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Schools have a role to play in creating connections and overcoming the isolation, fragmentation and busy-ness of today's life.

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Amidst the isolation and fragmentation that are significant challenges, the advent of COVID and lockdowns has exacerbated these issues. By creating sense of belonging and being open to the 'Evangelising Moment', schools can heal thes divisions.

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What do students and families need of their schools and parishes today?

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What do students and families need of their schools and parishes today?

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1. Challenges around how families are received into the parish
2. Families need good authentic and good connection to parish
3. Early learning centre attached to school - builds strong connection and assists families
4. Early learning centres provide opportunities for engagement with families between baptism and pre-school.

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How could schools and parishes evolve to meet the aspirations and needs of students and families?

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How could schools and parishes evolve to meet the aspirations and needs of students and families?

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1. Schools are working hard to evolve to meet the needs of families by establishing a relationship with the whole family e.g. fee reprieves, breakfast clubs, afternoon clubs
2. Partnered with a secular group to provide caseworkers one day per week (Social futures) to families at school, as a result, increased engagement from families who would not normally interact with school. It has been highly successful and expanded to other schools.

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We must grow our human capital and welcome them where we find them. Don't be too fretful if our high standards are not always met.

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Often, in the absence of the parish in some remot communities, the Principal becomes the face of the Church and carries far more than just the educational responsibility of a school.

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Enrolment policy adjustments for a seamless transition from pre to post school. Also a focus on post-school pathways and following the progress of a student beyond Year 12.

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Relationships between schools and parishes

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Relationships between schools and parishes

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Schools and Parishes working together more closely to welcome families; creating opportunities for families to engage with the parish and the school. Shared leadership programs between schools and parishes could be beneficial.

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Need to listen more carefully to those coming to our schools and parishes - what do they want? A survey may be a helpful practice to understand community needs and aspirations. Need to offer families belonging and welcoming and building relationships is key for this.

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Meeting people where they are it. For young couples/families, giving a positive and attractive experience at Mass and in the school/parish community. For example, hospitality and music are elements to consider.

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Needs vary depending on Catholicism, but for Catholics the role of the parish is critical. For example, sacramental programs.

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Parents do not just have an interest in the learning and growth of their child(ren); they also want to learn and flourish. Schools have a role to play in meeting this common need.

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The old P&F model is still popular, but many parents today are looking for help on the difficult question of how to be great parents, at the same time as schools are exploring how parents can be more deeply involved in the life of the school.

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While it seems obvious, this is the most prevalent issue and one that still needs to be addressed for schools to be inclusive, vibrant, community hubs. It is ultimately a partnership and requires multiple participants to contribute.

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As educators, we have an opportunity to present a vision for the future that offers answers to the fragmentation, isolation and busy-ness. This vision could flow from our Catholic Tradition and we would have to model it for our families. Also essential is listening to our families and discerning the opportunities for connection.

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To address the fragmentation and isolation (and the frantic lifestyles that prevail) the parish has a vital role to play. The parish can help with the connectedness that people need.

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Ironically, amidst more and more technology that connects us, people are feeling more and more fragmented and isolated. This can impact mental health.

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What do students and families need of their schools and parishes today?

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What do students and families need of their schools and parishes today?

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How could schools and parishes evolve to meet the aspirations and needs of students and families?

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How could schools and parishes evolve to meet the aspirations and needs of students and families?