Listening to the Voices of Christian School Parents: The Christian Schools Community Profile
Over the past decade, there have been seismic shifts in the families that enrol students in Christian schools, and families are coming to these faith-based schools with diverse, and at times surprising, expectations for choosing Christian schooling options for their children. To hear their collective voices, CSA commissioned the largest study of its kind ever undertaken in Australia which sought to investigate and identify the decision-making practices, backgrounds, values, faith commitments, spirituality and interests of parents within contemporary Australian society.
This interactive and discussion-focused workshop will investigate and analyse the findings from this landmark study and explore the practical applications and implications of these findings for Christian school leaders, business managers, registrars and marketing managers.
Please note that Marketing Managers/Advancement Leaders/Registrars/Business Managers are also invited to attend this meeting.
We are grateful to Northside Christian College in Bundoora for hosting this event. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Program Outline
| 9:30am |
Arrival and coffee/tea |
| 10:00am |
Session 1: The Christian Schools Community Profile: Are you Listening?
This session will provide a summary of the research and emergent themes regarding: School Choice / School satisfaction / School Engagement / Family Profile. We will consider how you might orientate your Christian school parent community in the larger story of parent choice and perceptions across the nation, across our states, and within our local school communities. |
| 11:15am |
Morning Tea |
| 11:45am |
Session 2: Implications of the Findings for your Christian School
In this interactive and discussion-based workshop session, participants will explore the practical applications and implications of these findings for their own school context. |
| 1:00pm |
Lunch |
| 1:45pm |
CSA Updates and Business |
| 2:30pm |
Close |
Your Facilitators
Dr Darren Iselin: Director of Research & Innovation
Darren has extensive leadership experience within Christian education in both Australian and international contexts and has served in a wide range of CEO/executive and senior leadership roles within both K-12 schooling and higher education sectors. He is currently Director of Research and Innovation with Christian Schools Australia (CSA) and also is the Coordinator for the Cardus Education Survey Australia Project.
Darren has completed extensive formal study, including doctoral studies through the University of Queensland where his PhD explored “How Principals are cultivating Sustainable School Cultures Within Christian Schools During Changing Times”. Darren’s thesis was awarded the Grassie-Basset prize for best thesis in Educational Administration from The University of Queensland and also won the Research in Educational Leadership Management Award from the Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL).
Your Host: Dr Maria Varlet
Dr Maria Varlet has been involved in Christian Education for over 30 years, holding a variety of leadership positions including Head of Research & Innovation and Campus Principal. She has served on a number of Boards including as Deputy Chair of the CSA National Council. Maria has completed extensive formal study including a doctoral thesis which contributes insights into how Christian schools might utilise professional learning strategies to address tensions between ethos and assessment practices. As the Executive Officer, VIC/TAS, Maria is looking after the portfolio of Professional Learning. She is passionate about promoting and developing exemplary education practice, challenging the status quo and equipping and inspiring others. Her professional interests include teacher professional learning, leadership development and school improvement.
Qualify for CPD Hours
A certificate of Professional Learning (for 5 CPD Hours) will be issued following the event and accessible via your member dashboard. The event will address the following CSA Leadership Framework areas:
Phase 4 CSA Leadership Framework Domain:
» Leaders of Culture
» Leaders of Practice
Phase 4 CSA Leadership Framework Practices:
» Embodying Story
» Embracing Interdependence
» Driving Improvement
Cancellation
All cancellations must be made in writing to the Event Organiser.
No refunds will be issued after 4 days out from the event. Any cancellations made after this date will be charged the full registration fee. 'No Shows' to the event will be charged the full registration fee.
The event program is subject to change without prior notice.
Registration fees do not include insurance to cover loss of any fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the event or through cancellation of the event itself.
A full refund will be issued if the event is cancelled by the organiser (CSA) due to COVID-19 restrictions or any other reasons out of the organisers control.
COVID-safe Information
We are committed to the health and safety of our member community and are following government guidelines regarding the spread of COVID-19.
Learn more about how we are keeping you safe at CSA events.