Educators explore fundamental importance of formation as a bedrock for future success

27 Jul 2023

By The Record

UNDA Formation Foundation
From left, Prof Stephen Bullivant, Prof Leonardo Franchi and Prof Fr Eamonn Conway speak at the Formation as Foundation Conference, Sunday and Monday 2 and 3 July 2023 at UNDA’s Fremantle Campus. The event showcased the sustained partnership between UNDA and CEWA while delving into the pivotal role of formation in Catholic education. Photo: Supplied/UNDA.

The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) and Catholic Education Western Australia Limited (CEWA) have last week joined forces to host a conference titled ‘Formation as the Foundation’.

Held on UNDA’s Fremantle campus Sunday and Monday 2 and 3 July 2023, the event showcased the sustained partnership between UNDA and CEWA while delving into the pivotal role of formation in Catholic education.

Gathering expert speakers renowned in their respective fields, the conference provided a platform for reflection, dialogue, and inspiration.

Participants were challenged to navigate the complexities of education and explore the fundamental importance of formation as a bedrock for future success.

By recentering the human person in Catholic education, attendees were called to find the courage to address the challenges ahead.

Conference guests reflect during the Formation as Foundation Conference, held at UNDA, 2 and 3 July. In speaking about the conference, CEWA Executive Director, Dr Debra Sayce said as Catholic educators, we are tasked not only with developing life-long learners but in supporting students to come to know Jesus Christ. Photo: Supplied/UNDA.

Keynote speakers at the conference included esteemed UNDA scholars Prof Leonardo Franchi, Prof Fr Eamonn Conway, and Prof Stephen Bullivant.

Each speaker brought their unique perspective and reflections on the conference’s theme, enriching the participants’ learning experience.

In speaking about the conference, CEWA Executive Director, Dr Debra Sayce said as Catholic educators, we are tasked not only with developing life-long learners but in supporting students to come to know Jesus Christ.

“Inspiring all in our school communities to actively live the Gospel,” Dr Sayce said.

“To ensure we as educators are serving that mission fully, it is important for all of us, no matter what stage of our journey, to commit to ongoing faith formation and to ongoing learning.

Prof Leonardo Franchi, an expert in the field of theology and education, speaks at the Formation as Foundation Conference. Photo: Supplied/UNDA.

“It was a privilege to welcome speakers of such a high calibre to Western Australia and to share in their expertise to help as we broaden our knowledge and understanding,” she said.

Associate Dean Research Associate Professor Christine Robinson shared her perspective, saying formation as the foundation was a true representation of the partnership that exists between UNDA and CEWA.

“Our speakers re-emphasised the centrality of the Christian human person within Catholic Education,” Prof Robinson said.

“The conference provided a dialogue among Catholic educators that was heart to heart, calling us to find courage in our vocation,” she said.

UNDA Formation Foundation
From left, Prof Stephen Bullivant, Prof Leonardo Franchi and Prof Fr Eamonn Conway speak at the Formation as Foundation Conference, Sunday and Monday 2 and 3 July 2023 at UNDA’s Fremantle Campus. The event showcased the sustained partnership between UNDA and CEWA while delving into the pivotal role of formation in Catholic education. Photo: Supplied/UNDA.