NEWSLETTERISSUE 7 • MAY 2020

European Committee for Catholic Education (CEEC)

CONTENTEDITORIAL

Guy Selderslagh,Secretary General

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NEWSLETTER CEEC PAGE 01

EDITORIALGUY SELDERSLAGH, SECRETARY GENERAL

We are sending you this 7th newsletter of the European Committee for CatholicEducation, a few weeks after the cancellation of our General Assembly, which shouldhave been the opportunity to meet and exchange in Athens. A lot of water has passedunder the bridge since our last meeting in Malta last November. Last Thursday, May 7,there were about 144,000 deaths in the various member countries of the CEEC as aresult of the Covid 19 epidemic. That is more than half of the deaths worldwide.Europe is at the heart of the pandemic. The macabre figures cover thousands ofhuman tragedies within our families, our schools and our institutions, particularlyaffecting the oldest and most fragile. In most of our countries, as you will read through the testimonies of those who havecontributed to this newsletter, schools are closed, students and teachers are confinedin conditions of comfort, which vary greatly. The support and administration servicesand the umbrella organisations we lead use telework, thus imposing unprecedentedworking conditions on us. While the severity of the pandemic seems to be slowly regressing, the prospects for areturn to a normal situation - as before - are also receding. It will take time to returnto the pre-coronavirus situation. We face new tasks that are as unique as huge:enabling the children, pupils and students who attend our schools to continue theireducation successfully, in new conditions that no longer automatically require thatthey all attend school regularly. Although situations vary greatly between our countries, we probably have much tolearn from each other. Various approaches and strategies have been deployed toenable each of us to manage pedagogical and school continuity in our own nationalcontext. It is with the conviction that there is an interest in learning from what isbeing done elsewhere, that we will propose to you in the next few days a shortsurvey, to find out about the situation in your country and to discover the newpractices you have initiated. Following this, we will propose to CEEC members tomeet in a videoconference to exchange on the results of this survey. In these difficult times for everyone and also for our Catholic teaching, I believe thatwe must pass the Pope's message of hope on: “Do not be afraid” It is by combiningresponsibility and fraternity that we will make room for hope.

CEEC ACTIVITIES

Athens GA

Interview withManuel BarriosPAGES 02 TO 03

NEWS FROM OURMEMBERS

Covid 19 situationPAGES 05 TO 10

CALLS ANDINFORMATION

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CALENDARPAGE 12

CEEC ACTIVITIESGENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ATHENS

Following the Covid 19 epidemic and the decision of the GreekMinistry of Health on 8 March to forbid all meetings, congresses,conferences for 4 weeks on Greek territory, we were forced tocancel the CEEC General Assembly that was originally scheduledto take place in Athens on 20 and 21 March 2020. For practicalreasons, such a meeting cannot be postponed. Our next GeneralAssembly will therefore be held on 20 and 21 November 2020 inMadrid (Spain).

COMECE was setup in 1980 with

the aim of enteringinto a political

dialogue with theEU institutions topromote Catholic

perspectives of theCommon GoodMANUEL BARRIOS

INTERVIEW WITH FATHER MANUEL BARRIOS

At their meeting last February, the members of the ExecutiveBureau had the opportunity to meet Fr Manuel BARRIOS PRIETO,the new Secretary General of the Commission of the Bishops'Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). We come back tothis interview with some excerpts: What is COMECE, of whom is it comprised, and what are itsobjectives? COMECE was set up in 1980 with the aim of entering into apolitical dialogue with the EU institutions to promote Catholicperspectives of the Common Good, in accordance with Article 17.3of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. The Commission has aStanding Committee consisted of a President and several Vice-Presidents, as well as a Secretary General. COMECE has anassembly which brings together twice a year the bishopsdelegated by the EU episcopates and two observers fromSwitzerland and Serbia.

