On Tuesday 4 August, five Catholic parish primary schools gathered at St Joseph’s Hectorville for a forum on student leadership. The forum was one activity in a shared open week with the purpose of strengthening the collective presence of Catholic parish primary schools in the eastern suburbs. Each of the schools, St Joseph’s Memorial, St Joseph’s Tranmere, St Joseph’s Hectorville, St Joseph’s Payneham and St Francis of Assisi Newton, share a Josephite heritage.
During the forum participants heard from the Director of Catholic Education SA Helen O’Brien, Brett Clappis Senior Reporter with Chanel Ten News, an old scholar of Hectorville, and one senior leader from each school. Each of the speakers talked about qualities for leadership and the way in which Catholic education has a particular role in shaping young leaders. The students then participated in a World Café conversation on the following questions
The students identified key areas such as addressing environmental issues, mentoring younger students and raising awareness of issues in the local community such as poverty and homelessness. The goal following the forum will be to establish student led projects across the five schools.
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
