During this July Staff Week, our teachers have been immersing themselves in planning and collaborating with each other and diving deeply into various professional learning. This has included, exploring the school's future directions, looking at the draft generative AI policy for staff and trial of AI for students in assessments, examining the parent code of conduct and time in faculties and teams to invest in planning rigorous assessments and engaging learning experiences for students.
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the beautifully organised CEN (Christian Education National) Conference at Penrith Convention Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday. The theme was "Deep Joy, Enduring Hope" and teachers had the privilege of hearing from inspiring keynote speakers such as:
- Rev Dr Michael Jensen (who focused on the learner, salvation and our role to cultivate wonder)
- Mr Sam Burrows (who shared that the heart of education is all about relationship; and the metaphor of Christ being the ultimate tuning fork and we are to help our students hear the song of Christ through our work)
- Dr Ruth McConnell (teaching on attachment theory and that soft hearts and right relationships, lead to psychological rest and the need to play where individuals can thrive through creative expression).
Underpinning all of the strand sessions and devotions from a wide variety of expert speakers, was the idea that we are committed as Christian teachers to holding a hopeful narrative for our students as they are becoming who Christ intended them to be. Many wonderful resources and practical ideas were shared, in amongst the deep theory and theology. All teachers at Shire Christian School are very much looking forward to the learning opportunities that lay ahead for all during as we begin a new term together.
Mrs Rachel Robinson
Academic Head
