FPE Graduation Ceremony

The graduation ceremony for the FPE, Formation Programme for Educators was held on the 9th of July at CAEC in Highland Road. A Mass preceded the ceremony and was celebrated by Msgr Eugene Vaz and Fr David Garcia. The following teachers received their certificates:

1. Thomas Aldrin John, Catholic High, 
2. Agatha Poh Hui Lei, St Theresa's Convent
3. William Ng, St Gabriel's Secondary
4. Ian Sim Tsi Tang, Holy Innocents' High
5. Cynthia Lee Hui Hui, Catholic High
6. Preston Tay Tzu Lin, Hai Sing Catholic School
7. Amenda Fernando-Haizal, St Theresa's Convent
8. Wendy Wong, CHIJ Toa Payoh 

A tea reception followed the ceremony.
The FPE programme was spread over a two year period and consisted of the following subjects:

1. Anthropology of the Christian Vocation
2. Prayer
3. Principles of Religious Formation
4. Philosophy
5. Contextual Theology
6. Moral Theology 
7. Social Teachings
8. Theology of Dialogue
9. Salvation History

Picture shows Louis Oo with some of the recipients.

Pre-school teachers meet at St Francis of Assisi Kindergarten

It was the 8th of June and in spite of a drizzle, fifty pre-school teachers and principals turned up at St Francis of Assisi Kindergarten in Jurong West for the second day of their get together.
The morning's activities were a talk by Merilyn Dasson who, amongst other points, graphically showed the educators the importance of a positive attitude towards the pupils by a simple experiment using a container of water, pepper, a small bar of soap and two teaspoons of sugar.

Dr Honey Ng later spoke on "How Words Can Hurt" and also gave a graphic demonstration on how words can inadvertently be used by getting the educators to participate in a memory game.

Lunch followed and after another session the day ended with mass being celebrated by Fr Remi Liando SSCC.

Pre-school educators Get Together

Monday the 7th of June saw 52 educators from 12 kindergartens gather at the Holy Trinity Kindergarten in Tampines.
The programme for the day was a talk and dialogue session delivered by Merilyn Dasson, ACCS Project Director for pre-schools, who explained ACCS role with the Catholic pre-schools.The topics of supporting curriculum, maintaining a network amongst teachers, bi-annual interaction and kindergarten fees were amongst the topics discussed.
In addition, the host kindergarten also organised some active team building sessions with the participants.
The day ended with a "show around" of the Holy Trinity kindergarten by the hosts.

Social, Emotional & Spiritual Literacy

Dr Janet Smith, an educator and consultant today delivered a talk on developing your student's social, emotional & spiritual literacy, SESL, at Catholic Junior College. Some 70 people turned up to listen to Dr Smith's comparing and contrasting cognitive intelligence, emotional/social intelligence and spiritual intelligence. She also discussed how SESL could be introduced and embedded in curriculum and then maintaining a culture that is supportive of it.

Walking with Jesus Refresher Workshop

Twenty Five primary school teachers attended the "Walking with Jesus" refresher workshop on the 11th of March at CHIJ Katong Primary.
Msgr Eugene Vaz shared on Using the Bible, Salvation History and Our image of God, as well as answered some of the difficult Biblical questions that teachers encountered in class.
Ms Wendy Louis shared on Word as Sacrament, Spirituality of the Child and Use of Music in the series as well as revisited the history of this programme.
John Chan, project director, RE (Pri Schools) touched on the WWJ programme itself as well as how one can use Multiple Intelligence & Learning Styles to teach WWJ.

RE Coordinators' Meeting

On the afternoon of the 6th of November, Religious Education Coordinators met at CAEC to be given updates to the FPE (Formation Program for Educators) and the CMECS (Civics & Moral Education for Catholic Schools).
The meeting was concluded after a question and answer session which included topics like the Chaplaincy teams and other concerns.

3rd Recollection 2009

A teachers’ recollection with the theme: Called to Teach and Renew was held at the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling from Fri 28 Aug 7pm to Sat 29 Aug 5pm.

Five Catholic educators from Primary and Kindergarten grasped this opportunity to refresh and renew spiritually during this one evening and a day. Although the group was small, it encompassed a good mixture of experiences representing a principal, teacher, RE-coordinator and religious. Generously, Fr Colin Tan S.J accompanied the retreatants by teaching Ignatian contemplation, examining of conscious, and giving three inspiring talks on:

 

-     The vocation of Teaching- Learning from Jesus the Teacher.

