From Timor-Leste to Australia: Colégio Marista Lautem Observe Australian Schools in Action

During the mid-year school holiday, the Colégio Marista Lautem teaching staff travelled to Australia to observe some Australian schools in action.

This professional development experience included observations of teaching and learning, conversations with Australian teachers on a range of matters and debriefing discussions after each of the school visits.

The Collegio Marista Lautem team in Sydney

Teachers must be continuous learners and the two-week experience was approached with an eagerness to learn and discern what can be appropriately adapted to the Timorese educational situation.

Those involved in the visit were: the four class teachers – Br Jacinto Fuli Falo, Br Joel Da Costa, Professora Julieta Morais and Professora Ana Veronica Da Silva Belo – Senor Augusto Ornai Ximenes (Director) and Br Paul Kane (Principal).

Br Jacinto with a student

In Saint Francis Catholic College

The group visited Marist College North Shore (Sydney), Marist College Bendigo and Assumption College (both in Victoria) and two non-Marist schools in Sydney – Santa Sophia College, Gables and Saint Francis College, Edmondson Park. In each school, the group was made to feel very welcome and the offer of an on-going relationship was gratefully accepted.

The Collegio Lautem staff with the staff at Santa Sophia

Of course, there was time for some sight-seeing!

Enjoying the Sydney Opera House

Julieta Morais with a student

While the travellers returned to Timor-Leste for the third and final term (periodu) somewhat weary from a very full fortnight’s program, there was an appreciation for the shared experience and a satisfaction for the insights gained.

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Contributed by Br Paul Kane, Principal, Collegio Marista Lautem.