Source: comece.eu

Source: Executive Board - February 5,2020

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What are the main areas in which this commission is active? COMECE is active in three Commissions (respectively SocialAffairs, Legal Affairs and External Relations) and two WorkingGroups (on Migration and Asylum, and Ethics). More specifically,COMECE is active in several working fields, namely justice andfundamental rights, ecology and sustainability, migration andasylum, ethics, research and health, religious freedom,intercultural dialogue and education, social and economicpolicies and external actions. What about your function as Secretary General? Do you pursueany particular objectives? I took office in September 2020. You should know that the term ofoffice of the Secretary General is renewable every 4 years andcan be renewed twice. My function also requires me to be thePresident of the two COMECE working groups. For my part, I wishto strengthen COMECE's relations with the bodies andassociations with which it works. This is one of the reasons why Ihave come to your meeting. Furthermore, following the Europeanelections last May, we are currently working to re-establishcontacts with people who are sensitive to our cause and active inthe European Parliament. Catholic Education in Europe is currently facing many challenges.We think in particular of the shortage of teachers, the difficultiesof teaching religion, the financing of Catholic schools, or thethreats from politicians to the freedom of Catholic education. TheCEEC aims to inform, defend and promote the interests ofCatholic Education in Europe, so how can COMECE support ouraction? It is important to work together on these questions and torespond to the challenges that Catholic Education is facing. Isuggest that we appoint a contact person in this area. This personcould then talk to the people in charge of these questions, suchas the different congregations in Brussels (Don BoscoInternational...), Commissioners and MEPs... The Commission isaccustomed to organising seminars at the European Parliament toraise awareness of certain situations, or used to holding meetingsbehind closed doors with MEPs and European Commissioners. Wecould therefore highlight these challenges confronting CatholicEducation in Europe.

It is important towork together onthese questions

and to respond tothe challenges thatCatholic Education

is facing.MANUEL BARRIOS

Source: CEEC Symposium - March 14 &15,2018

Gathered during the meeting and transcribed in the form of an interview by G. Vallée

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NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS: COVID 19ALBANIA

Albania is being hit hard by the Covid 19 epidemic. Since 10 March, thecountry has been in a lockdown phase. Unfortunately, the number ofpeople infected and hospitalised is on the rise. This dramatic situationcan be explained in part by the fact that Albania was hit by a terribleearthquake in November 2019. The state of emergency for naturaldisasters has been extended until 23 June. This government decisionwas criticised by civil society and the opposition party, judging thenew measures in contradiction to the constitution, human andfundamental rights: for example, daily outings limited to 90 minutesfor a single person per home, and only to go to the supermarket orpharmacy, with authorisation (to be requested in advance via an onlineform), under penalty of a fine or imprisonment. In addition to theserestrictions, measures have been taken for the gradual reopening ofcertain activities considered as less risky. In addition, the country hasbeen affected for 4 years by a shortage of doctors and nurses due tomassive emigration. The authorities then decided to call on retired orstudent doctors and nurses, with the promise of higher salaries. Morethan 2,000 doctors and nurses responded. Concerning education, the closure of schools has been extended andthe Minister recently stated that schools and universities would notopen until September, with the exception of pre-vocational training.Online education is therefore organised by schools, and lessons arealso broadcasted on national television. Education representatives arecurrently working on proposals for the reopening of schools, andmainly on the organisation of schooling in compliance with thehygiene measures in force. According to the figures provided by theMinistry, about 97% of students have followed distance learning.However, according to the National Commission for Catholic Educationin Albania (KKEKSH), these data are distorted since none of theAlbanian Catholic schools was invited to participate in this survey. Inaddition, the online tests conducted during the period of confinementencountered many technical problems for both teachers and students.According to the instructions provided by the Ministry, these will beincluded in the final marks and added to the pre-confinement studentgrades.

