Welcome 

It is a great pleasure to invite you to the Anglican Schools Australia annual conference for 2019. The theme Awe and Wonder conjures up amazing images of Hobart, located in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia. The Tasmanian government invites us to ‘Explore the Possibilities’ via their number plate slogan, and delegates will have the opportunity to do just that throughout their stay in Hobart. I imagine many may even add a few extra days to their visit to Hobart to take in some of the incredible beauty of the area.

The Conference Program looks to be very exciting with some excellent speakers who are eager to unpack this theme in a meaningful way. With a strong focus on the spiritual element, the conference promises to deliver an excellent opportunity to reflect on the Awe and Wonder in our work in schools.

ASA provides a strong connection for Principals, Board members and staff of Anglican schools across the country. Our annual conference enables like-minded people to get together, discuss, and debate issues that are common to us all in our roles and our schools. These opportunities on such a large scale covering a wide range of schools are unique and extremely valuable. It is not often that Principals, Chaplains, Board members and staff can hear the same message from inspirational speakers and share ideas and reflections in a dedicated time and space. To this end, I encourage all school leaders to engage in this conference by attending with a variety of staff and governing body members.

In addition to an excellent conference program, the Chaplain’s day working with Paula Gooder sounds wonderful. Chaplains from across the country are sure to benefit from her presence. I also encourage enthusiastic, talented staff to attend the Emerging Leaders’ Day.  The proposed program enables experienced Heads to provide plenty of good advice to those who are keen to lead our schools into the future.

I commend the work of Dr Rob McEwan and his organising committee who have been working hard with great enthusiasm to provide a wonderful conference where we will have a chance to gather in a location that is perfect to contemplate awe and wonder.

 I look forward to seeing you at the conference in Hobart in August. 

Dr Mark Sly
ASA President