2023 Sacred Heart Conference

WELCOME

We are delighted to be welcoming you to Sacré Cœur for this year’s Sacred Heart Conference

– Giving Expression to the Building of Community within our Sacred Heart Communities. In this, our 135-year anniversary of education at Burke Road, Glen Iris, we join with each of you so that together, as integral members of the Sacred Heart Family, we can continue to:

• educate and form our community in the mission of the Church and the Sacred Heart

• explore the dynamics of facilitating the building of Christian communities in which all may grow through genuine and authentic interpersonal relationships

• prepare our communities to assume responsible citizenship in a global context

• respond to the Justice Peace Integrity and Creation (JPIC) Being Artisans of Hope in our Blessed and Broken World imperatives

In a recent blog, Steve Francis, one of Australia’s leading educators and professional speakers, posted a very simple truth, “schools are people places and people are crying out for connection.” Anchored in our Sacred Heart charism is care for relationships and a call “to be and act as one body... dynamic, interconnected, linked with other bodies, in the world and as Church, in order to share, collaborate, and be in solidarity among ourselves and with others.” (General Chapter 2016).

We proudly share in, and are equally bound together by, our rich traditions and the distinctive spirit of the Society of the Sacred Heart, awakening in others critical consciousness, hope and transformation. In this way, we are invited to build the future together.

Given the theme of our conference, we are thrilled to have Sr Lydia Collado, RSCJ, join us as the keynote speaker for our 2023 Sacred Heart Conference. Sr Lydia entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1982. She has been serving in the different ministries of the RSCJ, ad-intra and ad-extra. She has been involved in different Church and Civil Society institutions and she has extensive international experience in giving seminars and formation, related to her training as an RSCJ and field of studies. She is the current Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education Foundation, Inc., a mission of the RSCJ towards an “education that transforms”, in a rural area, at Sophie’s Farm, Mondragon, Northern Samar, Philippines.

We hope this year’s Sacred Heart Conference will strengthen your sense of belonging to a greater whole – our expanded Sacred Heart community, offering each of you meaningful opportunities for professional and personal growth along with an opportunity to enjoy the thought-provoking sharing of new ideas and strong collegiality.

ADELINA MELIA-DOUVOS PRINCIPAL

PROGRAM: DAY 1

FRIDAY 25 AUGUST

7.45am Bus to depart from Amora Hotel to Sacré Cœur

8.30am Mass at Sacré Cœur Chapel

9.30am Welcome from Liz Vinning, Chair, Sophia Education Ministries, Hall

9.35am Keynote Address

Presenter: Sr Lydia Collado (Sophie’s Farm, Philippines), Hall

11.00am Morning Tea, Kirby

11.30am Panel and Breakout Groups

1.00pm Lunch

1.50pm Workshops - Session 1

Global Collaboration Program - Brigit Keel

First Nations – Jody Papandrea and Sarah Daff

Design the Future - Emily Cedro and Nhariah Tran

Governance – Helen Spain

Transitioning to College – Michelle Allan and Fiona Hastings

PE Health and Wellbeing - Leah Tremewen and Jessica Clarke

Philosophy – Zara Recordon

Teaching Sprints – Callum Parker, Kathryn Shields and Andrea Eynon

2.40pm Workshops - Session 2

Global Collaboration Program - Brigit Keel

Waking the Sleeping Dog – John Mooney

The Art of Connecting – Nhariah Tran

Journey to Junior – Brendan Downes and Jennifer McGrath

Makerspace- Will Winter

The Self + Model – Carrie Scanlan, Scott Atkinson and Rebecca Flannery

Reinventing Year 9 - Megan Marshall

Sustainability – Caroline Brown and Madeleine Walling

3.30pm Sacré Cœur School Tour

3.45pm Bus will depart From Sacré Cœur to Amora Hotel

4.30pm Bus will depart From Sacré Cœur to Amora Hotel

6.45pm Bus will depart Amora Hotel to restaurant

7.15pm Conference Dinner, Matilda

PROGRAM: DAY 2

SATURDAY 26 AUGUST

8.30 am Bus to depart from Amora Hotel to Sacré Cœur

9.00 am Morning prayer

9.15am Care for Creation, Duchesne Theatre

Presenter: Gwen Michener

10.30am Morning Tea, Kirby

11.00am Care for the Earth, Duchesne Theatre

Presenter: Sr Lydia Collado (Sophie’s Farm, Philippines)