Since March, the coronavirus epidemichas hit Europe and the world. The worldof education has not been spared, andmany schools had to close their doors. Inorder to report on the situation and tosupport those involved in education, theEuropean Commission regularly offersarticles and reports in English availableonline. On our part, due to thisexceptional situation, we invited therepresentatives of the CEEC memberassociations to express themselves onwhat they were experiencing in theircountry, at a national and regional level,as well as within the Catholic network.The reports received were thensummarised and sometimes translated.To consult them in their originallanguage and in their entirety, pleasefollow this link. If any problem, pleasecontact the secretariat: ceec@ceec.be

Source: CEEC Symposium - March 14 &15,2018

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ALBANIA - FOLLOW-UP

From the economic point of view, the network of Catholicschools in Albania, which represents 58 schools, is excludedfrom the financial aid proposed by the government. Indeed,none of its institutions meet the eligibility criteria for theproposed assistance; on the one hand, because they do notpay income tax; on the other hand, because they are non-profit organizations. Since the month of March Mgr. AngeloMassafra, the President of KKEKSH and its nationalcoordinator, Sr. Teuta Buka, have repeatedly called on thePrime Minister, Mr. Edi Rama, and ask to include theemployees of the schools in this financial assistanceprogramme. The two letters sent are still unanswered at themoment. Various contacts (with parents, other schools,municipalities, the Ministry of Education...) were made. Morerecently, the Commission has approached representatives ofother religions for their support and together they havedrafted a third letter. The critical situation in Albania brings several observationsand initiatives within the Catholic network: to prepare theteachers better for online and distance learning; to considerthe different groups and levels of education in order tomanage this crisis; to plan and program the school year 2020-2021 taking into account the lack of state financial support forschools ; to propose an adequate educational plan for thereopening of pre-school and school establishments and daycentres by consulting a group of experts composed ofpsychologists, doctors, security experts, economists, computerspecialists and parents' representatives; to ensure theeconomic survival of the institutions of the Albanian Catholicnetwork; compensate for the lack of consideration of thegovernment, the impossibility of paying the salaries ofemployees and the impossibility of parents to pay schoolfees, the lack of human resources, the lack of training ofeducational personnel; ensure that all students are included,using an innovative and digital teaching method, providepsychological support to children, parents and teachers,organise the summer months as a period of remediation andpsychological support for children, encourage young peopleto be proactive through activities and interaction withnetwork actors, include parents in these challenging levelsthrough surveys and other proposals.

BELGIUM – FLANDERS

Since March 16, students have no longerbeen required to attend school.Nevertheless, teachers have not beenplaced on leave as the schools remainopen. Teachers provide childcare forparents who need it. Until the Easterholidays (4 April), teachers took initiativeswith remedial classes. From 20 April (afterthe Easter holidays), teachers were invitedto offer their pupils new content andteaching materials (4 hours/day). Usingdigital platforms, almost all primary andsecondary schools are providing distancelearning, especially "pre-teaching", which isused as a strategy to improve pupils'learning in the coming lessons, whenschools reopen. Flanders aims to partially reopen schoolsfrom 15 May. The Minister has reached anagreement with Katholiek OnderwijsVlaanderen and other representatives of theschools (as well as the trade unions) on thefirst steps for pupils to return gradually tothe schools. In the meantime, Katholiek OnderwijsVlaanderen has developed its website andoffers several topics on the organisation ofeducation during the coronavirus crisis. Wepay a lot of attention to distance learningand support for learners in difficulty.Another page deals with situations ofincreased stress in families. An interestingpage describes stories of teams of teachersand how they cope with these exceptionalchallenges. Of course, we also have asection with FAQs (on HRM, pupilevaluation, childcare, learning, fundraisingfor laptops, ...)

