spiral/ring bind dominican education conference 2017€¦ · fr timothy radcliffe op is a dominican...

DOMINICANEDUCATIONCONFERENCE

TRUTH SEARCHING...

FRIDAY, 12 MAY and SATURDAY, 13 MAY

20

17

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DOMINICAN EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2017

WELCOME

It is my great pleasure, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Dominican Education Australia, to extend a warm welcome to this exciting first gathering of the Dominican Education Australia family. We also welcome our New Zealand colleagues, who are working in system schools but still cherish and maintain their founding Dominican traditions.

We all share in a precious responsibility, the stewardship of Catholic education, enriched by the wonderful Dominican charism – its story and traditions, its spirituality and its commitment to telling the story of Jesus from a compassionate understanding of the world in which we live today. The educational ministries of DEA are committed to their Dominican heritage, fostering in their students respect and compassion for others and a search for truth, justice and right relationships as they engage with the world.

The Conference theme, ‘Truth Searching’, is based on the Gospel of John 6:31-32 ‘If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free’. How relevant this search for truth is to all our lives, to our response to the world in which we live today, and to the many challenges our young people face now and will be increasingly confronted by in the future. Our keynote speaker, Timothy Radcliffe OP, brings to us the gift of his thoughtful and thought-provoking wisdom, his deep spirituality and his reflections on the expression of the Dominican charism in our times.

The Trustees of DEA hope that you will enjoy the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with others in the DEA community, and that you will derive personal

fulfilment and joy in the exploration of the significance of Truth in our lives and work.

I express our sincere appreciation to the Conference Organising Committee, to Siena College, Gaynor Robson-Garth and her enthusiastic staff and to all those who have contributed to the planning and organisation of the Conference.

Sue FabianChair, Dominican Education Australia

Conference Mandate• To develop a new identity as Dominican

Education Australia

• To deepen a shared understanding of our mission and identity as Catholic schools in the Dominican tradition

• To explore the many faces of Truth and our search for Truth on personal and structural levels, and as those involved in the ministry of education

• To provide a forum for sharing resources and best practice, developing and consolidating relationships in our regional network

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DO YOU REMEMBER?

A walk down memory lane at this stage of our history is appropriate as a new weaving of the golden thread of the Dominican story commences.

Prior to the 1990s, Dominican gatherings were organised by Dominican Sisters who were in leadership positions in the many schools where they ministered. As more lay staff took on leadership roles, a new format began. Conferences were organised by the Dominican Education Network (DEN), sponsored by The Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia. At first, the conferences were held annually, later biannually, and a rich tapestry of opportunity developed. We grew from small beginnings of fifty participants from Eastern Australia to include delegates from across Oceania.

In 2016, Dominican Education Australia (DEA) was launched, providing a new system of governance for schools and DEN, as it was known, was replaced by a new structure. At this significant time in our history, a ‘walk down memory lane’ is appropriate. So do you remember?

Over the years, networks and friendships have developed, resources and personnel have been shared, stories have been told and myths created. Did a red headed Dominic visit Tallong in 2006 accompanied by Catherine of Siena? The future holds unknown and untapped opportunities, perhaps moving into the Asia Pacific. Who knows?

Let us give thanks for the blessings of the past and a hope filled future full of new possibilities.

1994 ‘Signadou’, ACT Our Pastoral Dimension1995 Santa Sabina College, Sydney Sharing Our Story in a Time of Tradition1996 Siena College, Melbourne Weaving our Story1997 Cabra Dominican College,

AdelaideCry out if you have a Million Voices... It is Silence that Kills

1998 Santa Sabina College, Tallong Ancient Truths in an Ancient Land for a New Age1999 Siena College, Melbourne Contemporary Conversation – Seeking Truth2001 Auckland, NZ Reclaiming Our Vision, Values and Voice2002 Santa Sabina College, Tallong Sing a new Song – Where is the Song Today?2004 Doubleview, Perth Grass Roots Spirituality – Thomas Aquinas2006 Santa Sabina College, Tallong 1206 Prouille... Tallong 2006, The Preaching Continues2008 Santa Sabina College, Sydney Dominican Welcome2009 St Lucy’s / Siena, Adelaide Dominic gave us a Compass not a Map2011 Siena College, Melbourne We Must Dare to See What is Before our Eyes (Montesinos)2013 Santa Sabina College, Sydney Contemplation: Radical Being2015 St Dominic’s College, Auckland Dominic: Leadership, Spirituality Freedom2017 Siena College, Melbourne Truth Searching

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DOMINICAN EDUCATION CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE FACILITATOR

Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP is a Dominican friar of the English Province and former Master of the Order of Preachers from 1992 to 2001. He is the only member of the English Province of the Dominicans to have held this office since the Order’s foundation in 1216.

