In October 2025 we were delighted to share two days of reset, reflection and renewal with the headteachers in our diocese. We had the largest turn-out to date with over 70 in attendance.
During the course of the conference there were chances for inspiration from guest speakers and colleagues alike, with ample opportunities for networking and socialising.
To set the tone, Flavio Vettese, our new Director for Education shared a little of his own journey. We learned about his multiple historical connections with ice cream, and how his savvy grandparents knew that to attract custom, enticing future customers in with free ice cream would probably do the trick. Their forward thinking saw them establish successful businesses that still operate today.
The sense of a long-term vision and dedication to a single cause is not dissimilar from our own calling here in education. This sentiment is echoed by the story of the statue of St Benedict in Monte Cassino, where Flavio’s family are from, remaining as the only structure still standing after the rest of the town was razed to the ground by bombing in the World War Two. A stark but beautiful reminder than even at times when it feels like we are brought to rubble, the purpose remains: to elevate the faith.
With our purpose renewed, we turned to Kelly Hannaghan’s Mind Work Matters workshop. For people who experience busy days and stress filled roles, her realistic and identifiable approach was a great comfort to those who regularly feel that ‘imposter’ syndrome taking over and what she aptly called, ‘Stinking Thinking’. She encouraged us to try banish those thoughts in three steps:
- Name the feeling – (she called her imposter Bob!)
- Flip the script – in an attempt to adopt a grown mindset
- Borrow belief – other people believe in you enough to be in the role, so if you’re doubting it, borrow their belief until you believe it yourself.
Her practical approaches to the challenges of responsibility that come with headship and executive positions were well received and she encouraged an individual, independent undertaking, a sort of audit of well-being to ensure that those who are feeding others are well fuelled too. Kelly offers her services to schools where she can run INSETS and workshops with groups of staff. Her contact details are at the end of the article.
Table work followed lunch where the questions about where we are in relation to Diocesan Directives took place. Tables challenged each other on what still needed to be done and supported each other in sharing the challenges they had faced.
We were treated to a journey through Christian Art from John Adams, featuring both the bearded and beardless Jesus. John’s ability to marry the intellectual with the spiritual is singular to him and the whole conference was grateful to him for his input and selfless generosity.
We finished the formal part of the day with a prayerful Celebration of the Word before a social time of breaking bread and relaxing together.
Raymond Friel OBE from Caritas joined us for the second day of the conference to led us in how to establish ‘Ten Habits of Gospel-Inspired Servant Leadership’. He took us into ‘the arena’ and challenged us to continue to ‘Be Brave’ in a way that even if we “fail, fail while daring greatly”, (Theodore Roosevelt.) As part of the ten habits, and in complement to them, Raymond also reminded us of the importance of personal, daily prayer in whichever format works for us. Using an app, quiet meditation, or using a journal can all be methods of prayer that can ensure we are remembering to make time for our own formation in order to form and love others. The final habit in the list of ten was to ‘Be Hopeful’; Raymond’s inspiring delivery left us hopeful for the future of our schools. They are in the safe hands of those who gathered and listened.
Flavio closed the conference with an insightful summary of all that had been shared, by guest speakers and by those brave enough to take to the mic. It was a moment to be thankful for all that had been said and felt and, as we listened to Sibelius’ Symphony Number 5, we too might have felt that a piece of heaven can touch earth when we return to our posts in schools. As leaders and as a community, I write for us all that we left reminded of our determination to See Christ and Be Christ to the schools we serve.
Contact details for Kelly Hannaghan: [email protected]
Contact details for Raymond Friel: [email protected]