Archbishop Prowse calls Catholic schools ‘laboratories of hope’ at System Day.
Archbishop Prowse speaks to over 2,000 Catholic Education staff via Livestream at their annual Systems Day.
Catholic schools are laboratories of hope, Archbishop Christopher Prowse told staff at last week’s annual System Day.
More than 2000 principals, teachers and support staff from Catholic Archdiocese Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited came together online on Friday to strengthen their journey through mission and learning, exploring the evidence and impact of Catalyst with a focus on practical strategies and techniques that educators could adopt to enhance student learning.
“You’re part of something greater than we’ve ever thought or imagined, bringing home to Jesus all those who are searching for meaning and purpose in life and who are looking for a first-class education,” he said.
“We are giving top-class education and preparing young boys and girls for mature leadership in a chaotic world.”
Archbishop Prowse said there were three important keys to unlock the beauty of Catholic education.
“The first is that Catholic education is for everyone. No one is to be excluded. All are welcome,” he said.
“The second is that we are all offered the irresistible invitation for an encounter with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. This is a great portal through which we start to educate people.
“The third and final point is that schools are laboratories of hope. It’s looking at something we can put together to enable this boy, this girl, this community, to able to reach the fullness of their humanity as they grow up and mature.”
Interim Executive Director Pam Betts said Pope Francis’ theme for the Year of Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope spoke powerfully to Catholic educators.
“We are indeed pilgrims journeying together often through somewhat uncertain terrain, but always guided by the light of hope and the promise of Christ,” she said.
“In the words of Pope Francis, hope is the most effective form of evangelisation. As educators, you embody this hope every day in your classrooms, offices and schoolyards.”
Pam said Catholic educators prepared students not just for academic success, but for lives of purpose, integrity, and faith.
“Through Catalyst, we are equipping our schools with the tools and strategies needed to foster this hope-filled future, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
Guided by MC Genevieve Jacobs, participants joined engaging sessions with two keynote speakers: education writer and author Natalie Wexler and cognitive scientist, Professor Daniel Willingham.
Natalie delivered a session on content-rich learning to improve literacy outcomes, while Daniel explored how educators could empower students to take ownership of their learning.