The 11th annual RSHM Network of Schools Goals and Implementation Conference took place at Marymount International School Rome from 26th to 29th June 2010.
With the theme of "Responding to the needs of our times,” 37 students (including two from Marymount London) along with staff from the 19 schools in the RSHM Network of Schools worldwide gathered together to reflect, discuss and plan how the goals of the Network can be further implemented in line with the theme of the year.
The spirit of “desire for change” that permeated the conference can best be described by the words of the students:
“When I came to the conference I thought I would meet students from all around the world. This is true. But as we got to know each other better, not only did we notice that we all like the same TV shows and music, but we all have another thing in common - we all want to change the world.” (Student from Mexico)
“This year we saw how it takes only one big earthquake to shake the world - but in the same way [this conference] has showed me how it takes only one person to be the needed earthquake to shake our world for the better.” (Student from Los Angeles)
In addition to spending time sharing ideas in mixed school groups and in individual school planning sessions for the new year, the varied programme of speakers and activities allowed an opportunity for the staff and students to renew their knowledge and passion for the mission of the schools and the RSHM. As a Head of School from Portugal said, it was as if “we were laptops with empty batteries; the conference recharged our power”.
Sr Rita Arthur, RSHM NGO Representative to the UN, spoke on the role of the NGO in the UN aswell as theInternational Year of Youth 2010-2011. The four RSHM Provincials reviewed the social work projects by the Sisters ineach of theirProvinces and schools discussed the ways students can become better connected to the ministries. Everyone greatly enjoyed a CJM Music workshop on the importance of Liturgy in schools and a prayerful Mass at the Santa Susanna Church.
For the two students from Marymount London, the most powerful part of the conference was the visit to Rome’s Boys’ Town in addition to the leadership workshops by Dr Mary Ellen Gozdecki. The students were empowered by how the Boys’ Town’s government and faith in the boys allowed the children to make the changes they needed in their lives.
