Dear Principals and D.R.S. & H.O.D. of R.E

October 2016

Dear Principals and D.R.S. & H.o.D. of R.E.,

Kia Ora and welcome back to you all from your term three break. I trust you have had a refreshing break and had time to attend to that which is important in your life.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Term two witnessed the second regional cluster meeting where R.E. teachers could meet, network across schools and collaborate for subject specific PD. In total, 57 RE teachers attended. You are to be congratulated. I am grateful to the host schools St Mary’s (Central), Rosmini (North), St Dominic’s (West) and Santa Maria (South) for their hospitality. Listening to teachers, the intention was that there would be one in term four this has been postponed to 2017 due to the launch of the Religious Studies subject association. More about this in this letter.

NOVEMBER CONFERENCE November is characterised by a time to review the year and look to 2017. This annual gathering is scheduled for Long Bay Wednesday 23rd (9-3 pm). The time of Advent/Christmas is charactered in Auckland and indeed Nationally with a focus on the Auckland City Mission. Chris Farrelly (new CEO) will be our guest speaker. He is a former student of DeLaSalle College and was a classmate of Bishop Pat and John Dew. Chris embodies social justice and the intrinsic goodness of people. You will not be disappointed (flyer to follow)

Other PD opportunities this term include:  NZQA Religious Studies best practice workshop Thur November 10th. https://religious-studies-making-assessor-judgments-auckland-10th.lilregie.com/step1  Understanding Sexuality 14 & 15th November (module A), 24/25 Nov (module B)  7-10 Realigned Curriculum Friday 11th November (flyer to follow)

AUCKLAND TERTIARY CHAPLAINS Thank you to the six schools who attended this event in September 9th. Fr Bernie Thomas and his team Olivia, Holly and Dominic are grateful to your school, teacher and student support for this event. Its purpose is to make links between Yr 13s who are attending University in 2017. RSTAANZ (Religious Studies Teachers Association of Aotearoa NZ) Progress with this subject association across State Integrated, State and Private has developed as the year has unfolded. There has been an increase in the numbers of members this year. Thank you to those who have joined up and please continue to encourage your RE teachers who haven’t. Plans are underway for this historic launch event on November 24th at 7.30pm at University of Auckland (Arts 1, 14A Symonds St., Level 2, Room 209) - invitation to follow. www.rstaanz.org.nz

Meet your RSTAANZ Interim Committee:

Amjad Ali is the Assistant Philomena Clare is the Principal, Head of Religious Colin McLeod. Former DRS at Interim Chair. She is the Religious Studies, Digital Technology and Kavanagh College, Dunedin. Education Advisor for the Catholic Guidance at Al-Madinah Muslim Director of the National Centre of Diocese of Auckland. School, Mangere, Auckland. Religious Studies.

Susan Mudford Head of the Anita Nelson is the Curriculum Andrew Murray is DP of Sacred Christian Education Department, Leader: Christian Studies at Heart Girls’ College, New Saint Kentigern Presbyterian Middleton Grange, a non- Plymouth College Presbyterian. denominational Christian school in Christchurch.

In conclusion, blessings to you for term four. A poem prayer to finish by Cenacle sister Ann Powell GOODNESS

Goodness has oo inside it. It can catch my breath and whisk me away. The oo can open me to “aha” moments – Points of stillness, holy drama or ordinariness When the God in Go(o)dness leaps into the world again and again. The rhythm of goodness beats at the heart of the door of the world. The rhythm of goodness smiles moves graces places and I move with its easy air:

Nga mihi nui and warm regards to you for this term. Philomena (Secondary Schools Advisor)