Service Learning
Service Learning truly gets at why we have Lutheran Education. A fully embedded approach to Service Learning allows us to grow young people who are developing deep empathy and solidarity with humanity and this world in which we live. Our young people are offered the opportunity to be more fully human as Jesus has called us to, to live with and for all. Our Lutheran theology of vocation can fully be explored in all its depth and complexity.
As I have reflected recently with some of our Service Learning Champions, we are looking to share stories where Service Learning opportunities are:
· Embedded in curriculum
· Have emphases on reflection (including ‘pre-flection’)
· Use the Service Learning concepts to scaffold learning
We are inviting Leaders of Learning to share these stories so that together we can make the most of Service Learning, both for our young people and for the communities with whom we partner.
Restorative Practices
Last week I spoke with two of our LEQ pastoral care leaders. I was struck by the fact that both leaders made similar observations about critical aspects of building a strong RP culture in our schools. The first observation was that all staff need to have ongoing opportunities to engage and build shared understandings of what restorative approaches look like inside and outside the classroom, and secondly, that the role of Learning Leaders is just as crucial as the role of Pastoral Care Leaders in promoting and mentoring teachers in this space.
I am excited that Graeme George is keen to work with LEQ schools as we grow our teachers in this space. Look out for a webinar opportunity early Term 3. With a focus on the neuroscience of RP, this will act as a teaser for a 2 day workshop which was planned for this year, but will now take place in 2021.
RP is a critical expression of our theology… the call to be journeying with one another!
Equip & Connect
New Equip dates have been circulated for Semester 2. Monica & I have been planning Equip knowing that we may well be running this online. It is an exciting opportunity to reflect on how Equip can support what you are all doing in schools in the space of contemporary learning as we seek to be providing the best holistic education for our young people that we can.
In 2021 staff who require Ac accreditation will need to complete Connect before beginning Equip. This will be important to note as PD for staff gets underway in semester 2 and planning is undertaken for 2021.
Stephanie Maher
Director – Identity & Formation
