As we forge new pathways through the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the year 2021 speaks to us of new possibilities.

I am delighted to invite you to join our virtual ASA 2021 Conference, based out of Melbourne and connecting over 160 schools across Australia.  Our Conference Committee has been energised by this challenge of creating new pathways in the how connect and learn together, apart.

We are delighted to be offering attendance at both the Chaplain’s Networking and Emerging Leaders’ programs at Trinity College at The University of Melbourne.

In the context of our diverse communities with challenging social and environmental scenarios, we often find ourselves at ‘intersections’, needing to understand 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 are all now considering 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.

Through our theme of ‘Intersection’ we have created an inspiring program including national and international speakers.  Whilst conducting the conference remotely, participants will be able to engage in real time through Q & A sessions as well as informal sessions to talk.

As representatives of schools and Anglican Dioceses across Australia, we have a unique and valuable opportunity to draw together the thoughts and experiences of many as we equip the young people in our schools to lead and serve.

There will also be opportunities for purposeful discussion with those within and beyond your school gates as we consider our Anglican identity as schools and how we put it into action. 

Where possible, schools in different states may like 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.

I am pleased to announce that our Conference Service has been created as a time of celebration of Anglican schooling through worship and involving schools across Victoria.

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.

Debbie Dunwoody
Conference Chair 2021
Principal, Camberwell Girls' Grammar School