Leaders conference reflects on ways to bring Leavening Project into the classroom

Brother Superior Armin Luistro was once again the guest at the District Ministry Leaders Conference in Castletown on Thursday October 17th.

Following morning prayer, Jason Turner, Head of De La Salle College Jersey, delivered a very enlightening presentation on how we can bring the call to leaven into our school

To move from the idea of something small and to see how we could put that into practice and to reach out beyond the walls of the school. To get students more involved in the charity work, rather than being passive. Allow them to take the lead rather than just helping teachers reach out to the peripheries.

Also looked at how they could reach the peripheries within the school and continue to help those who had moved on to the next stage in their lives.

Participants then had the opportunity to discuss the ideas shared by Jason and how they could look to bring the call to be leaven into their schools and centres. The feedback was that the presentation would encourage all to be creative in how they could encourage students to take the lead in embracing the leavening movement.

Tom O’Neill then spoke of an initiative of the MEL Committee Ireland to recognise and embrace retired teachers as an active part of the Lasallian Family.

These are people who have helped maintain and improve our ethos, and as a result have a left a great legacy. Schools have a great opportunity to benefit from their enthusiasm and experience and encouraged all schools to reach out to them and use this excellent resource.

Organised a gathering in Castletown to honour over 80 teachers and  the fact that their dedication and commitment as Lasallian teachers was heartfelt.

Heather Ruple, spoke about vocations and essentially the idea of how we can help young people discover what they are going to do with their ‘wild and previous life’. She pointed out that the focus as to create culture of vocations in our schools to encourage them to see how their gifts and talents people’s gifts can be used to meet the needs of the world.

Participants then took time to consider where they are in terms of vocations ministry in your school and what supports do you need. Once again, the discussions produced some

The conference heard updates from Pat Walsh and Heather Ruple on progress of the Directional Statements from District Mission Assembly.

Chair of the District Mission Council, Mariella Vella, then launched the Lasallian Identity Framework. Helps all recognise our particular charism and to identify with it.

It is an attempt to encapsulate that special Lasallian atmosphere that we all know is an essential in our schools. Mariella talked through the LIF document and suggested how it could be implemented as a self-assessment tool.

Andy Rannard, Head of De La Salle School St Helens, then followed on to share about how we can take the LIF from document to something that is used as  practical tool, by reflecting on the experience in his own school.

Once again, participants took time to reflect on the document and discuss how it could be used in their schools and centres.

District rep on ASSEDIL Committee, Nic Mifsud (Headteacher De La Salle College Junior School) spoke about the work of ASSEDIL and the Congress which is being hosted in Malta next year, while encouraging all to consider attending.

Pat Walsh outlined the District events over the coming months and asked the Heads and Principals to encourage staff members to avail of the opportunities while will help enhance the Mission.

The Director of Formation then reminded the gathering about the initiatives to create a District Prayer which will be inspired by schools and centres. He also asked the gathering to contribute, or encourage others to write about an encounter that will provide reflections that will help show the Lasallian Core principles and values in action.

General Councillor, Br Joel Paul, provided the closing remarks and reflections on the conference, and pointed out that the District is unique in many ways. He said that it is clear that schools have met the Leavening Project challenge with creativity.

He added that it was also obvious that the leaders are working hard to keep the Lasallian Mission alive, and reminded them that this will not only make a difference to people, but also be rewarding.

Br Ben Halon spoke to thank all who contributed to making the event a huge success. He thanked all the Ministry Leaders for making the effort to attend, and reminded them that they are the face of De La Salle in their schools and centres.

Br Ben also thanked Br Armin and Br Joel for attending as their presence gave everyone a great lift.

Br Armin brought the conference to a conclusion by revealing that he was inspired by the two days as he had experienced in the room ‘the freshness of spring’. He sensed that this is a new spring time for the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta, and he could comfortably say that the future of the Mission “is right here in the room” such is the commitment of all present.

He added that the governance structure of the District is something that could be replicated in other parts of the global family, and was loud in his praise of Br Ben, pointing out that the District is lucky to have a leader of his capabilities.