-     The Tradition- Handing on Wisdom and Knowledge for life.

-     The Sources of Renewal- Self Awareness, Silence and the Sacred.

 

Participants were able to sink-in the mood of recollection with the help of the serene atmosphere around the retreat house. Sharing on personal prayer and reflection in the group was deep and consoling. Moreover, Fr Colin Tan facilitated Individual Spiritual Direction to nurture the spiritual growth for the participants. The graces that the participants have received were revealed in their evaluation as:

 

“…it helps me to connect with God.”

 

“I was able to refocus and renew the spiritual within.”

 

“It was time out to centre and focus so that I’m able to discern God in my life.”

 

“Talk, sharing, personal prayer/reflection, rest and break…are the most valuable for me.”

 

“The scriptural text and selected prayer exercises and the silence opportunity led me to reflect... Fr Colin‘s time with the individual participants is appreciated.”  

 

ACCS would like to express our great appreciation to Fr Colin Tan S.J for stretching his time to attend the spiritual need of catholic educators and also to the teachers who took a great effort to nurture their spiritual growth.

 

Workshop: Sexuality Education, the teacher and the Catholic School

ACCS and Catholic Medical Guild will be presenting a one day workshop, “Sexuality Education—the teacher and the Catholic School: Why? What? How?” This will take place on Saturday, 14 March (9.00am to 5.30pm) at The Training Centre, Catholic Junior College.

In this workshop, teachers will learn more about several aspects of the Catholic Church’s teachings on sex and sexuality. They will also be invited to reflect on and discuss ways a Catholic school can teach it. In addition, there will be presentations on the roles educators and parents play in forming the young person to be a sexually responsible individual.

Among the workshop speakers are:

• Fr David Garcia, Dominican priest
• Dr John Hui, Catholic Medical Guild
• Mr John Ooi, parent, educator and edu-preneur
• Mrs Michelle Soliano-Liew, a Family Life educator and trainer
• Bro Paul Rogers, Principal, Catholic Junior College

This workshop can help educators better respond to the Church’s call that Catholic schools teach sexuality education in ways that are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the wisdom of the Church. In this way, educators in Catholic schools can better impart knowledge and skills to students that will help them to make responsible and discerning choices that respect life.

The cost per person to attend the workshop is $30, inclusive of materials and meals.

For more information and to register, please contact Ms Shirley Louis at 68587080 or shirleylouis@catholic.org.sg.

Recollection (6-7 March): Called to teach and care

ACCS invites Catholic educators to a recollection with the theme, Called to teach and care.

Retreatants will be invited to reflect prayerfully on the ministry of teaching as a ministry of forming and caring for students.

This will be held on Friday 6 (7pm) to Saturday 7 March (6pm). The venue will be Canossian Lifespring Spirituality Centre and the facilitators are Canossian Sister Elizabeth Tham & Marist Brother Robert Teoh.

The cost of the weekend per person is $55 (aircon) and $35 (non-aircon).

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FPE 2008-2009: a new year

On Friday, 16 January, ACCS welcomed back the 8 participants of the Formation Programme for Educators (FPE) 2008-2009 -- Aldrin, Agatha, Amanda, Preston, Ian, Wendy, William and Cynthia -- for the first session of their second year of studies.

This year they will study modules on Philosophy of the Human Person, Human and Spiritual Development, Prayer II, Social Teachings, Theology of Dialogue, Moral Theology II, and Salvation History.

The prayer session commenced with Jeanette inviting the participants to reflect on their personal journey with God and to pray for the grace of faithfulness. They then proceeded to light a candle and offered personal prayers. The prayer ended with a community song, "Christ be Our Light".

Seminar: Philosophy of the Human Person

ACCS invites you to attend the Philosophy of the Human Person seminar by Adrian Danker, SJ.

Synopsis: Who or what is the human person? Why does he exist, and for what ends?

Philosophy of the Human Person is a critical reflective seminar that aims to help educators consider the human person - his nature and unique existence.

It provides foundations for a deeper understanding of what he is, who he is and what it means to be fully human.

It ends by inviting participants to consider how the human person's search for meaning finds its fulfillment in a quest for the Absolute.

