A time to reflect and give thanks. A time to pray and be inspired. A time to connect and synergise.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

GRACED BY
Cardinal William Goh

DATE
Monday, 13 March 2023

VENUE
St Patrick’s School

“During the homily at mass, Cardinal’s words were a wakeup call. God was calling me to talk to Him and pray.”
– JAVIER SOPHIA MARGARETTE PABUALAN (STUDENT), Assumption English School

“To start off, I would do so by treating everyone equally in a manner I would like to be treated, no matter who they may be. Secondly, I would listen more rather than talk so that I am able to understand and see the perspective of the person talking to me and act accordingly. Finally, I would take the time to stop and reflect on my actions more. Rather than repeating the same mistake, I can not only prevent myself from doing so again but I can use the experience to prevent others from having to face the same issues or problems as I did. This way, I would not only be helping myself but others along the way.”
– EVAN RORY CHANDRA (STUDENT), Hai Sing Catholic School

“We should embody the teaching of Jesus to be a Priest, Prophet and King. To be a Priest, we should see Jesus in others, and be Jesus to them. To be a Prophet, we should try our best to spread the Word of God to others and use our God-given talents to the best of our ability to evangelize. To be a King, it is important that we first serve others before leading them. For example, we should first clarify our own values, align our actions with them, seek ways to improve, foster collaboration by building trust and strengthen others, and then to recognize and appreciate the contributions and achievements of others.”
– NATHANIEL LAU KEA CHUAN (STUDENT), Assumption English School

This CEC has driven home even more clearly the importance of our being Catholic educators in school. It is amazing the amount of influence we have on our students, on young minds hungry for knowledge and guidance. Our focus on moral and ethical values helps our students learn integrity and compassion, values that will help them navigate through the challenges of life. ” 
– ADELINE CHUA (EDUCATOR), CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity

“Moving forward, it is about being companions on this journey in this endeavour as Catholic educators. Having acknowledged this, I am called to be in synergy with the greater fraternity and not work alone. I must learn to encourage my companions on this journey.”
– DAVID WONG (EDUCATOR), Hai Sing Catholic School



“I need to see Catholic education beyond that of organizing Catholic events and conducting catechism classes. I see the need to build a vibrant community of Catholic students who have a rich prayer life, individuals who have become used to belonging to and serving in a Catholic community from young. “
– AGNES LEE (EDUCATOR), De La Salle School



“Perhaps being emotionally invested this year in my students’ well-being is a baptismal call to be a King— to serve the last, the lost and the least in the cohort. God is challenging me, and He entrusts this group of children to my care and stewardship. I need to remind myself to be a Priest to those who need forgiveness and love. This is especially so for the students we deem as being hard to love. Sometimes, the ones who need to be loved are often the hardest to love. Being Jesus to them means to show them the love they lack in their homes. This is often easier said than done especially in trying times.”
– FOK XING RONG MICHELE (EDUCATOR), SJI Junior



Programme for Adult Participants

8am Registration
8.30am Mass with Cardinal William Goh
9.45am Tea Break
10.30am Keynote Address by Mr Lawrence Chong
11.15am Personal Reflection
12pm Lunch
(Conference ends for Virtual Participants)
1pm Group Discussion on “Synergy in Community”
2.30pm Praise & Worship
3pm End

Programme for Student Participants

8am Registration
8.30am Mass with Cardinal William Goh
9.45am Tea Break
10.30am Keynote Address
11.15am Personal Reflection
12pm Lunch
1pm Group Discussion on “Synergy in Community”
2.30pm Praise & Worship
3pm End

The CEC Logo

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7–8

How often have we read this verse and considered the possibilities that await us each time we open and close doors in our everyday lives? We pass through so many from the time we wake to the time we sleep, and countless more as we make our way from classrooms to meetings and even to and from the gates of our schools.

There is also a light that passes through from one space to the other, leading us from places of certainty to uncertainty, much like the stone that rolled away to reveal an empty tomb. The act of opening the door leads us to discover the mystery of God’s calling as it beckons us forward.

The design for the CEC logo uses the symbol of an opening door to reveal the light of our Godly encounters that await us on the other side.

The letter E which forms the door, also stands for Education, reminding us of the transformative power of our profession.

The glow that extends from the door moves in a forward direction, suggesting how our meeting will lead us to break new ground. The Cs on either side of the door also reinforce the change that will occur when we let God lead the way and open doors.

The CEC logo is designed by Mr Michael Ee, an Art educator with SJI.

The Catholic Education Conference 2023 is an invitation for participants to Grow in Faith and Synergise as a Community.

Inspired by the Word of God through the Eucharistic Celebration with Cardinal William Goh and led by Keynote Speaker Mr Lawrence Chong (CEO of Consulus), participants will be guided to centre their lives on Jesus, “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His Purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Incorporating a range of activities and blending a number of learning modalities, it promises to be an enlightening, enriching and empowering experience!

9-Day Novena

The pre-CEC 9 day Novena helps to prepare participants spiritually for the Conference. This will be led by the various sponsoring authorities of our Catholic Schools. Join us in prayer as links become available as each day of the Novena approaches. Each 20-minute session will include an opening hymn, an opening prayer, a Scripture reading, a reading from the Founder of a Congregation, a reflection, a decade of the Rosary, a closing prayer, a closing hymn, and a Call to Synergy.

Day 1 (8 Feb)
Canossian Daughters of Charity
Day 2 (10 Feb)
Diocesan Schools
Day 3 (15 Feb)
Montfort Brothers of Saint Gabriel
Day 4 (17 Feb)
Marist Brothers of the Schools
Day 5 (22 Feb)
Good Shepherd Sisters
Day 6 (24 Feb)
La Salle Brothers
Day 7 (1 Mar)
Franciscan Missionaries of Mary
Day 8 (3 Mar)
Diocesan Schools (Catholic High School and Catholic Junior College)
Day 9 (8 Mar)
Sisters of the Infant Jesus