Fall Begins with Leaders

SCHOOL LEADERS' RETREAT


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Without a doubt, October is the busiest month of the year for the Office of Educational Services. For the first time in three years we were excited to welcome Presidents, Principals and the Province Leadership Team to the Maritime Center in Baltimore.

We began our time together with a brief meeting for new leaders to meet with mentors. Starting with prayer and them moving into a brief video by Simon Sinek called Starting with the Why. Simon Sinek’s premise is based on what he calls “The Golden Circle.” He notes that leaders often focus on the product, or end result, and not enough about why we do what we do. I was proud to hear these new leaders talk about their faith and express their passion for forming students in the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.

Sister Mary Frances Taymans, SND

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Sister Mary Frances Taymans, SND

Our retreat facilitator, Sr. Mary Frances Taymans, SND, also focused on “the why,” and provided leaders with time to talk and reflect. She also explored more themes around our mission and purpose.

Br. Tim Smyth, deftly created prayers that reflected each session’s themes and grounded us as we spent time listening, and discussing our shared ministry.

Our last day was spent brainstorming ideas regarding the mission and services of the Office of Educational Services. This session was facilitated by OES Director, Cris Bonomo, President, Stephen Garland, and President Joe Martinez. OES will send a summary of the ideas at a later date and they will provide a starting place for deeper discussion in the Spring at the School Leader’s meeting.

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