Timothy Radcliffe entered the Dominican Order in 1965 and was ordained a priest in 1971. Fr Timothy taught Holy Scripture at Oxford University at Blackfriars and was elected Provincial of England in 1988. In 1992, he was elected Master of the Dominican Order and held that office until 2001. During his tenure as Master, he was ex officio Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum in Rome.

After the expiration of his nine year mandate as Master of the Dominican order, Fr Timothy continued as a member of the Dominican community of Oxford. In 2003, Fr Timothy was made an honorary Doctor of Divinity in the University of Oxford, the University’s highest honorary degree. He was the 2007 winner of the Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing for his book, What Is the Point of Being a Christian? In 2015, Fr Timothy was named a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Fr Timothy is Patron of the International Young Leaders Network and helped launch Las Casas Institute, dealing with issues of ethics, governance and social justice.

Dr Rose-Marie Prosser is a lecturer in Practical Theology at Yarra Theological Union, a College of the University of Divinity, where she teaches the units ‘Scripture for RE Teachers’ and ‘Faith, Religion and Spirituality in Contemporary Society’. Her PhD is in Chemistry and her theological studies began after the birth of her fourth child. She has been a secondary teacher, a leader in Faith Development and Religious Education, and for six years was Deputy Chair of Faith Development at Catholic Education Melbourne. Rose-Marie provides professional learning in the Sale and Sandhurst dioceses, and faith formation for staff in primary and secondary schools. She was a foundational Trustee of Kildare Ministries, and is involved in a number of educational governance initiatives.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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CONFERENCE PROGRAM

8.30am Registration Opens

9.00am Acknowledgement of Country Welcome by DEA Chair, Sue FabianWelcome Liturgy and Ritual

9.30am Students’ response to Truth Searching

9.35am Keynote Address 1: Truth and LoveFr Timothy Radcliffe OP

10.35am Silent reflection followed by responses to Fr Timothy’s address Facilitator: Dr Rose-Marie Prosser

11.00am Morning Tea

11.30am Concurrent Sessions *

12.45pm Lunch

1.45pm Concurrent Sessions *

3.00pm Afternoon Tea

3.30pm Students’ response to Truth Searching

3.35pm Keynote Address 2: The Holiness of the BodyFr Timothy Radcliffe OP

4.35pm Reflection followed by responses to Fr Timothy’s address Facilitator: Dr Rose-Marie Prosser

5.00pm Pre Dinner DrinksArt for Justice exhibition

6.30pm Spit Roast / Buffet Dinner

* Refer to following pages for session abstracts and presenter biographies

8.30am Registration Opens

9.00am Acknowledgement of Country Morning Prayer

9.25am Students’ response to Truth Searching

9.30am Keynote Address 3: The ImaginationFr Timothy Radcliffe OP

10.30am Response to Fr Timothy’s address Facilitator: Sr Sheila Flynn OP

10.55am Promotion of 2018 pilgrimageDr Jo Armour OP, Margaret O’Shea

11.00am Morning Tea

11.30am The Challenge of SalamancaSr Sheila Flynn OP, Margaret O’Shea, Fr Kevin Toomey OP

12.30pm Lunch

1.15pm Students’ response to Truth Searching

1.20pm Keynote Address 4: What hope can we offer the young? Lessons from the frontline with ISISFr Timothy Radcliffe OP

2.20pm Afternoon tea in interest groupsResponse to Fr Timothy’s address

3.35pm Plenary / PanelFacilitator: Dr Rose-Marie ProsserVote of Thanks

4.45pm Celebration of the Eucharist and close of Conference

6.30pm Optional dinner at local venues (self-funded)

DAY 1: Friday, 12 May 2017 DAY 2: Saturday, 13 May 2017

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS

RELEVANT QUESTIONS ABOUT PUBLIC JURIDIC PERSONS IN CANON LAWPresenter: Sr Mary Wright IBVM MSc, Dip. Ed, BD, JCD/Ph.D (Univ. Saint Paul, Ottawa)

Time: 11.30am – 12.45pm

Abstract About the Presenter

A

This session is focussed on governance and is tailored to the needs of Board Members and Trustees in particular.

Other interested conference delegates are welcome to attend.

