Anglican Schools “Intersection” Virtual Conference

With good intentions, this conference was originally scheduled to be held in Melbourne. An opportunity to bring delegates together from across Australia and share in 2-days of learning, faith and networking opportunities, alas, COVID-19 restrictions dampened those plans. Therefore the planning committee quickly turned their attention to other ways of connecting and it was decided for the first time ever that school principals, business managers, educators, chaplains and faith based leaders would connect from across Australia via a virtual conference.

It became evident quickly that this was to be no ordinary virtual event. Our client wanted to connect over 160 schools from across Australia, to share stories and to be apart of an experience that would connect and reignite  a sense of community and collegiately. The Conference Committee, based our of Melbourne  were energised by this challenge of creating new pathways to connect and learn together, whilst being apart.

In the context of our clients diverse communities with challenging social and environmental scenarios, the conference theme of ‘intersections’ was fitting to explore the differing perspectives, histories, hopes and fears that are represented across schools.  As Anglican School and Church leaders, delegates were inspired to explore how they honour, express and live out the distinctive culture and mission of Anglican schools.

Through the theme of ‘Intersection’ the organising committee created an inspiring program including national and international speakers.  Whilst conducting the conference remotely, participants were able to engage in real time through Q & A sessions as well as informal sessions to talk. This opened opportunities for purposeful discussion with those within and beyond school gates as delegates considered their Anglican identity as schools and how they can put it into action.

We also offered the opportunity, where possible, for schools in different states to consider how they can experience at least this aspect of the conference in smaller clusters, to enable the opportunity for discussion, networking and hospitality, and particularly at our workshop session on the second day.