12.00pm Compassionate Leadership

12.15pm Final Prayer

12.30pm Lunch, Kirby 1.00pm Conference concludes

PROGRAM: FRIDAY 25 AUGUST

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

SR LYDIA COLLADO (SOPHIE’S FARM, PHILIPPINES)

Lydia Miranda Collado is a Filipina member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ). She entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1982, made her first vows in 1984 and did final profession in 1993. She has been serving in the different ministries of the RSCJ, ad-intra and ad-extra. She has been involved in different Church and Civil Society institutions as a Formator, Administrator, Program Director, and Pastoral Worker. Her work includes giving retreats and recollections, formulating/writing programs and modules on Psycho-Spiritual Integration, Youth and Pastoral Ministry Formation Programs.

Sr. Lydia has M.A degrees in Psychology and Pastoral Sociology. She has a long international experience in giving seminars and formation related to her training as an RSCJ and field of studies. She is the current Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education Foundation, Inc., a mission of the RSCJ towards an “education that transforms”, in a rural area, at Sophie’s Farm, Mondragon, Northern Samar, Philippines.

WORKSHOPS - SESSION 1

BUILDING COMMUNITY BEYOND BOUNDARIES: VIRTUAL COLLABORATION IN THE SACRED HEART NETWORK

BRIGIT KEEL, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS LEADER, P-12, SACRÉ CŒUR

This workshop showcases the success of a Virtual Collaboration Program that emerged during the challenging times of COVID-19 within the Sacred Heart Network of schools. The program, initially born out of necessity, has proven to be transformative, fostering stronger connections and more collaborative initiatives across schools within the network. Participants will explore the innovative approaches, digital tools, and best practices that have nurtured a thriving virtual community, facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and expertise.

Learn how this program has laid the foundation for sustainable and impactful collaborative programs within the Sacred Heart Network.

GROWING KRB’S FIRST NATIONS PROGRAM: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

JODY PAPANDREA, FIRST NATIONS PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR, KINCOPPAL ROSE BAY

SARAH DAFF, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL EDUCATION, KINCOPPAL ROSE BAY

Our commitment to diversity is embodied in our third goal of Sacred Heart Education, which inspires our communities to embrace and celebrate the richness of cultures present in our schools and society. This workshop seeks to ignite meaningful dialogues that explore how we fulfill this call, with a particular focus on First Nations education. Join us as we share insights into the transformation of KRB’s First Nations Program.

Together we will explore the strategies employed to establish and strengthen connections with our First Nations communities. We will also delve into our ongoing efforts to integrate First Nations perspectives, histories, and cultures into the different facets of our school. By sharing our journeys, we aim to inspire and empower educators to create inclusive learning environments that honour and respect our First Nations peoples. Together, we can cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and appreciation for diversity, fostering a community that celebrates the richness and heritage of all its members.

WORKSHOPS - SESSION 1

DESIGN THE FUTURE EMILY CEDRO, HUMANITIES LEARNING LEADER, SACRÉ CŒUR

NHARIAH TRAN, CREATIVE ARTS LEARNING LEADER, SACRÉ CŒUR

Design the Future is a Year 8 interdisciplinary project with a focus on sustainable urban spaces, including housing, design and materials essential for increased liveability in the present and for the future. Our presentation will share the journey and experience of creating this interdisciplinary unit that brings together common curriculum content from the Humanities, Creative Arts, Design and Technologies and Science disciplines, united by the inquiry question ‘How do we design sustainable spaces now, and in the future?’. The common theme of the project is based upon the concept of sustainability, in the context of the current housing affordability and supply issues, predicted population growth and the need to preserve the liveable features of the city of Melbourne, for present and future generations.

