Ecological conversion is high on the agenda of Catholic schools. Work towards ecological conversion and leading on from the Catholic Education Conference ‘Listening to the Voice of Creation’, students and key teachers attended a forum on ecological conversion with Dr Paul Clarke on Friday 17 October. This forum looked at how young people can explore ways of living sustainably. Paul led the forum through the insights of his work and his advocacy for a more sustainable world.
Why are Catholic Schools called to ecological conversion? The bible asks us to “cultivate and take care” of what God has gifted. Students reflected on and shared how they can help to protect what God has created for us. They recorded their thoughts on a leaf which was added to the prayer space along with an item from each schools’ environment.
“Today is the start of something great. Every one of us will make a difference in our world.”
“We are seeds of hope for the future.”
Students explored the grounds of Galilee Catholic School, Aldinga to find sustainability initiatives in place and seed ideas for their own school environments. Additionally students explored the concept of global climate change and carbon footprint.
Together, as a community of learners, each school came up with ideas and action to take back to their school communities. Students from each school shared their ideas with the wider group.
From little things, big things grow. I came away extremely excited and inspired by the student’s ideas and engagement and I look forward to the projects evolving in schools. Watch this space!
Alice Dunlop
Religious Education Consultant (Ecological Conversion)
Reception students who join a 2024 mid-year intake at a Diocesan Catholic school will get free tuition in Terms 3 and 4.
