In September, members of the Catholic Education, Canberra and Goulburn community attended the ‘Education Executive Symposium’ held at the Rome campus of the Australian Catholic University. The symposium brought together leaders from across the globe to find solutions to contemporary Catholic education issues.

Members of the Catholic Education Commission who attended included Monsignor John Woods, Vicar for Education; Karen Motyka, Parent Representative and Chair of the Community Council at St Mary’s Primary School, Moruya; Gabrielle Sullivan, Parent Representative; and the Principal of St Patrick’s Parish School, Cooma, Frances Robertson. Senior leaders from Catholic Education Office included Tim Elliot, School and Family Services Leader and Margaret Cicolini, Finance, Infrastructure and Strategy Leader.

Education leaders heard key speakers from the Vatican and discussed the relevance of Catholic education within an increasingly secular world.

“The symposium was very worthwhile in formulating a considered response to contemporary challenges for Catholic Schools, now and into the future,” said Principal Robertson. “We listened to key figures from the Vatican and education experts from around the world. The key message was to act in the fullness of Christ’s love as the basis for seeking the common good and maintaining the dignity of the human experience.”

The symposium will inform and support the work of the Catholic Education Commission and the role of Catholic Education in fulfilling the mission of the Church.