Brochure

Introduction

 

The Association of Marist Schools of Australia is a loosely-coupled movement that associates like-hearted schools committed to undertaking the Church's mission of Catholic education in the Marist way. An AMSA school is animated by one of the expressions of Marist spirituality that came into the life of the Church through the beginnings of the Society of Mary in Lyon from 1816.

 

Membership of AMSA is open to any Catholic school in Australia whose governing body and school community want its members to undertake their mission in the Marist way. The Association is not concerned in any way with the governance of its member schools. AMSA's membership is inclusive of a wide range of Australian Catholic schools, among them schools conducted by dioceses, parishes, one or other of the three Marist religious institutes, as well as others where the governance is shared.

 

AMSA is one response to Pope John Paul II's call to develop the Marian Church. Like the first Marists, AMSA members believe that every ecclesial community will be enriched by its turning to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a model and guide of the Gospel. Marist spirituality is a one of the rich spiritual traditions of the Church, one that can help Catholic school communities become places alive with the Good News of Jesus.

 

How does the Association work?

 

Like most associations to which schools belong, the normal conduct of AMSA is in the hands of the member schools themselves. Each two years, at their Biennial Conference, the schools elect a Standing Committee drawn from Principals and other members of the schools' leadership teams. This group oversees the activities of the Association until the next conference. The Standing Committee is assisted by a small secretariat which looks after the ordinary business, communication, and general organization of the Association. The Association also works in partnership with the Province Offices of the Marist Brothers, Marist Sisters and Marist Fathers to provide resources and support for schools wishing to follow the Marist way.

 

 Activities of the Association 
 

  • A general conference of the Association is held every two years, usually attended by the Principal and other members of the school's leadership team. This conference aims at assisting school leaders deepen and strengthen their understanding of the Marist way, and empowering them to be leaders of Marist spirituality in their local situations.
  • A website provides links, support and resources for Schools.
  • Lavalla, a staff journal of the Association, is published twice a year.
  • Professional development programs aimed at enhancing Marist spirituality and mission among staff are run in conjunction with the Marist Provinces.
  • Teacher exchange is facilitated, and advertising of staff opportunities in other member schools is advertised.
  • A range of resources and support for teachers and schools is provided in partnership with the services provided by Marist Province offices.
  • Inter-school contacts and gatherings are held each year, such as student leadership forums, sporting carnivals.
  • Solidarity and justice opportunities for students are offered in partnership with Province offices.

How does a school become a member of AMSA?

 

The Association welcomes enquiries from prospective new members. Initial contact should be made with the Chair of the Standing Committee who will initiate a dialogue for progressing the enquiry. Any application for membership will need to have the support of the school's governing authority.