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GERMANY

In Germany, each federal state decides on issues related toeducation field and schools in consultation with the federalgovernment. The Federal Ministry of Education, on the otherhand, deals with overarching issues of the education systemat national and international level. Since 16 March, allschools have been closed and digital teaching has beenintroduced. The federal government has agreed on an emergencyequipment programme worth 500 million euros to enableschools to support pupils in need through digital educationat home. In addition, it is planned to provide schools withthe necessary equipment for the creation of online coursesfor vocational education. The implementation of thisprogramme, organised by the federal states, will have to beadapted in accordance with the gradual reopening of schools(currently in preparation) and by ensuring that the risks ofinfection are limited. At the national level, schools will gradually be opened on 4May 2020 at the earliest, starting with final-year pupils. Dueto the different examination and holiday periods in theregions, these pupils must take their exams, particularly forthe secondary school leaving certificate. The aim is to assessas uniformly as possible throughout Germany, while takingaccount of the specific features of the regions and setting upclear guidelines. By the end of April 2020, further steps and a teachingapproach taking health and safety measures into account,including the respect of social distancing in the classroomwith a reduced number of pupils, should be established. “Our society is currently living in an exceptional situationthat has never been seen before and that also puts theeducational system to a severe test. I am sure: We will allwork together to accomplish this tour de force in the serviceof the children and young people, our teachers, who areincredibly committed, the parents and the entire schoolfamily”, said the President of the Conference of Ministers ofCulture, Ms Hubig.

SWITZERLAND

In Switzerland, the situation ofCatholic/privateschools is the same as that of public schools:since 16 March 2020, all schoolshave been closed and will remain closed until10 May. After that, primary andsecondary schools (up to 9th grade) willreopen. In a second phase,secondary schools, vocational schools anduniversities will resume theiractivities on 8 June. Of course, all of them willhave to observe the rules ofhygiene and social distancing. Closed schools do not mean that there is noteaching.Courses are given online, students receiveassignments and exchange informationvia video conference. It seems that distancelearning is working quite well.However, the transition to digital educationhas been a very big challenge. TheAssociation of Catholic Schools in Switzerlandsupports its members byproviding useful information, such as legaland economic issues, as well as tipsfor distance learning.

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Source: CEEC General Assembly -  November 8 & 9, 2019

FRANCE

France entered the period of confinement on Tuesday17 March. Since that date, schools have no longer takenin pupils, except for children whose parents work inthe health sector. Continuity of learning is ensuredthanks to the use of digital platforms. However, thismethod of teaching causes difficulties for pupils whodo not have sufficient computer resources, and whothen find themselves more isolated. Answers will haveto be found to this is a situation. It should also benoted that Catholic schools have been particularlysolicited because two thirds of parents in the healthsector enrolled their children in Catholic schools, thusrepresenting on average, 20% of the pupils per school.The teaching staffs welcome them on a voluntarybasis. On 3 April, the Minister of National Educationannounced that the final exams for the Baccalaureatewould not take place. The marks for this examinationwill be based on the continuous assessment of theyear. One question currently remains, i.e. theorganisation of schooling at the end of the lockdown.At the national level, a gradual resumption of classesfrom 11 May is announced. It will take account of classlevels, the respect of health instructions andwelcoming pupils in small groups. In the schools, manyquestions are being asked about how theseannouncements will be implemented in practice. Probably thanks to their autonomy and to the qualityof the relationship between educational communities,Catholic schools show a certain agility in adapting tothe constraints of this situation. We observe theemergence of initiatives promoting solidarity,fraternity and commitment to the common good. Inthis regard, the Laboratory for initiatives of theGeneral Secretariat has proposed to keep a digitallogbook in which those involved in Catholic educationcan share how they experienced the lockdown on apersonal and on a school level.

GREECE

The Greek population is currently forbidden totravel without a valid reason. Travel is allowedif one goes to the work, to the supermarket,pharmacy, or bank, to visit a vulnerable person,to walk a pet, or to exercise and practice sportaround one’s home. At the same time, anygathering of more than 10 people is prohibited,even in open space. To prevent the spread ofthe virus, the Greek government decided on 11March to close all schools in the country untilfurther notice. In order to ensure the continuityof learning, schools keep on teaching online. In addition, the Greek government has takencertain financial decisions, namely that privateteachers will have to be paid normally as theywork normally, albeit via videoconferencing. Asfor administrative and technical staff, they maynot be paid as long as the containmentmeasures last. Finally, Greece is still awaiting governmentdecisions on a number of issues, including theextension (or not) of the school year, universityentrance exams, etc. All these decisions willplay an important role on school fees for theyear 2019-2020, and will meet (or not) thedemands of parents for reimbursement of thesefees.

