It was wonderful to commence this term with a Spirituality Day on Monday. Father Richard Leonard SJ led the day for all staff in the Western Region schools.

The topic for the day was "Catholic identity: How can Catholic Education form believers in a media saturated culture?"

Throughout the day we were challenged to critically analysis the influence of media in our lives including TV shows, news, commercials, movies and social media. Fr Richard discussed the importance for all of us, including children, to be given the skills to critically engage in the consumption of the media while holding true to our faith in Jesus and the Community of the Church.

What were the makers of this media trying to communicate to me?

What behaviour is it trying to encourage in me?

Whose story is not being told?

What have I just seen and why did I watch it?

In times when the media has a negative influence, we discussed the importance of Cardinal virtues and Christian values to come back with a message of Hope, Faith and Love.