Staff Retreat

The Mission of Catholic Schools

Every few years our schools devote an INSET day as  retreat time for staff  time to something specific to the theology that underpins a Catholic school. This year it was Oaklands’ turn, in July 2022 the staff considered three areas that are important to the mission of Catholic schools. The first was on the sanctity of the individual, in particular how education addresses societal issues for those marginalised by race or culture. Staff listened to a number of presentations, including a key note from   a Sixth Form student. The second area, where staff received input, focused on the spiritual nature of our community, in particular the importance of prayer and worship. Staff were provided with an opportunity to look at how scripture underpins liturgy.  The third element of the day was slightly ‘softer’ but just as important. Staff in a large busy school like Oaklands can become fragmented, particularly so over the last three years, so they spent a short period of time on a community project. Each member of staff was invited to paint a tile which was part of a large multicultural montage representing Jesus. This provided colleagues with an opportunity to spend a short period of time working, side-by-side, with fellow staff.  Staff then shared a meal together over lunch time. The retreat experience for staff will return again in 24/25

Summer 2022