AN INVITATION FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

We are delighted to invite you to the 2024 Anglican Schools Australia (ASA) Conference in Melbourne. 

Gathering in community is something Christians have done since the first century. It is also how ASA began. A few people met in Australian cities each year to talk “all things Anglican schooling”. 

From little things, big things grow. For more than 30 years, ASA member schools have been gathering ‘in conference’. For many, this is one of the highlights of the annual calendar. The common thread is our deep commitment to—and love of—Anglican schools and desire to ensure they are places where an Anglican Identity permeates school life.

The theme of ‘Embracing our AI’ opens the way for an exciting exploration of our Anglican Identity as schools—deeply entrenched in a 2,000-year-old Christian tradition—and how that connects with the world of 2024, where ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is the buzzword in classrooms, boardrooms and Zoom rooms.

Through their life experience, this year’s speakers are well-placed to challenge our thinking, engage our minds and stir our hearts. From Bishop Vincentia Kgabe of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa to Sophie Renton, Paul Jarman and Kim Brennan, we’re in for a treat as they share their passions and learnings with us.

There are important changes to how we’re ‘doing conference’ this year. Firstly, workshops are being introduced, with four sessions scheduled on Days Two and Three. ASA members will run most workshops.

The other big difference introduced this year is that the Conference has been extended to a three-day program. Commencing on Thursday, 1 August, a full day’s program is offered along two concurrent strands – Leaders (Principals, senior staff, governors) and Chaplains. Day One will be held at Melbourne Grammar School. Days Two and Three of the conference will be held at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park hotel, over the road from the MCG. Accommodation for the three days is at the Pullman.

Further, the program has been structured so that delegates may take advantage of the location in the vibrant city of Melbourne. The Friday night program will conclude by 6.00pm, allowing delegates to take in a game at ‘The G’, a show at one of Melbourne’s vast array of theatres, a dinner in a CBD restaurant, or simply a quiet night at the hotel.

Worship is an integral part of our conferences. This year we’ll conclude with a Eucharist in St Paul’s Cathedral, then wander over the road to the fabulous Metropolis for a fun-filled evening with one another.

Whether you have attended many of our conferences or this will be your first, we can assure you of a warm Melbourne winter’s welcome to ASA’s 2024 Conference, where together we will Embrace our AI.

Mrs Debbie Dunwoody
PRESIDENT

The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER