All VIC/TAS Principals are invited to the CSA annual principals retreat for a time of professional learning, connection, personal recreation and great food.
The theme for the retreat is The Way of Surrender. The book of Ecclesiastes is extraordinary in its honesty about the ongoing struggle to find meaning in life when our experience often overtakes us. The world we live in is not predictable or in our control, and many of the things we place our value in end up in disappointment. However, rather than being driven to despair, the writer of Ecclesiastes encourages us to adopt a posture of surrender.
Surrender is an intentional act of formation. As we surrender our control, expectations, and desires, and as we practice recognition and remembering, we are not only well equipped for God to work in and through us, but we are being formed into the image and likeness of Jesus. The way of surrender is essential for our role as leaders and to model the life of Christ to our school communities.
There will also be time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and the range of recreational facilities at the venue including a heated indoor swimming pool that looks out on to the paddock of George The Pig and the estate's mischievous goats, fishing in the river, kayaking, billiards and a full size tennis court. Gracie’s restaurant will serve up some of the region’s finest fare including a hearty breakfast on the deck.
Important Event Information
The registration cost will include all accommodation, meals, activities and professional development.
Facilitators
Dr Maria Varlet: EO, CSA VIC/TAS
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.
Dr Daniel Pampuch: CEO, CSA
Daniel has over 25 years’ experience in Christian Education. His role spans political advocacy, governance, strategic planning, resource development and service provision. His role centres on assisting schools to retain their Christian distinctive and missional focus, as well as guiding them on pathways to further maturity as ministries and centres of educational excellence. Daniel has served on a range of state and national educational boards and committees. Currently, he serves on the Global council of ACSI which supports 24,000 schools globally. Daniel has fellowships with the Governance Institute of Australia and Australian Institute of Management. He is a member of the Australian College of Educational Leaders and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Mark Ryan: EO, CSA South Australia
Mark Ryan has been part of the CSA team since 2019 in the role of Executive Officer, SA. Mark has previous experience in leadership roles at Temple Christian College and has degrees in both education and theology. He has also held pastoral roles in a number of churches. Mark serves as a Director on the Board of Compass and with such an excellent grasp of biblical literacy, worldview and its application to culture, learning and vocation, is well-placed to lead CSA's national portfolio of, Christian Formation.
Qualify for CPD Hours
At the conclusion of this event, a certificate of professional learning will be made available to attendees for self-accreditation via your member dashboard. The event will address the following Australian professional standards and CSA Leadership Framework area:
CSA Leadership Framework – Phase 4
» Leaders of Vision – Instilling Hope
» Leaders of Culture – Building Resilience
» Leaders of Faith – Cultivating Character
» Leaders of Practice – Deepening Wisdom
Australian Professional Standard for Principals
» Developing Self and Others
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing to the Event Organiser.
Only partial refunds will be issued after 30 days out from the event. No refunds will be issued after 30 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.
Testimonials from previous Retreats:
"I came away feeling as though I connected on a real level with more people in 24 hours than I have in 10 years of Principal meetings..." ~ 2021
"I came away from the event feeling more equipped to do my role as the principal of our school. I wasn't sure what to expect coming away, but I am richer for the experience..." ~ 2022
"The networking across the two days was a highlight and something I really valued." ~ 2023
