It has been a wonderful start to the year for Helena Lambert & I as we have worked with a number of our school communities supporting in this space of formation. I always love to reflect on Trevor Miller’s idea that retreating is about prayer, pilgrimage and perspective gathering. I think this is one way to summarise what we are on about in this space of formation in our schools.
It has been wonderful to support teachers in Biloela & Hervey Bay in their final session of Connect, and as they reflect on the key perspectives they have encountered and considered in this journey. There is a sense that in this process every teacher has an opportunity to see how the role they play in community is critical in affirming young people and nurturing their God given identity and gifts.
The LORDS retreat this year focused on the Connect concept of community. It was helpful to consider the question, What do you see? This question invites and welcomes God’s perspective on who we are and what we’re about. It also reminds us to welcome other’s perspectives even though they may be different, even foreign to our own. Having the opportunity to listen to Yugembeh voices as part of this retreat was a privilege.
In 2020, one of the things that Helena Lambert (Education Officer – Identity & Formation) is passionate about, is listening to and honouring the perspectives of our First Nations peoples. Particularly, what might the opportunities in 2021 be for exploring Reconciliation Action Plans in our communities?
I would like to give thanks for our school based facilitators of Connect who worked hard to build relationships and journey with new staff in 2020 and I look forward to continuing to support in this space in 2021!
Stephanie Maher
Director – Identity & Formation
