Catholic Schools and the Church of Tomorrow: Global Insight - Local Mission

The conference invites participants to reflect deeply on contemporary expressions of Catholic life and what they mean for the future of Catholic identity in education.

This conference engages the realities shaping Catholic schools today which include cultural change, pluralism, and competing social and ideological pressures. It will explore how these forces influence mission, leadership and formation of our staffs. Drawing on global theological scholarship and grounded educational experience, the conference will be led by two highly respected theologians and academic researchers whose work speaks directly to Catholic identity, culture and leadership in plural and changing contexts.

Together, Professors Tracey Rowland and Robyn Horner bring insight, depth and practical relevance to the conversation, offering both challenge and hope for those shaping our Church and our Catholic schools of tomorrow.

Professor Tracey Rowland

School of Philosophy and Theology, The University of Notre Dame Australia

Professor Tracey Rowland is one of Australia’s most respected theological voices, known for her engaging exploration of Catholic identity, culture and leadership in contemporary education. With a background in law, politics, philosophy and theology, and academic formation in Australia and Europe, she brings both depth and clarity to today’s most pressing questions for Catholic educators.

A prolific author of eight books and more than 150 scholarly articles, Professor Rowland’s work is widely used in Catholic schools and systems seeking a confident and humane vision of education. Her insights speak directly to the realities of leadership in pluralist and often fragmented cultural contexts.

Professor Rowland has taught internationally, served on the International Theological Commission (2014–2019), and is a recipient of the Ratzinger Prize for Theology (2020). A sought-after speaker, she is valued for her ability to address complex ideas with warmth, clarity and practical relevance.

Professor Robyn Horner

School of Theology, Australian Catholic University

Professor Robyn Horner is a teaching and research academic in the School of Theology at Australian Catholic University and a member of the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry. Drawing on her experience as a teacher in Catholic primary and secondary schools, as well as a liturgical musician and composer, she brings a grounded and thoughtful approach to contemporary theological questions.

Her research focuses on theology in plural and changing contexts, with particular expertise in recontextualisation and the promotion of the Catholic dialogue school. These interests shape both her university teaching and her consultancy work with Catholic schools and systems across Australia.

Professor Horner is the author of several influential works and numerous scholarly articles, and co-author of the forthcoming Doing Theology in Plural Contexts (Bloomsbury, 2026). She is highly regarded for her ability to translate complex theological ideas into insights that are both accessible and relevant for educators and leaders today.

 

PAVCSS Conference 2026 Program Outline

 

Day 1: Tuesday 2 June 2026

 

Arrival – Sponsors set up 

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2.00 pm 
Accommodation Check-In opens – Main Reception 

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4.00 pm
Conference Registration Open – Main Reception 
Meet and Greet 

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6.00 pm
President’s Welcome – Dinner

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10.30 pm
Day closes 

Day 2: Wednesday 3 June 2026

 

7.00 – 7.45 am 
Breakfast – Three Founders Restaurant

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8.00 am 
Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony – Acacia Lawn
DjaDjawurrung Traditional Owner - Jason Kerr 

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8.30 am  
Conference Registration  

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9.00 am
Conference Opening and Gathering Prayer 

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9.10 am
Official Welcome  
Chair of Faith and Enrichment Committee – Michael Davies 

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9.15 am
Conference Opening 
MCs: Michael Davies and Lila McInerney 

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9.20 am
Keynote Address One 
Tracey Rowland: The Church and  the World: Cultural Trends in the Pontificate of Leo XIV

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10:10 am
Questions and Discussion – MCs

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10.30 am
Platinum Sponsor Presentation – Danihers Facility Group

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10.40 am
Morning Tea – Hepburn & Hepburn Foyer

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11.10 am
From the Heart 

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11.20 am
Keynote Address Two 
Tracey Rowland: Catholic Education as an Experience of Truth, Beauty and Goodness 

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12.10 pm
Questions and Discussion 

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12.25 pm
Premium Sponsor Presentation 

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12.30 – 1.30 pm
Lunch – Hepburn & Hepburn Foyer

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1.35 pm
Premium Sponsors Presentation 

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1.45 pm
From the Heart 

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1.50 pm 
Keynote Address Three
Tracey Rowland: St. John Henry Newman, Church Doctor and Modern Catholic Educator

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2.45 pm
Final Comments and Observations for Day 1 

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3.00 pm
Premium Sponsor Presentation

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3.10 pm
Afternoon Tea – Hepburn & Hepburn Foyer

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3.45 pm
Wellbeing Time 

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3.45 pm
Conversation with New Principals – Michelle Cotter and Paul Clohesy  

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3.45 pm
Organising Committee Meeting – RACV Board Room 

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6.00 pm
Conference Dinner – Lindsay and Creswick Room 

6.30 pm
The School Photographer

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10.30 pm
Day Closes

 

Day 3: Thursday 5 June 2026

 

7.00 - 8.45 am
Breakfast – Three Founders Restaurant

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9.00 am
Welcome – Lilia McInereny
Prayer 

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9:20 am
Keynote Address Four
Robyn Horner - Four Steps to Recontextualization 

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10:10 am
Dialogical conversation – Robyn Horner 

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10:25 am
Premium Sponsor Presentation – Grassport

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10:30 –11.00 am
Morning Tea – Hepburn and Hepburn Foyer 

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11:05 am
From the Heart 

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11:15 am
Premium Sponsor Presentation

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11:20 am
Keynote Address Five
Robyn Horner - The Road to Emmaus 

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12:10 am
Observations and Discussion 

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12:25 pm
Premium Sponsor Presentation – Step Fwd IT

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12:35 - 1.45 pm
Lunch Buffet – Hepburn and Hepburn Foyer 

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1:50 – 2.45 pm
Dialogue – Robyn Horner 

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2.50 – 3:00 pm
Afternoon Tea – Hepburn and Hepburn Foyer 

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3:30 pm
Wellbeing Time

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5:45 pm
Drive, walk or carpool to St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Creswick
117 Napier St, Creswick, Victoria 3363

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6:00 pm
St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Creswick – Conference Mass
Principal Celebrant – Most Rev Bishop Mark Freeman

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7:15 pm
Formal Conference Dinner – Banksia Room – Three Course Banquet
(Principals only) Please wear formal attire
Conference Closes

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10:30 pm
Day Closes

 

 

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Platinum Sponsor

 

 

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Premium Sponsors

 

 

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Partners

 

 

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Trade Sponsors