The year 2021 speaks to us of new possibilities and pressing questions. In the context of increasingly diverse communities, together with challenging social and environmental scenarios, we often find ourselves at ‘intersections’, needing to work out what it means to be a faithful presence in our communities, and for all God’s creation.  As Anglican School and Church leaders, we are again inspired to explore how we honour, express and live out the distinctive culture and mission of our Anglican schools.  We do this in the context of a significant time of change, and at the ‘intersection’ of the differing perspectives, histories, hopes and fears that are represented in our schools.

I am delighted to invite you to join the ASA 2021 Melbourne Conference, ‘Intersection’, and to engage in an inspiring program of national and international speakers, as well as purposeful discussion with those within and beyond your school gates. 

This year, in addition to our inspiring keynote speakers, we are excited to include two workshops.  The workshops are designed to build on the keynotes, offering a unique opportunity for Principals and their Chaplains, as well as members of school governing bodies and teaching staff, to explore what is at the very heart of their school.  The goal of the workshop sessions is for each school to be able to articulate their Anglican identity for their school’s particular context.  In bringing this to life, participants will also develop a plan of action to take back to their school. 

In 2021 the conference will be held at Crown Promenade, a location central to many of Melbourne’s significant landmarks, as well as sporting and cultural precincts.

Our Conference Eucharist will be held at our beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral, located on the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets, across from the iconic Flinders Street Station. The Eucharist will be followed by a Welcome Reception, leaving delegates free for the evening to enjoy Melbourne’s vibrant cultural, culinary and sporting offerings.  The newly refurbished Metropolis on Southgate will be the venue of our Conference Dinner.

We are delighted that Bishop Lindsay Urwin will be our Conference Chaplain. He is known to many of us in Melbourne as he is vicar of Christ Church in Brunswick and bishop with a care for the ministry in Anglican Schools.

I warmly invite you to be part of our conference – a key opportunity to contribute to our ongoing national conversation, and to be renewed in our important work as custodians of our Anglican schools, as we seek to bring ‘life in abundance’ to the students and communities we serve.