Are we listening? How can Catholic schools respond to student views for wellbeing, faith formation and learning

Join us in the lead up to World Teachers Day for our symposium with special guest speaker Prof Anne Graham followed by a panel discussion.

What is the enduring legacy we want for our students after spending most of their childhood and adolescence in Catholic schools? Is this life-giving and how might we know this? Such questions are possibly more important than ever at a time when teachers, schools and education systems are stretched by competing priorities, accountabilities, and requirements. At the same time, young people are navigating a world shaped by uncertainty and complexity. This presentation provides key insights from three Australian Research Council (ARC) funded studies that have sought the views of students about their wellbeing at school and the everyday, routine classroom practices that enhance their participation, recognition, and safety. These insights provide a sound evidence base for affirming the purpose and mission of Catholic education in supporting learning, faith formation and wellbeing, and invite us to focus on the significance of not only on what we do, but also why we do it.

Hosted by the National Catholic Education Commission, the Australian Catholic Education Symposium is held in October to celebrate World Teachers Day and aims to engage Catholic system and school leaders, educators and staff in topics of interest to stimulate professional dialogue in their communities.

About our speaker

Anne Graham is Professor of Childhood Studies and Founding Director of the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University. A primary teacher by background, Anne worked in teacher education for 20 years, including as Head of the School of Education at Southern Cross University.

Anne has led over 70 research projects, including 8 Australian Research Council funded studies, most of which focus on children’s wellbeing, participation and safety. While Anne collaborates closely with Catholic and state education systems, she also leads projects involving other major state and Commonwealth government departments, key statutory bodies, major national and international NGOs, and many regionally based organisations providing programs and services to children.

Anne’s research, which emphasises the critical importance of hearing children’s views, has been recognised by numerous awards, including an Officer of the Order of Australia (2018) for her contribution to higher education in the area of childhood studies and children’s research.