Teachers’ retreat looks at embracing Christian principles

Education

MORE than 70 primary school teachers in East Sepik have attended a one-week retreat that inspired them to embrace their vocation based on Christian principles.
Retreat facilitator and Wewak Diocese Christian education coordinator Sr Grace Domani told The National that with the theme of the retreat focused on care, protection and the passing on of the Christian faith, they concentrated on the topic of dignity. “Our aim is to help teachers recognise that this vocation of teaching is not only for them to make a living,” Sr Grace said.
“Being teachers, especially when they teach in Catholic schools, they are also disciples who will be witnesses to their students and colleagues.”
She added that the teachers’ behaviour, the way they dressed and carried themselves were an example for those around them, especially their students.
Sr Grace said during the retreat, they based their discussions on Genesis 1:26-31 which spoke about God creating people in his own likeness and image.
“The retreat provided an opportunity for reunion, transformation, change of direction and making new decisions for teachers in their profession,” she added.
The province’s Catholic education secretary Anastasia Tia said the retreat also taught the teachers about requirements and policies for teaching in Catholic schools.
“Many times teachers question policies and regulations of our Catholic schools,” Tia said.
“The schools are owned by the Catholic church and the requirements are that they have to teach religious lessons, their teaching has to be based on the Christian principles.
“For teachers that are married, they have to be formally married, whether in church or by custom because they will be examples and role models to their students.”
Teachers from St Mary’s, Blessed Peter Torot, St Michael’s, St Benedict’s and St Therese primary schools participated in the retreat that was held at the Sacred Heart Brothers Monastery at Boys Town in Wewak.