Professional Development Day for Teachers in Greek Orthodox Day Schools of New South Wales
Following a short hiatus following the changes wrought as a result of Covid-19, the teachers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Day Schools in Sydney had the great blessing to begin the new academic year with a special in-service at “the Heart of Orthodoxy in Australia” – the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern.
School leaders, teachers and clergy from All Saints Grammar, Saint Euphemia College and Saint Spyridon College gathered in a spirit of unity and anticipation to hear inspired presentations from the Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Father Christophoros Krikelis, Professor Angelo Karantonis, Editor of Phronema, and Protopresbyter Father Anastasios Bozikis, Lecturer in Church History at St Andrew’s Theological College.
After welcoming the staff of the Greek Orthodox Day Schools of Sydney to the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady, and speaking of the vision of our Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia for the Day Schools, the Chancellor, Father Christophoros Krikelis spoke eloquently about the significant role of the teachers in the Day Schools in the mission of the Church in the education of children, defining the role of teachers in Orthodox schools as participants in the ministry of the Church. Sharing his own experience as both a student and an educator, Father Christophoros emphasised the need for teachers to acquire virtues and share these as they lead their students to Christ.
Professor Angelo Karantonis spoke about the distinct characteristics of the Greek Orthodox Day Schools, highlighting that the schools were established to nurture Christian virtues. He spoke about the need for teachers to demonstrate the Christian virtues of love, compassion, respect and faith, so that students can learn from both word and example. At the heart of Orthodox education is the personal spiritual struggle of each teacher.
Father Anastasios presented an overview of Orthodox educational pedagogy. While presenting a vision of future Orthodox Education, Father Anastasios delved deeply into the historical challenges faced by the Church as a way of encouraging teachers to imitate the saints’ responses to their contextual challenges.
The session closed with the Chancellor conveying the wishes and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia for a fruitful academic year.
A generous morning tea followed in the College Hall where teachers were able to enjoy hospitality and exchange greetings before the start of the new academic year.
