The recent Board of Trustees Conference run by the Palmerston North Catholic Education Office on Saturday October 29^th was a huge success.

The conference is the Education Office’s biggest event of the year, with approximately 80 registered participants from all over the Diocese. The theme for 2016 was ‘The Catholic School: the Church in Action’.

Bishop Charles Drennan gave the keynote address on the topic of ‘forming Christ in the life of others’. Participants were then able to choose different workshops to attend, which covered a variety of themes and were led by a range of presenters from around the Diocese. Topics included introducing Catholic special character to new trustees; how to apply Catholic Social Teaching to Board of Trustees responsibilities; developing authentic consultation with whānau; pastoral care and spiritual support for principal, staff and students; and safeguarding and strengthening Catholic identity.

The day was very well-received by participants, who enjoyed the opportunity to come together as a Diocese and reflect on the complexities of being trustees in integrated Catholic schools. The food was also highly commended!

Lynette Roberts-King, manager of the Catholic Education Office, wished to acknowledge the huge team effort that went into preparing the conference. Lyn and her team felt that it was a positive day and very worthwhile.

The Conference occurs every 3 years and is offered to all board members of Catholic schools.