From 22-24 January, headteachers and senior staff from seven schools forming the Fellowship group of our Salesian Schools Network came together in Battersea to share experience and best practice, deepen their knowledge of the Salesian charism, and discuss the development of the Fellowship.

This Fellowship part of the Network is a group of diocesan schools whose headteachers have chosen to look at incorporating elements of Don Bosco's approach into the spirit of their schools.

The conference was prepared and guided by the Salesian Schools' Team: Fr David O'Malley SDB, Sr Helen Murphy FMA, Dr John Lydon and Fr John Dickson SDB. Sue McDonald, animator of Salesian Youth Ministry also attended.

The gathering included a visit to St Michael's Bermondsey, hosted by Principal, Felicity Corcoran. Ms Corcoran and Mr Paul Dunne, Head of St John Bosco College Battersea, (an SDB Trustee school), gave presentations during the conference on their schools' House systems, and how they have incorporated the concept of RUAH within them (Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour) to enrich the Salesian elements of their schools' lives.

The group joined the Battersea community for supper each evening and the programme included shared prayer and time to spend together in the evenings.

Fellowship schools join the Network at the specific request of their headteacher, and this remains the core relationship; if the head changes, the link with the Network only continues if it is the wish of their successor. The schools remain completely autonomous, and the involvement of the Salesian province is limited to providing specific support and resources which headteachers can use along with other approaches in building the Catholic ethos and spirituality of their school communities.

Find out more about the Salesian Schools Network.