Sr Mary Wright comes originally from Melbourne. After entering the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters) she studied science, and has worked in Loreto Schools in Australia as a teacher and administrator. She then studied Canon Law in Ottawa,

Canada, doing her Doctoral Thesis on the history of the Institute’s Constitutions. Mary worked as a canonist in Australia, advising religious Institutes and teaching at Yarra Theological Union before being appointed Provincial Superior of the Australian Province in 1996. In 1998, she was elected General Superior. After her eight year term in Rome concluded she returned to Australia. A few months later she was invited to return to Rome to work in the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life at the Vatican. Her service in the Congregation included involvement with developing Public Juridic Persons, especially in the USA, Canada and Australia. In 2013, Mary returned to Australia and she continues to work as a canonist, facilitator, presenter and board member from her base in Melbourne.

Day 1 of our 2017 Dominican Education Conference comprises two Keynote Addresses by Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP and two rounds of Concurrent Sessions examining the Conference Theme, Truth Searching, through lenses of theology, pastoral ministry, liturgy, social justice, Catholic leadership, organisational behaviour and curriculum planning.

Conference Delegates will attend two Concurrent Sessions of their choice. Session abstracts and presenter biographies are outlined on the following pages. Board Members and Trustees are highly recommended to attend Sessions A and B, auspiced by DEA.

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS

GOOD GOVERNANCE = TRUTH SEARCHINGPresenter: Margaret Stewart DIP T, GRAD DIP RE, B THEOL, MMGT, GAICD

Time: 1.45pm – 3.00pm


B

In this session, you will be invited to explore the relationship between the principles that promote good governance in the not-for-profit sector and the search for truth at the structural level within the ministry of Dominican education.

Margaret will draw on the NFP Principles advocated by the AICD and, in dialogue with you and your experience, explore the imperatives of truth searching in respect to three areas of governance:

• Mission and Strategy

• Responsible Stewardship and Risk Management

• Whole-of-Organisation (enterprise) Governance

Finally, reflecting on the input and dialogue within the session, you will deliberate on the ways in which you will engage truth searching to enact good governance into the future.

For more than a decade, Margaret Stewart has provided consultancy services to mission mindful organisations, primarily in the Catholic sector. Prior to that, she spent more than twenty years in leadership and administration in Catholic education in Melbourne

and Geelong. Margaret’s professional practice is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and its applications to organisational governance and leadership, planning and management. AI is a socially driven approach to change and development. It focuses on groups and organisations having solutions, not problems.

Margaret’s connection to DEA has emerged from her work with the Boards at Siena College and Cabra Dominican College.

Margaret is Director and Company Secretary of the Sisters of St Joseph Health Care Services (Victoria). Around the board table she tries her hardest to model and encourage mission-mindfulness among her fellow directors. Margaret is a qualified executive coach and critical friend with a particular interest in creating communities of reflective practice within teams and across organisations.

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS

SEARCHING FOR TRUTH: AN EXPLORATION OF THE WORK OF EDWARD SCHILLEBEECKX OPPresenter: Dr Jo Armour

This session aims to get under the skin of the phrase ‘search for truth’. We need to ask the hard questions. Using the work of the Dominican theologian, Edward Schillebeeckx, this session aims to uncover what is essential in an authentic search for truth that is ultimately liberating.

This presentation asks what does it really mean to ‘search for truth’. Things can be true in one context but untrue in another. What questions do we ask in order to search for truth? Truth should be liberating! There will be an emphasis upon the need for dialogue to be undertaken in the search for truth.

Abstract

Abstract

About the Presenter

About the Presenter

Dr Jo Armour is a Dominican Sister of the Holy Cross Congregation based in Adelaide. She holds a PhD in systematic theology and her thesis puts forward a revisioned theology of the ordained ministry, using the work of Edward Schillebeeckx and various feminist scholars.

Although very recently retired, Jo has been a Deputy Principal and teacher of Religion Studies at St Dominic’s Priory College for some fifteen years. In 2018, she will lead the Dominican Pilgrimage for schools to Europe. She holds a strong interest in the Dominican charism and how it can be communicated to others.

C

DTHE TRUTH ABOUT TRAFFICKING: SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS WHEN WE TACKLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING INTO AUSTRALIA Presenter: Christine Carolan

Christine Carolan has worked on the issue of human trafficking since a global Catholic sisters’ call for action in 2001. Christine is Executive Officer of ACRATH, Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans, a collaboration of Catholic religious and their partners. ACRATH’s work is to raise awareness, support people trafficked into Australia, and to advocate for systemic change. One aspect of our advocacy for systemic change has been a successful lobbying week in Canberra advocating in federal parliament on human trafficking issues, including Australia’s aid program, visa reform, and the need for a financial compensation scheme for trafficking survivors.

In this session Christine will unpack the aspects of human trafficking in Australia, explore our Catholic call to social justice and consider action people in schools can take to tackle human trafficking in Australia.

