Following so closely on the heels of two historic sporting occasions, the ACPPA National Conference opened in an atmosphere of tingling anticipation, as over 150 Catholic Principals gathered to grapple with the challenge of the place of Church in Australian culture today. The venue was an apt symbol of Australian life, as Vince O’Rourke, the Director of the Brisbane Catholic Education Office said in his welcoming address: “There is no place in this part of the universe which so epitomises what people will do in the worship of the pleasurable than at the Gold Coast – Mecca of Sun and Surf.”

The first key speakers, Father Wrex Woolnough of Brisbane, gave an animated outline of how we might translate the Gospel message into our present Australian culture by focussing on the humanity of Jesus who struggled to conquer, through his weaknesses, rather than by his strengths. In addressing the question what if Jesus came to the Gold Coast today, he said, “We need to discover that sort of Jesus for ourselves, ….for our children. For that child who shares those struggles, those uncertainties and those doubts, who enjoys life, tries to make the most of it, who laughs and who cries, who fails – picks himself up and goes again, but always walks into a future saying…I am led by my God – a God who calls me to build the kingdom here where I am.”

In the second keynote address, Sr Angela Ryan of the Melbourne Catholic Education Office led us to consider whether Jesus would be comfortable in our schools today, and highlighted the following aspects of our role as leaders.

·         The task of the Principal of a Catholic primary school today is primarily creating a climate in which staff can provide a safe, nurturing, happy, growth happy, growth-promoting environment where students can be educated.

·         The Catholic identity of our schools must put real meaning into life of all people and afford dignity and respect for each other.

·         The greatest insight for each of our students, is that God loves us unconditionally and extravagantly. We do not have to, indeed we cannot, earn that love.

·         The leadership model that best fits in Catholic schools is that of Servant Leader. This is the model that empowers others and produces freer,  wiser and healthier communities of people.

Other speakers looked at these challenges in different ways. Sr Margaret Beirne of St Vincent’s Potts Point, suggested the gap between young Australians and the institutional Church might be bridged by transforming the image and structures of the church, especially by the inclusion of women at every level of church ministry and leadership.

John Graham, Co-ordinator of Adult and Family Education at Lismore Catholic Education Office, emphasised the vital role of families as the church strives to influence Australian life at a time of social and cultural transition. He urged support for pastoral models which:

·         Empower families and create real communities in small groups;

·         Enable families to challenge prevailing culture in positive ways;

·         Support family spirituality;

·         Brought a family perspective to bear on church decision making processes.

This model requires the formation of programs for liaison between Parent and Friends Association and Parish Councils, provides opportunities for parents to meet and talk about issues important to them, welcomes parents into schools with programs for parents and teacher partnership, personal and faith development.