CATSC Conference
‘It is only when I am weak I am strong’ 2 Corinthians 12:10
19-20 April 2008, Stratford-upon-Avon
It takes a lot to say that you have enjoyed a weekend working and that is particularly the case when it is away from home over a cold and wet Saturday and Sunday but that is exactly what happened for me when I attended CATSC’s annual conference last month – it was brilliant and I went home refreshed and reinvigorated. This was because of the excellence of the programme provided, wonderful liturgies and invaluable professional networking opportunities coupled with great hospitality and opportunities to socialise.
The keynote speakers constituted a dream ticket; can you imagine the stimulation of listening to Dom Anthony Sutch before lunch and Clare Short MP in the afternoon? Both were very challenging in ways relevant to our current work in education and the life of the Church. Liz O’Brien, diocesan adviser in Birmingham is rightly well-known nationally for her work in support of people with special needs but on this occasion she excelled herself with her inspirational message, calling all of us to fulfil the Gospel values that we so espouse, urging us to seek ways to better respond more inclusively to people with special needs. Dr Pamela Taylor, Principal of Newman University College, was amongst the other speakers and workshop leaders. Pamela engaged all the delegates as she shared her vision of what education should be about and how this contrasts with what is expected. Her presentation clearly highlighted the importance of a Catholic philosophy of education and the importance of teachers.
Throughout the conference we participated in lively and profound liturgies with wonderful music provided by the staff and choir of St Paul’s School for Girls, the school of Angela Whelan, the current President of CATSC. The highlight was the Saturday evening Mass at which the school choir sung, which was celebrated by Archbishop Vincent Nichols in whose diocese the conference was held. His homily reaffirmed us all in our work and acknowledged the challenges that we face as we proclaim the Gospels throughout our educational endeavour. I urge more teachers to attend CATSC’s conferences, to swell the already large ranks of those present, to enjoy themselves in good company and with thought-provoking presentations.
Congratulations to the CATSC team who led this year’s conference and thanks to all the delegates whose company I enjoyed and from whom I gathered so much first-hand experience to help me in negotiating and working for Catholic education: see you next year!
Oona Stannard
Chief Executive and Director
9th May 2008
Catholic Association of Teachers, Schools and Colleges
http://www.catsc.org/
Angela Whelan, Head of St Paul's School for Girls, Birmingham and President of CATSC | 