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS

DISTURBING PRIVILEGE – LIVING TRUTHPresenter: Sr Sheila Flynn OP


E

It is my intention and burden to disturb us into examining how much truth we can face and whether we are complicit in maintaining the systems and structures of the political and economic frameworks that beggar so many to keep us in the comfort we are accustomed to. To ask searching questions whether our educational and administrative framework truly supports our Dominican Charism. The truth will set us free, at a cost, and conversely it will free us into joy and communion. I think St Dominic would welcome us searching for this level of truth and joy. I am going to try to attempt this.

Sr Sheila Flynn OP is a Dominican Sister of Eastern Australia and the Solomon Islands. Sr Sheila was missioned in South Africa from 1988 until December 2016. Whilst lecturing at the University of Johannesburg in the Fine Art Department Sr Sheila developed

an academic art theory support programme for African students, was the first researcher in papermaking and spearheaded the one year teacher training programme in the visual arts for rural teachers. Whilst teaching, Sr Sheila witnessed the impact of life threatening decisions that some women were forced to make in order to support their families. Subsequently, in April 2001, she founded the Kopanang Community Trust, a women’s development and empowerment project that enables women to make life giving choices in a community of faith, build diverse skills, and feed their children. All the families at the project are impacted by HIV/AIDS and have lost significant members.

Sr Sheila has, for the past fourteen years, visited Dominican Schools annually in Australia, supporting programmes in justice issues and the Dominican Charism. She has also facilitated student immersion programmes from these schools to South Africa. She now resides in Australia and is Promoter of Mission and Identity (Governance) for Dominican Education Australia.

Sr Sheila remains a practising artist, principally in the medium of printmaking, watercolours and artist’s books.

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS


FSEASONS OF TRUTH: PRAYER, RITUAL AND LITURGY Presenter: Anne Muirhead

This session will chart the second half of the year, the rhythms of the natural world, seasons of the Church’s year and shape of the school year, through purposeful prayer, reflective ritual and life giving liturgy. We will use practical examples to illustrate some simple and creative planning processes that could be used in a primary and secondary school setting… as well as with adults.

If participants could bring one example of the way in which your community brings St Dominic’s Day to life liturgically, that would enhance our session, but you are also welcome empty handed!

Anne Muirhead is the new Deputy Principal Mission and Identity at Siena College in Victoria. Anne’s personal and professional trinity is the intersection between liturgy, justice and pastoral care, which shapes much of her approach to life and work. Having worked in

primary, secondary and tertiary education settings in Victoria, New South Wales and California, Anne has returned home to the Dominican Family after brief stretches at Siena, Santa Sabina, and even a few weeks at St Lucy’s, in the past. Anne loves lateral, random and creative things and thoughts, has a sacramental sense of the whole of life and believes liturgy is key to the life of our world.


GTRUTH SEARCHING: EDUCATION FOR LIBERATION AND THE FULLNESS OF LIFEPresenter: Dr Wayne Tinsey

In this session, Dr Wayne Tinsey will engage with participants around the ‘touchstones’ or guides towards deeper authenticity in Catholic education. Drawing on personal stories and the lived experience of participants, Wayne will explore the Gospel values and Christian vision that animates our vocation as educators. This workshop will suit participants interested in the myriad of ways we educate for justice and liberation, providing a springboard for your personal and professional reflections and search for truth.

Dr Wayne Tinsey has taught at all levels of Catholic education throughout Australia, as well as in India and Peru. He is currently the Executive Director of Edmund Rice Australia, a network of Catholic schools spanning every state and territory of Australia. He is also

the inaugural Chair of Edmund Rice International, a global community of 250 schools dedicated to justice, liberation and an option for the marginalised. These days Wayne prefers to be known as a husband, parent and educator who strives to grow in deeper awareness of the blessings, challenges and responsibilities that come with these most privileged of roles.

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS

LET TRUTH LEAD US TO ACT JUSTLYPresenters: Vivian Dean, Nadine Bolton and Susie Dalton St Dominic’s Primary School, Camberwell

Catholic schools in Victoria have been undergoing the transition to a new Religious Education curriculum framework which has given cause for St Dominic’s Primary School to re-imagine how it attends to its Religious Education curriculum in light of our Catholic identity and the Dominican charism. This session will introduce participants to the planning principles and process that has guided St Dominic’s development of its Religious Education program. Underpinning the Religious Education program is a process of moral discernment that holds together our nature as humans and the Christian vision of freedom and dignity in all areas of life: personal and relational integrity, economic and political participation, technological and ecological responsibility. Christians cooperate with all people to foster human flourishing, right relationship and the common good. As educators, we endeavour to facilitate dialogue at the intersection of student experiences of and questions about responsibility, and the Church’s call to be Christ for the other. We lead students to grapple with the questions ‘Who calls me to seek the truth? How must I respond?’

