Great sense of hope and positivity at North West Gathering
In keeping with many functions to ring in the New Year, it was fitting that the District’s first event of 2023 was one that generated a huge sense of positivity and hope for the future, while further strengthening the bonds among our schools.
The North West Cluster Gathering was held in De La Salle School, St Helens, on Saturday January 7th and featured Formation, examples of Good Practice in Student Leadership and time for reflection.
The success of this gathering, which celebrated its tenth year on Saturday, can be measured in the fact that it is not only attended by schools in the North West but also welcomed colleagues from Ireland and Belgium. For many, it was an opportunity to build on the foundations and relationships that he been built during the Malta CPD in August.
The gathering was attended by Br Visitor, Ben Hanlon; Auxiliary Visitor, Michael Curran, and Br Ben Foy from the St Helens Community.
The day was co-ordinated by Jo Millea, Director of Formation and Vocation Ministry, and Heather Ruple, Co-ordinator of District Initiatives, and began with Joe Gilson, Director of Mission, looking at the concept of Association and how we can sustain Lasallian Community into the future.
The delegates were then given the opportunity to hear at first hand some of the wonderful examples of the work being done throughout the District to inspire student leadership.
Linda Rooney, from St Helens, introduced the school’s 1719 Society, a project that is based on living out the legacy of our Founder and spreading the values throughout the school.
Four members of the Society – Grace, Eleanor, Jack and Noah - spoke passionately about the project, outlining some of the many projects they have undertaken, how they promote the 5 core principles, how it adds value to the school, and also the many benefits on a personal level.
Formation for student leaders is an important part of the programme and school Chaplain, Sam Cantillon, spoke about this is designed to be meaningful and to meet the needs of the students.
Jason Poole from Beneavin De La Salle College and Secretary of MEL Ireland, gave an overview of the Student Leadership programme that takes place in Castletown every year and how it is of great benefit to the individuals and schools who take part. He also gave details of the Lasallian Competition in Ireland which he hopes will become a District-wide event in the future.
Anya Poole, from St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy, provided an insight into the innovative ‘Touching Hearts’ programme with has been developed in the school. The initiative is dedicated to the Lasallian values and is designed to meet the needs of students and address their concerns.
This was followed by a presentation from Emma Biggins, Director of St Cassian’s, Kintbury, to highlight how the District can work together to enhance the student journey. She provided an outline of the benefits of being a volunteer and invited schools to give their students the opportunity to become Team Members in the future.
Jo Millea then led the Open Doors reflective activity, which highlighted the importance of doors in our lives and in the Founder’s journey. The delegates took time to reflect on images of doors that might reflect where they are on their own particular journey.
The inspirational day concluded with Br Ben thanking all for attending, Andy Rannard, Head Teacher St Helens for hosting, and Stan Millea who put in so much work for the event. He also thanked the wonderful contributors, and in particular Jo, Heather and Joe for such a creatively thought-out and delivered day.
He added that the event highlights a wonderful example of community that exists and that the Lasallian Mission is a treasure that is in good hands as it is being carried on by people with great enthusiasm and commitment.