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Source: CEEC General Assembly -  November 8 & 9, 2019

ITALY

Since 5 March, Italian schools have been closed anddistance learning has been introduced. The final examof the first cycle has been cancelled and the finalexam of the second cycle (at the end of high school)will be limited to an oral test which should be held inJune. It has not yet been decided whether this will becarried out in the schools or online since the date forthe reopening of the schools is not yet known.As far as Catholic schools are concerned, they havepromoted the use of various tools for distancelearning activities. For example, training has beenorganised to support teachers, digital devices havebeen distributed to the most disadvantaged, and aspecific approach to people with disabilities has beenprovided. This has strengthened the closenessbetween schools, children and families. On the otherhand, the Italian Church has paid attention to Catholicschools. Many bishops have sent video messages toschools, especially on the occasion of Easter. The workof the associations that bring together headmasters,leaders, teachers and families of Catholic schools hasbeen important. One slogan that sums up these effortsis: "Let's stay at home, stay connected, stay insolidarity". In recent weeks, meetings with the Italian governmentand parliament have multiplied, mainly in order tocreate a fund for parity schools and to grant subsidiesfor families. Indeed, the confinement has hit part ofthe population hard, affecting the income of workersand thus the possibility of paying school fees.Discussions should continue in the coming days. Finally, for several weeks now, Catholic schools havebeen reflecting on the next school year, developingstrategies to ensure the safety and quality of learning(in school or online). In addition to the attention givento the technical aspects, a message of hope, unity andeducational alliance for the good of the little ones hasbeen born. In addition to the Italian Church, PopeFrancis also prayed and expressed his support forteachers and students, so that the virus of indifferencecould be overcome and there could be a contagion ofsolidarity.

IRELAND

All schools have been closed since 13 March and theIrish population is operating under a strict socialdistancing regime with few businesses open and verylittle movement on the streets. The closure of theschools has not meant that teaching has stopped. Indeed, on-line teaching has suddenly become thenorm through various different platforms whereteachers and students can keep in contact on a dailybasis. At primary level (5 to 12 years), the classteacher can arrange their own times with theirstudents while at second-level (12 - 18 years), thenormal school timetable has been used so thatteachers can make contact with their classes. One major concern has been the widening of the gapbetween students from advantaged backgrounds (whohave access to things like laptops and books at theirhomes) and students from disadvantaged backgroundswho have much greater difficulties in accessingmaterials. Difficulties also persist for pupils withspecial needs and those who usually receive schoolmeals. Maintaining a positive approach among youngpeople is therefore also a matter of concern. Thecurrent restrictions are due to continue until 5 May,with a possible easing and partial reopening ofschools in May and June. On the other hand, primaryschool students usually make their communion duringthe month of May, but with the churches closed, thereis great uncertainty as to how this sacrament willwork. Finally, secondary school pupils usually sit two stateexams in June each year: the Junior Certificate istaken at the end of the third year (15 years) and theLeaving Certificate at the end of the sixth year (18years). In the current circumstances, the Departmentof Education has cancelled this year's JuniorCertificate. However, the Leaving Certificate mustproceed as it is the basis upon which University entryis decided in Ireland. At the beginning of April, theDepartment announced that the exam will bepostponed until July or August, and teachers andprincipals are currently in active discussions todetermine the practical arrangements.