It will be held at St Luke's CAEC, No 2 Highland Road S549102 and over 4 Friday afternoons: 16 Jan (4-6pm), 23 Jan (3-6pm), 30 Jan (3-6pm) & 6 Feb (3-5pm)

Contribution at $50 per person and please register by Wed 14 Jan with Raymond at 68587087 or email raymondlee@catholic.org.sg

Called to be Teacher: a retreat for Catholic educators

Called to be Teacher was the theme of a retreat for Catholic educators from 28 to 30 November at Montfort Centre.

15 Catholic and Christian teachers and leaders from kindergartens, schools and polytechnics spent the weekend reflecting on their vocation and work as educators.

The dynamics of the semi-silent retreat included prayer and reflection, contemplation and meditation and sharing. Retreatants were also invited to reflect using their creativity and imagination in kinesthetic and aesthetic exercises.

The retreat began with an appreciation of names and how each is the unique and gifted person God calls to be teacher. Retreatants then reflected on their respective calls to be a teacher and the journeys they have taken since responding. Using the life of St John Baptist de la Salle, patron saint of teachers, as a model, retreatants were also challenged to reflect on the inter-relationship of faith and teaching in their lives. An aspect of being teacher is recognizing one’s own vulnerabilities and expectations; reflecting on these helped them understand the importance of honesty and openness to mature as teachers. The retreat ended with an invitation to "imagine" God "re-moulding" them through the weekend to be his handicraft, the Christian teacher.

Retreatants found the weekend of prayer, reflection and fellowship enriching, insightful and fulfilling. Some of their comments are:

“Learning from one another’s sharing, listening to God’s prompting and knowing that my journey as a teacher is purposeful.” – Stephanie Mak


“The retreat helped me to see how God is recharging me with his grace.” – Natalie Loo


The retreat was valuable for “the time and space for quiet contem plation and reflection and getting the courage to ‘break’ the mould of oneself. It was a humbling experience.” It “helped us have a sense of the common mission and calling” and “provided a space to support each other.” – Germaine Kwan

“Being a Catholic teacher is a call from God. It is good to take time off to be with our Master, to listen to Him. God will give us strength to continue to persevere in our vocation to teach.” – Elizabeth Teo

“A source for thirst-quenching, soul-searching for burnt out teachers, especially at the end of the year.” – Lillian Law

This retreat was co-organized by ACCS and Catholic Teachers’ Movement (CTM). For more pictures of the weekend, please click the photo to your left.

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This retreat is part of the Spiritual Wellness for Catholic Educators’ programme. The next event is a Day of Prayer and Recollection on the theme, Called to Teach and Care. It will focus on teaching as a ministry of forming the child. It will be held at Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre from Friday, 6 March (7pm) to Saturday, 7 March (6pm). For more information, please call Shirley at 6858-7080.

Principles of Religious Education - a workshop

21 teachers and catechists from the Catholic schools and parishes attended a 3-session workshop on Principles of Religious Education. This was conducted by Mr. Arthur Goh, Associate Director of Singapore Pastoral Institution. It ended on Friday, 28 November.

In the first session, participants were introduced to the Nature, Purpose and History of Christian Religious Education. Arthur also presented and facilitated discussions on education as experience, the ends of education, religious education and sensitivity to historical context.

The 2nd session focused on Dialogue and the Pluralist context and the 3rd session on Curriculum and Classroom: Shared Praxis.

Comments from participants include:

• It is a good course, one of the most engaging lessons I've had in recent memory.

• Enjoyed the course...it challenges my mindset.

• There is a lot of food for thought....

• I really learned a lot and it was really quite exciting.

Formation Programme for Educators 2008 (FPE)

On Friday, 7 November, Msgr Eugene Vaz presided at a Thanksgiving Mass for the teachers who have completed Year 1 of the ACCS initiated two-year Formation Programme for Educators (FPE).

In his homily, Msgr Vaz challenged everyone to respond to God’s call to discipleship. He also provided insights on the role of Catholic educators in shaping the lives of young students. He commended the teachers for their generosity in taking the time to learn more about our Catholic faith amidst their busy schedules.

At the end of the Mass, William from St Gabriel's Secondary shared with everyone the positive impact this formation programme has had on his life. It has enriched his personal life and enliven his spiritual growth in daily life. He also suggested that the programme be available for every teacher in the Catholic schools. He ended by saying that he looks forward to the second year of the programme.