Our workshop will demonstrate our aim to encourage students to develop real-world, problemsolving skills, critical thinking skills, improve creativity and greater engagement in their learning. With the features of global education in mind, our presentation will show how promoting student understanding and awareness of the challenges of sustainability will hopefully prepare them to be active participants in the global community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the planet and its inhabitants. Furthermore, through the example of the four RSCJ wisdom women, the project seeks to cultivate and grow our students’ desire and capacity to change the world and leave this earth somehow better than they found it

BUILDING SCHOOL BOARDS FOR COMMUNITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

HELEN SPAIN, BOARD MEMBER AND CURRENT CHAIR 2015 – 2023, STUARTHOLME

The objective of this workshop is to explore the role of School Boards as an expression of Christian values within the ANZET schools and to demonstrate how high performing boards lead to not only good governance of the school but also the community in which it operates. Using the journey of the rebuilding of the Stuartholme School Board over the past 6 years after the retirement of long-standing Board members, this workshop will be conducted as a facilitated discussion of shared experience both board and professional. Key discussion points to be facilitated are:

• Role of the Board in a Sacred Heart school and how it differs to other Boards;

• The challenges for current and future Board director recruitment;

• Good governance in a Sacred Heart school and what does it look like in a complex school environment;

• Boards as role models for the community they serve in a time of change for the RSCJ.

WORKSHOPS - SESSION 1

PREPARATION AND PROMOTION OF INDEPENDENCE WITHIN A SACRED HEART COMMUNITY

MICHELLE

ALLAN, HEAD OF COLLEGE AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DUCHESNE COLLEGE

FIONA HASTINGS, PRINCIPAL, SANCTA SOPHIA COLLEGE

An interactive session providing an overview of college and how the college community prepares students for independence through promoting them to be “in the driver’s seat” as opposed to “being a passenger”, and how the Sacred Heart community and sisterhood supports their engagement in campus college communities and with their academic studies. As this is an interactive workshop, Michelle and Fiona would like to encourage questions in advance from participants of this session.

DATA IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELLBEING JESSICA CLARKE, YEAR 7 CO-ORDINATOR, SACRÉ CŒUR

LEAH TREMEWEN, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH LEARNING LEADER, SACRÉ CŒUR

Based on research post-COVID concerning the disconnect of students, both physically and socially, the collaboration of Physical Education and Wellbeing at Year 7 are aimed at reconnecting students in these areas, and provide meaningful information to inform teaching and learning activities.

This session will involve a short practical component (optional).

ART IN ARCHITECTURE (SACRÉ CŒUR STAFF ONLY)

JENNY STEINER

Jenny Steiner of Art in Architecture has been creating artworks that tell a school’s story for nearly 30 years. These range from large scale commemorative works for a new building or, to mark a significant anniversary, to smaller works that build on your narrative. She doesn’t work in any one medium but chooses the medium (or combinations) such as bronze, glass, stone, paint or metal that best come together to represent the symbolism of the work.

She works together with you to discuss the project and formulate a brief. The design process varies with each client. Sometimes it is necessary to run workshops with students and key team members and other times, it is simply research done by herself and then a concept is produced. Once accepted she moves into production and finally installation. The design of the artwork takes the built and natural environment into account creating an integrated final product that sits well in its surroundings, inside or out.

WORKSHOPS - SESSION 1

PHILOSOPHICAL INQUIRY ZARA RECORDON, TEACHER, BARADENE

At Baradene College we are engaging in the process of further integrating Philosophy into our Religious Education curriculum. One of the greatest challenges to our wider community is the increasing polarisation and lack of considered debate. Through philosophical enquiry, students have the experience of seeing that what they thought was obvious is not obvious to people who have different perspectives. This encourages tolerance of other ideas, and increases students’ ability to work together. Students who are taught philosophy start to have more sophisticated discussions, giving reasons for what they say. They communicate more effectively, and learn to manage their feelings better – skills that are ever more important with the increase in online communication.

Our presentation would include information about the philosophical content being taught as well as practical examples of the philosophical enquiry that we use throughout our topics and how students (and teachers) are responding. We would work through an example together about how to ask philosophical questions in response to a stimulus.

USING SPRINTS TO EMPOWER, ENGAGE AND ENERGISE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES….NO RUNNING SHOES REQUIRED!

CALLUM PARKER, ASSISTANT HEAD OF JOIGNY, SACRÉ CŒUR

ANDREA EYNON, HEAD OF NUMERACY, JOIGNY, SACRÉ CŒUR

KATHRYN SHIELDS, HEAD OF LITERACY, JOIGNY, SACRÉ CŒUR

The teaching sprints process facilitates the undertaking if specific and targeted pedagogical interventions, with the intent of small wins leading to big impact over time. The reflective nature of the process invites teachers to engage regularly with colleagues to collaborate through targeted professional reading, impacts on student learning and challenges to practice.