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ROMANIA

After initially suspending classes, the decision was taken to close publicschools from 22 March. Since then, the introduction of online courseshas been encouraged in order to ensure continuity of learning, inparticular through the broadcasting of courses on the nationaltelevision channel. The Ministry advocates adapting the volume ofcourses, without transmitting new learning, and suggests not usingstudent evaluation. On March 30, the Ministry of Education decided to maintain the nationalexams and proposed a series of mock subjects so that students couldpractice and self-evaluate themselves using the evaluation and gradinggrids. From 7 April, the acquisition of computers was organised andthese were offered to pre-university students by the competentauthorities. Subsequently, the Ministry decreed that pupils would onlytake the tests in subjects taught in the school before the suspension ofclasses. Generally speaking, the epidemic has had an impact on nationaleducation, and consequently on Catholic education. Since classes havebeen suspended, teachers have maintained a link between themselves,the school, the students and their parents via the Internet or telephone.Classes are given through educational platforms and broadcast onnational television for ninth and final-year students who have toprepare for national exams. In this period, the Romanian Catholic Bishops' Conference encouragesthe observance of health prevention measures. The consecration ofRomania to Our Lady of Fatima was a moment of spiritual gravity andintensity. Moreover, masses are celebrated and broadcast in the mediaor on the internet. Baptisms, weddings, and funerals can be celebratedin the presence of a maximum of 8 people, as well as communion to thesick in their homes. This pandemic period has seen the appearance of initiatives, such asthe Catholic Hour, a programme transmitted on the Facebook page ofthe Signis Romania Association and on the website. The Holy Father'sprayers, homilies and catechesis offer encouragement. He invites us topray today for the teachers who have to work hard to make theirlessons online, as well as for the students who have to take their examsin an unusual way. Father Ion Riba tells us: “Together with the HolyFather, the bishops, priests and all the faithful, we pray for those whoare suffering from this pandemic and for the children, young people andteachers in our schools.”

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Source: CEEC General Assembly -  November 8 & 9, 2019

Together with theHoly Father, the

bishops, priests andall the faithful, wepray for those whoare suffering fromthis pandemic andfor the children,

young people andteachers in our

schools.FATHER ION RIBA

UNAEC

The European Union of Former Pupils of CatholicEducation (UNAEC) and the International Office ofCatholic Education (OIEC) have collaborated in thedrafting of a text proposed by Pax ChristiInternational, together with 10 Christian inspiredorganisations and movements represented in theCouncil of Europe. This declaration defends the respect of democraticprinciples and fundamental rights in times ofpandemic. It also defends the role of the Council ofEurope as the guardian of European values in theface of the temptation - and risks - of democraticabuses. Available here.

SLOVENIA

In Slovenia, schools have been closed since 16 March. TheMinistry has issued a decree to start distance learning. In thefirst week, about 80% of primary schools and 90% ofsecondary schools were able to implement this decree (tovarying degrees). Initially, the possibility of rearranging theschool calendar, extending the school year or introducingSaturday schooling was considered. As the situation has notimproved, everyone is now learning from home. This e-learning approach obviously presents challenges. Inthe Catholic schools, access to sufficient equipment for allhas been ensured, either with materials already in theschools or through donations. Another challenge has beenthe implementation of the curriculum. At the beginning, theidea was to review prior learning, but gradually, new contentwas presented online to children. The acquisition of thesenew learnings is ensured through private lessons, promptemail responses from teachers, the use of interactivematerials, etc. The major issue at present remains evaluation. So far, nostudents have been graded. At the end of April, the NationalInstitute for Education issued guidelines on this subject,favouring the use of oral examinations. Most schools willstart assessing students after 1 May. The three nationalstandardised tests for primary school (after grades 3, 6 and 9)have been cancelled. The final exams for secondary school(after 4th year) would start on 30 May. These pupils are toreturn to school from 11 May, following strict restrictions. Inaddition, it is also likely that kindergartens and primaryschools (only for the first three years) will reopen to providecare for children whose parents are returning to work. The situation in Slovenia is well under control and probablyone of the best in Europe, with fewer than 100 deaths so far,and fairly strict restrictions have been put in place(restrictions on gatherings, limiting the number of peoplepresent in shops, wearing masks is compulsory). However,there is strong pressure from part of the population to easecertain restrictions.

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Source: CEEC Symposium - March 14 &15,2018

CALLS FOR COOPERATION AND MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION TEACHER TRAINING - L JUBJANA AND SUMMER2020

The use of new technologies in the classroom, drama as alearning tool, teaching outdoors, or learning throughcommunity work. Are you a teacher and interested in thesethemes? Come and discover the training courses in thesefields and many others (physics, music...) by registering for theseminars organised from June 29th to July 5th by ourSlovenian member association of the St Stanislav Institute.These training courses are intended for teachers who areactive in an Erasmus+ project. You will find the courses andmore information on the website.