The teachers on the FPE have completed studies in the following modules for 2008: Anthropology of the Christian Vocation (Psycho-spirituality), Prayer, Principles of Religious Formation, God (a philosophy seminar on the question of God), Contextual Theology and Moral Theology.

In 2009, the following topics will be offered to these teachers:

1. Philosophy of Being Human
2. Anthropology of the Christian Vocation II
3. Prayer II
4. Social Teachings
5. Theology of Dialogue
6. Moral Theology II
7. Salvation History

The FPE resumes in January 2009. For now, the teacher-participants are on a well deserved break!

A note:

The Formation programme for Educators (FPE) is a 2 year programme for school leaders and teachers, who are open to learning and growing in their vocation as educators in Catholic schools. The FPE is especially useful those who are active leaders in the areas of religious education, character development and values education, and are committed to serving their school.

* Picture courtesy of CHIJ OLN

Spiritual Wellness for Catholic Educators (November Retreat)

You are warmly invited to Called to Teach, a Spiritual Wellness for Catholic educators programme. This programme is organized by ACCS & Catholic Teachers' Movement. The first event in this year-long programme is a retreat this November. Details are below.

A Time to Rest in the Lord in 2008 (Retreat)
In this retreat, educators will be helped to recall, appreciate and celebrate their teaching vocation and ministry, God’s gift to them and their students.

Theme: Called to Be Teacher
From: Friday, 28 Nov (check-in at 7pm)
To: Sunday, 30 Nov 2008 (12pm)
Place: Montfort Center

Cost: $125 per person
Remarks: Meals included, Limited places.
Places still available!


To register or for more information, call Shirley at 6858-7080 or email accs@catholic.org.sg

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Coming Next Year: Days to Rest and Revive in 2009
These days with the Lord offer Catholic educators rest and renewal. Each day focuses on an aspect of Christian teaching: teaching as caring for the child; teaching as serving the community; and teaching as renewing the world.

Religious from the Canossian, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Gabrielite, Infant Jesus, Lasalle, Marist and Good Shepherd congregations will facilitate these days.

Theme: Called to teach and care
From: Friday, 6 March (check-in at 7pm)
To: Saturday, 7 March (6pm)
Place: Canossian LifeSprings
Cost: $55 per person (aircon) or $35 per person (non-aircon).
Remarks: Meals included. Limited places.
Please register by 13 February 2009.

Theme: Called to teach and build
From: Friday, 5 June (check-in at 7pm)
To: Saturday, 6 June (6pm)
Place: Canossian LifeSprings
Cost: $55 per person (aircon) or $35 per person (non-aircon).
Remarks: Meals included. Limited places.
Please register by 15 May 2009.

Theme: Called to teach and renew
From: Friday, 28 August (check-in at 7pm)
To: Saturday, 29 August (5pm)
Place: Center for Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling, Kingsmead Hall
Cost: $55 per person (aircon) or $35 per person (non-aircon).
Remarks: Meals included. Limited places.
Please register by 7 August 2009.

To register or for information, call Shirley at tel 6858 7080 or email accs@catholic.org.sg

Workshop: Principles of Religious Education

ACCS has invited Mr. Arthur Goh, Associate Director with the Singapore Pastoral Institute to conduct a series of formation sessions on the Principles of Religious Education in November 2008.

Course Description: Principles of Religious Education explores issues foundational to religious education in the school. The course situates religious education in a historical, social and cultural context. It describes the nature and purpose of religious education and engages the educator in a process of analyzing philosophical, theological and educational assumptions that lead to distinct perspectives.

Participants will explore conceptual frameworks for religious education within which foundational questions are asked. They will be engaged in conversation about the nature, purpose, process, and consequence of educating religiously.

The course provides an opportunity for religious educators to reflect on their role as formators in a diverse community, and acquire deeper appreciation of the importance of religious education in the total formation of every person.

This course is offered to:

• DipRE 2006/07 Graduates
• Teachers teaching the RE/CMECS Programme in Catholic Secondary Schools
• Catechists teaching in parishes

Details of the course:

• 3 Friday sessions: 14 Nov 08 (2 to 5pm), 21 Nov 08 (2 to 5pm), and 28 Nov 08 (1 to 5pm)
• at No 2, Highland Road, Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre, S549102
• a contribution of $75 PER PERSON is appreciated

Closing date for registration is on Fri 31 Oct 2008

For enquiries, please contact Raymond at 68587087 or email raymondlee@catholic.org.sg