This workshop will explain the history of implementation at Joigny using the work of Dr Simon Breakspear and the positive impact that it has had on our teaching team. Through attending the workshop participants will unpack how we structured the program, some tips (and pitfalls) for running the program and work on planning teaching sprints for their own specific context.

WORKSHOPS - SESSION 2

BUILDING COMMUNITY BEYOND BOUNDARIES: VIRTUAL COLLABORATION IN THE SACRED HEART NETWORK

BRIGIT KEEL, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS LEADER, P-12, SACRÉ CŒUR

This workshop showcases the success of a Virtual Collaboration Program that emerged during the challenging times of COVID-19 within the Sacred Heart Network of schools. The program, initially born out of necessity, has proven to be transformative, fostering stronger connections and more collaborative initiatives across schools within the network. Participants will explore the innovative approaches, digital tools, and best practices that have nurtured a thriving virtual community, facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and expertise.

Learn how this program has laid the foundation for sustainable and impactful collaborative programs within the Sacred Heart Network.

WAKING THE SLEEPING DOG

JOHN MOONEY

DIRECTOR OF FORMATION TO MISSION, SOPHIA EDUCATION MINISTRIES

Fundamental to the Gospel’s understanding of the child as radically descriptive of the Kingdom and Madeleine Sophie’s proclamation that the Society was founded for one such child, this workshop will explore the contemporary urgency of attending to the voice of our students and collaboration for participants to create means of discerning its prophetic nature.

THE ART OF CONNECTING: WEAVING STORIES TOGETHER

HOW DO WE USE ART TO ENGAGE STUDENTS WITH ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HISTORIES AND CULTURES?

NHARIAH TRAN, CREATIVE ARTS LEARNING LEADER, SACRÉ CŒUR

We responded to this question through the implementation of an Indigenous Perspectives Program, an immersive experience that brought students together with the celebrated Ngarrindjeri artist and educator, Emma Stenhouse. Join us as we share our journey, starting from the initial idea to its full realisation which culminated in the creation of a range of community artworks.

The heart of the program revolved around developing students’ understanding, appreciation and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, language, and artistic practices. We created a safe and creative environment to empower students to give life to their own stories, connecting them to the land and community through art making. By sharing our experience, we hope to spark inspiration for future programs that celebrate diversity, foster cross-cultural exchange and cultivate meaningful connections.

WORKSHOPS - SESSION 2

JOURNEY TO JUNIOR BRENDAN DOWNES, DIRECTOR OF PRIMARY, STUARTHOLME JENNIFER MCGRATH, TEACHER, STUARTHOLME

Embarking on the journey of implementing change in schools while fostering a strong sense of community can be a daunting task. In this workshop, we will delve into the intricacies of change implementation within school environments, using the case of ‘Journey to Junior’ at Stuartholme with the introduction of Year 5 from 2024.

By examining the strategies employed at Stuartholme, both subtle and overt, we aim to provide educators with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of transformational change with a focus on collaboration and community. Throughout the session, participants will engage in interactive exercises designed to help them design and envision their own change initiatives in their unique contexts.

BARADENE COLLEGE MAKERSPACE WILL WINTER, TEACHER, BARADENE

My presentation is centred around the planning, setup and execution of the Makerspace, and the benefits it brings to our school and the wider community. The Makerspace is a place that invites all staff and students to grow and learn future skills. These skills include using technology such as CAD, virtual reality and 3D printing. I encourage students to be sustainable, empathetic, patient and future leaders. We embrace failure and make mistakes, so that we can achieve our goals and build resilience. It is a place that welcomes all students, no matter what year or skill level

WORKSHOPS - SESSION 2

SUPPORTING A FLOURISHING COMMUNITY: THE SELF+ MODEL, A WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH TO STUDENT WELLBEING

CARRIE SCANLAN, DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS, KINCOPPAL ROSE BAY

SCOTT ATKINSON, STUDENT LEADERSHIP CO-ORDINATOR/STUDENT WELLBEING COORDINATOR, KRB

REBECCA FLANNERY, STUDENT WELLBEING PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR/YEAR 5 TEACHER, KRB

As a key strategic priority for 2023, KRB has developed an E-12 Student Wellbeing framework. “SELF +” (Social, Emotional Learning to Flourish) not only applies a strengths-based approach to the development of key skills and attributes, but also embeds the many opportunities beyond the classroom that our students benefit from.

