; and Andrea Craig, HoF Religious Studies, Villa Maria College
Our diocesan-wide research project aims to work with students and teachers and to assist busy classroom teachers in the creation of theologically and educationally sound digital RE resources and learning tasks for their students.

9 What Does it Mean to 'Be' Human?
Dr Christopher Longhurst, Lecturer, The Catholic Institute 
Explores foundational and relational concepts of 'Being' human from a biblical-teleological perspective as revealed in Michelangelo's Creation of Adam [Sistine Chapel, Vatican City].

10 Change the World: Evangelism in the 21st Century
Brendan Malone, Head of Education and Media, Focus on the Family New Zealand with Danny Kettola, Director, Be Your Best Self
A fresh, engaging and motivating seminar that explores what effective and loving Catholic evangelisation looks like in the 21st century and why this has become so vitally important. The seminar is based on the words of Pope Francis: "Change individuals' lives so they can change the world".

11 Maths-Whizz: Award-winning online programme - helping every child reach their potential!

Ross Perkinson, iLearn Interactive Ltd

Recently having used Maths-Whizz in the classroom, Ross will overview this powerful subscription-based resource that automatically sets programmes to target every child's next steps, celebrating progress and fostering a growth mindset in students, while providing Primary and Intermediate school teachers with valuable NZC achievement data. Studies across NZ schools show students who have used Maths-Whizz effectively show accelerated achievement in their NZ

standardised

assessments.

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12.30 - 3.30PM 

Bus tour: Follow the Footsteps of Suzanne Aubert

Deidre Hanlon, Visitor Experience Manager, Home of Compassion     

Follow the footsteps of Suzanne Aubert, Meri Hohepa, the woman who will become New Zealand's first saint, with an afternoon trip to sites of significance and pilgrimage. Discover these historic and sacred places for yourself and find out what is on offer for students through the Compassion Schools Programme. Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

We will stop in Buckle Street and visit Suzanne's recently restored Historic Creche. A short walk around the corner, the Compassion Soup Kitchen in Tory Street is not far from its original location. The response of the Soup Kitchen to hunger and social isolation has been constant since 1901.

Our final stop takes us to Our Lady's Home of Compassion in Island Bay - home to the Resting Place of Suzanne Aubert and the motherhouse of the Sisters of Compassion. Experience the refreshed and new public spaces and facilities opened in October 2017. Take a guided tour with Sisters and staff and take time to pause awhile and experience the wairua of this sacred place. There will be a short presentation on the Sisters of Compassion and the Compassion Schools programme at the Home of Compassion. Registration required, 48 spaces only.  This tour is available on Wednesday 13th, 12:30 - 3:30pm. An airport drop off may also be possible at the end of the tour before the bus returns to Queens Wharf.