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ITSLEARNING: SEARCH FOR E-REFERENTS

Familiar with the digital learning platform ItsLearning? Areyou by any chance the contact person in your school? SeGECis looking for “itslearning e-referents” to share ourexperiences and learn from your practices and realities. Areyou ready to get in touch with other teachers and principalsacross Europe using the platform? Contactsonia.gilon@segec.be

In March 2019, the CEEC organised asymposium in Brussels on "The CatholicSchool and Intercultural and InterreligiousChallenges".The proceedings are now available(English/French) as a 165-pagepublication. It can be ordered from thesecretariat at the price of 15 euros (plusshipping costs).

CO-CONSTRUCT THE « GLOBAL VILLAGE »

On 15 October 2020, Pope Francis invites young people and allthe players in the world of Education to Rome to reflecttogether on a Global Educational Pact. On this occasion, theInternational Office of Catholic Education (OIEC) suggests co-constructing a book that will bring together the contributionsof the players of Catholic Education, in order to build the“global village” imagined by the Pope. This book will beentitled “The Global Educational Pact: An education of, withand for all. Towards a more fraternal, united and sustainablesociety”. National Secretaries, Episcopal delegates andMinisters of Education, directors, presidents of parents'associations and students are invited to participate in thisproject. Contributions are expected by 25 May 2020. For moreinformation, please contact pactoglobal@lasallecampus.es.

The Holy Father has appointed as consultors ofthe Congregation for Catholic Education Dr. SjurBergan, head of the Department of HigherEducation and History Teaching at the Councilof Europe (Norway-France), and ProfessorGerald M. Cattaro, professor and executivedirector of the Center for Catholic SchoolLeadership Administration and Policy at theFordham University of New York, United Statesof America. We warmly congratulate them fortheir appointment.

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBRE 30, 2020 : The CEEC Executive Board meeting OCTOBRE 5-9, 2020 : Conference "Klingenthal 2020: Let'sTell Our Stories - The Positive Impact of Religion in PublicEducation" organised by CoGREE in Klingenthal (FR). Thereflection will focus on the place of religion in oursecularised society. It will be an opportunity to meetcolleagues from all over Europe and to address together thechallenges we face. No registration fee. OCTOBRE 13-14, 2020 : OIEC Council Meeting (originallyscheduled on May 12-13, 2020). OCTOBRE 15, 2020 : Global Pact for Education following thecall of Pope Francis (initially scheduled for May 14, 2020) NOVEMBRE 20-21, 2020 : CEEC General Assembly meeting inMadrid. More information coming soon. AVRIL 14-15, 2021 : Conférence Conference "Committed to aVision. The Significance of Catholic Schools for Society andChurch in the light of contemporary Challenges" organisedat Stephansplatz 3 in Vienna (AT) by the InterdiocesanOffice for Teaching and Education in Austria. During thesetwo days, keynote speakers will examine, on the one hand,how Catholic schools can contribute to a humanistic visionof society and, on the other hand, how the Church canbenefit from and learn from the experiences of Catholicschools. The languages of the conference will be Englishand French (with simultaneous translation into French orEnglish depending on the language). Registration fee: 100euros (dinner, lunch and coffee break included). Detailedinformation on the programme and accommodationpossibilities will be communicated at a later date. AVRIL 16, 2021 : CEEC General Assembly meeting in Vienna.This meeting will be linked to the conference on 14 and 15April organised by our Austrian member association (seeabove).More information will be communicated to you later..

Resp. Publisher: Guy Selderslagh Secretary GeneralSupport: Géraldine Vallée European Committee for CatholicEducation Avenue E. Mounier 1001200 Brussels Phone +32 2 256 70 70 ceec@ceec.be / www.ceec.be Layout : www.canva.com

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