Leadership conference inspires sharing, learning and development

One of the most important gatherings on the District calendar took place in November when Heads, Principals and Pastoral Centre Directors gathered for the District Lasallian Ministry Leaders Conference 2022.

This year’s event took place in the Clayton Dublin Airport Hotel on Thursday November 24th and Friday 25th, and proved to be a memorable two days where Ministry leaders created bonds, shared experiences and learned more about nurturing the Lasallian Mission.

It was also an opportunity to pay tribute to six Principals/Head Teachers who had retired over the past two years, and special presentations were made by Brother Visitor, Ben Hanlon, as mark of appreciation.

Among the highlights was undoubtedly the keynote address from Br. George Van Grieken, FSC, entitled ‘The Resilience and Relevance of Lasallian Education and Charism in a Post-Pandemic World’, on Friday morning.

It proved to be an engaging, relevant and enlightening address that allowed Ministry leaders a greater understanding of the global Lasallian Family, but also reaffirmed how initiatives within their schools and centres are serving to keep the ethos alive.

The conference began on Thursday with the sharing of good practice in terms of promoting the Lasallian Values, as Ann Marie Leonard (Beneavin), John Murphy (Macroom), Andy Rannard (St Helens) and Paul Norris (Basildon) outlined initiatives in their schools.

Following the presentations, the delegates met with their national/cluster/interest groups, which allowed for discussion on topics and challenges specific to them.

The evening meal concluded with special presentations made to retiring Principals/Head Teachers, Paudge Morris (St Stephen’s Waterford), Margaret Betts (De La Salle College Waterford), Kevin Doran (St Declan’s Waterford), Aideen Cassidy (Beneavin De La Salle College), Mariella Vella (De La Salle College Junior School, Malta) and Brendan Wall (St Simon Stock, Maidstone).

Warm tributes were paid to all, highlighting the significant contribution they made to their students and their efforts in keeping the Lasallian ethos alive in their school community.

After the keynote address on Friday, Joe Gilson provided an update on preparations, implications and implementation of the District Mission Assembly 2023, while he also discussed the School/Centre Strategic Ethos Plan and Lasallian Identity Framework.

Jo Millea provided an outline of the various programmes and events for the remainder of the academic year and encouraged all to avail of these opportunities to deepen their understanding of the Lasallian Mission.

The conference was concluded with an address from Br Ben Hanlon, who thanked all for taking the time to attend and contribute to the conference, and also thanked them for the wonderful work they carry out every day as the faces of De La Salle in their schools and centres.