‘Throughout my learning in Connect, it has assisted me in reaffirming my understandings and faith. Each topic and discussion that we had in our session challenged my thinking and extended my own personal understanding of faith, spirituality and confidence in the relationship I have with faith.’
‘Connect has been a wonderful opportunity to think critically, strengthen my faith through exploring the bible, discussing various ideas and perspectives with people who have come from different backgrounds to me.’
Connect continues to support new staff as they are welcomed into Lutheran education. A teacher, new to Lutheran education, recently shared with me, that she had always taught in the state school system and had been interested to explore how the Christian faith might play out in a school context. She commented that Connect had been critical in helping her consider how Christianity is given expression in the day-to-day happenings of the school.
The ePortfolios continue to provide participants with the opportunity to critically reflect on their learning. We also appreciate that as a new aspect of Accreditation for teachers, it has been challenging in some contexts. In response to the questions and needs shared by facilitators and participants, we continue to resource and support the ePortfolio process so that it is an authentic and meaningful part of the Connect in all contexts.
In February 2022, Steph Maher, David Spike, Helena Lambert, Stuart Traeger and I will gather to develop a workshop to support Connect facilitators engage with the resources and ePortfolios. It is hoped the workshop provides support for Connect facilitators in planning sessions and how they can provide clarity around the ePortfolios. The workshops delivered for Connect facilitators in 2021 received very positive feedback and we suggest are an essential learning opportunity for Connect facilitators.
Please also know that you can contact us to discuss the ePortfolios. I am very happy to join a Connect session via Zoom to respond to questions or introduce the ePortfolio and found it has been really effective in providing clarity and alleviating any concerns.
Anne Dohnt
Director of Formation
Lutheran Education Australia