The “SELF +” framework articulates the key domains of Positive Education that underpin all that is done, while also showcasing the continuum of Student Wellbeing that our students experience. This workshop will share the process undertaken in developing this framework, while also highlighting key areas that are relevant to our Sacred Heart context.

REIMAGINING YEAR 9

MEGAN MARSHALL, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND TEACHING, SACRÉ CŒUR

In an effort to invigorate our Year 9 program we surveyed past and present students, staff and parents aiming to better cater for student interest and skill development. The results pointed to a need for a program which promoted student agency and specific skill development. In 2022 all secondary staff worked together across subject areas to create and develop a range of electives relevant to student needs and interests. This year the School launched 17 new electives under the four key areas of Discovery, Creativity, Global Citizenship and Entrepreneurship. Over the course of a year each student completes eight electives. Two electives are compulsory: Money Matters which educates women about the importance of financial literacy and A Call to Justice which aims to empower our students to become part of the solution. Other electives include aviation, sustainability, podcasting and sports leadership.

This workshop centres on how the program develops specific skills and the change process adopted by the staff of Sacre Coeur. Students of Year 9 will also share their experiences of the electives and provide insight as to why student agency and skill development is important for the future of education.

WORKSHOPS - SESSION 2

SUSTAINABILITY AT SACRÉ CŒUR CAROLINE BROWN, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL AND DIRECTOR OF STAFF, SACRÉ CŒUR

MADELINE WALLING, SUSTAINABILITY PREFECT, SACRÉ CŒUR

In our current Strategic Plan at Sacré Cœur, Sustainability is one of our key areas of focus. Our student leaders in both our Junior and Senior School have responsibility for sustainability and they work with our Sustainability Prefect on student driven initiatives. Our passionate students are keen to make a difference by developing awareness of the need to care for our environment and drive changes in student behaviour in our school community. To support their efforts, we have partnered with Sustainability Victoria as a ResourceSmart School and work towards becoming our 5 Star certification. In this session, we will share some of the student led initiatives and steps we have taken on our journey to a more sustainable school, whilst encouraging cross-age interactions to further build our community and connections.

ART IN ARCHITECTURE (SACRÉ CŒUR STAFF ONLY)

JENNY STEINER

Jenny Steiner of Art in Architecture has been creating artworks that tell a school’s story for nearly 30 years. These range from large scale commemorative works for a new building or, to mark a significant anniversary, to smaller works that build on your narrative. She doesn’t work in any one medium but chooses the medium (or combinations) such as bronze, glass, stone, paint or metal that best come together to represent the symbolism of the work.

She works together with you to discuss the project and formulate a brief. The design process varies with each client. Sometimes it is necessary to run workshops with students and key team members and other times, it is simply research done by herself and then a concept is produced. Once accepted she moves into production and finally installation. The design of the artwork takes the built and natural environment into account creating an integrated final product that sits well in its surroundings, inside or out.

PROGRAM: SATURDAY 26 AUGUST

CARE FOR CREATION

CARE FOR CREATION: GWEN MICHENER

Gwen is a trained Biology and Geography teacher. She has been a teacher at Scienceworks, the Royal Botancial Gardens and the Sustainability Specialist teacher in two Catholic Primary schools.

Over the past five years, she has worked at a Caritas Australia, initially as a Justice Educator and Australia Schools Co-ordinator for Catholic Earthcare. Her current position is the Social and Ecological Justice Animator for Victoria and Tasmania. Gwen loves being part of an organisation that changes lives socially, ecologically and more!

CARE FOR THE EARTH

CARE FOR THE EARTH: A PERSPECTIVE FROM SOPHIE’S FARM, SR LYDIA COLLADO

Lydia Miranda Collado is a Filipina member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ). She entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1982, made her first vows in 1984 and did final profession in 1993. She has been serving in the different ministries of the RSCJ, ad-intra and ad-extra. She has been involved in different Church and Civil Society institutions as a Formator, Administrator, Program Director, and Pastoral Worker. Her work includes giving retreats and recollections, formulating/writing programs and modules on Psycho-Spiritual Integration, Youth and Pastoral Ministry Formation Programs.

Sr. Lydia has M.A degrees in Psychology and Pastoral Sociology. She has a long international experience in giving seminars and formation related to her training as an RSCJ and field of studies. She is the current Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education Foundation, Inc., a mission of the RSCJ towards an “education that transforms”, in a rural area, at Sophie’s Farm, Mondragon, Northern Samar, Philippines.