Vivian, Nadine and Susie are all experienced educators and have a played an active role in fostering the Dominican charism at St Dominic’s Primary School. They have made significant contributions to the development of the school’s new Education in Faith goal: ‘To strengthen our school as a contemporary Catholic community that lives out its mission in the light of the Dominican charism’. As classroom practitioners, they have been working to bring Dominican and Gospel values into a real world context so students can better understand how our faith informs our actions and decision-making within our current social and political context.

As the Religious Education Leader and teacher of Year 1 and 2, Vivian Dean has overseen much of the Religious Education professional learning and faith formation for staff.

Nadine is currently the Literacy Leader and Teacher Librarian.

Susie is currently the Numeracy Leader and Year 5/6 Teacher.

H

Abstract About the Presenters

Vivian Dean Nadine Bolton Susie Dalton

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS


IWHOSE TRUTH? – THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH IN THE AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMMUNITYPresenter: Paul Tobias

Paul Tobias will tell his story and facilitate participant discussion to highlight and explore some of the challenges Catholic educators can experience in searching for the truth. He contends that the Australian Catholic church is operating in something of a time warp and if we are to effectively engage youth, we need to work towards a different model of church. He contends that Order schools have a critical role to play, in developing a more inclusive and authentic, Australian Catholic Church.

Paul Tobias has worked in Catholic education for the last forty years. He held the position as Deputy Principal in three Catholic secondary colleges over a fourteen year period, prior to being appointed as Principal of St Joseph’s College Geelong in

2000. He retired in 2016 after a seventeen year term as Principal. Paul made a public apology for the abuse which had taken place at St Joseph’s in his first year as Principal and established a homophobia task force to address the issue of homophobic bullying. He was named the Herald Sun Victorian Secondary Principal of the Year in 2008.

Paul has consistently advocated for abuse victims and for the rights of LGBTI youth, to ensure they are safe and supported within Catholic schools. His submission to the Royal Commission on child abuse in 2016 challenged the existing culture, structures and governance in our church. He is currently the co-chair of the Edmund Rice Education Australia LGBTI working party on inclusivity and represents the Victorian Catholic Secondary Principals on the Catholic Education Melbourne, Safe and Supportive Learning Communities Reference Group.

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Sr Sheila Flynn OP is the DEA Promoter of Mission and Identity: Governance. Sr Sheila has given presentations at Dominican education conferences and governance symposiums, led staff and student workshops, hosted and organised immersion

experiences to South Africa. Sr Sheila is a passionate advocate for social justice, in particular the empowerment of women, the poor and marginalised to take their place in the Church and society.

Marg O’Shea is the DEA Promoter of Mission and Identity: Ministry Leaders. Marg has a great love of our Dominican heritage, a strong commitment to Catholic Education, a passion for social justice and a knowledge of Dominican Schools. Marg has

led a number of pilgrimages in the footsteps of St Dominic.

Fr Kevin Toomey OP is a Dominican Friar of the Assumption Province. He is currently the Prior of St Dominic’s Priory, Camberwell Victoria, and a member of the Friars Council. Previously, Fr Kevin has been the Socius to Fr Timothy Radcliffe when he was the Master

of the Order. More recently, Fr Kevin was the Editor of Tui Moto an independent monthly Catholic magazine published in NZ.

THE CHALLENGE OF SALAMANCA

In September 2016, celebrating the 800 year Jubilee of The Dominican Order, over 200 members of the Dominican Family gathered in the historic university city of Salamanca Spain.

The purpose of the Congress was to explore the work of The Dominicans in promoting and defending human rights.

The Congress brought together international members of the Dominican Family from Dominican intellectual institutions together with brothers, sisters, lay Dominicans and Associates who are in the forefront of the promotion and defence of human rights.

This work of the Congress demonstrated the powerful synthesis between the intellectual life (underpinning the pursuit of truth) and apostolic commitment (service to those most vulnerable in our world). This confluence of these two major thrusts is what has become known as ‘The Salamanca Process’, the marrying of theory and praxis, following the laudable tradition of our brothers from Salamanca in the 16th Century.

DOMINICANS IN THE PROMOTION AND DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTSPresenters: Sr Sheila Flynn OP, Marg O’Shea and Fr Kevin Toomey OP

About the PresentersAbstract

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spiral/ring bind dominican education conference 2017€¦ · fr timothy radcliffe op is a dominican...

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