By Jenni Kennedy

On Wednesday 6 July, staff from the Catholic Education Office gathered for a mid-year planning day at the Dungala Event Centre in Moama. The day began with a Welcome to Country by Troy Firebrace and a prayer for inclusion and healing, featuring the magnificent singing voice of Maria Ford.

The first session of the day focused on team formation, providing an opportunity to spend pastoral time with other group members. Session two enabled team members to set individual goals as well as spending time planning as a group. Responses will be used to inform future planning and goal setting for each team.

To conclude the day, team members re-joined the larger group for a liturgy and a blessing. During the liturgy each team brought forward a symbol that represented the work that they do for Catholic Education Sandhurst.

These staff gatherings are important days for the Catholic Education Office to unite in one location, where each person’s individual work is recognised as being a valued part of the collective group, and the role each team plays in supporting and enhancing Catholic Education in the Sandhurst Diocese. 

Maria Ford sings during the Liturgy at the Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd Staff days.

Troy Firebrace plays the didgeridoo before the Welcome to Country.