2021 Orientation for new teachers and staff
At the beginning of each school year, NT Catholic Education welcomes a number of new staff to schools and our system. This year more than 80 new teachers attended the 2021 Orientation, beginning on Wednesday 27th January with the Commissioning Eucharist at the Cathedral led by Bishop Charles Gauci and priests from across the diocese. Our Catholic Aboriginal Leadership Team with representatives from each remote school community, led the congregation in a smoking ceremony to begin our celebration. Special guests included Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO Administrator of the Northern Territory, Mr Craig O’Halloran, Ms Ruth Boveington OAM, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, 2021 Senior Australian of the year and Maree Garrigan, Manager of the NT Teacher Registration Board. The Mass was followed by a Welcome Reception for new teachers at the Hilton Darwin.
The two day Orientation Program on Thursday 28th January and Friday 29th January included Key Note Addresses by Bishop Charles Gauci and Greg O’Mullane-Director of Catholic Education NT with breakout sessions facilitated by CEO staff. NT Education Minister, Lauren Moss also addressed the audience on Day 1.
Orientation Program highlights (based on feedback from the participants) were the Aboriginal Culture and Language session presented by Deb Dank from the Batchelor Institute of Tertiary Education and the Cultural Education Program led by David Paul, Kial King and Catholic Aboriginal Leadership Teams from each of our remote school communities.
Exposure to different cultural practices was a highlight. Thankyou for a great orientation to the Catholic Education system and the Northern Territory.
Deb was an incredible speaker who bought much light to a subject I am unfamiliar with. Her ability to speak openly and as she put it courageously about subjects that do not often get spoken about needs to be commended.
The cultural Education program was phenomenal and one of the most moving and meaningful experiences I’ve had in PD in my lifetime.
This has been so enlightening. I was hoping I would be learning Aboriginal traditions and history as part of Orientation and am glad and grateful to be learning these things from Aboriginal leaders themselves! I loved the creative ways the clan groups were taught.
We extend a warm welcome and our best wishes to all new staff and families beginning their journey with Catholic Education NT.
Jacqui Langdon
Deputy Director CENT
