MEET THE

PRESENTERS

Keynote Speakers

Professor Br David Hall FMS

Dean of the La Salle Academy at Australian Catholic University

Br David is a leading educator and researcher of Catholic Education in Australia. Br David is the Dean of the La Salle Academy that operates as a joint enterprise between ACU’s Faculty of Education and Arts, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, and Directorate of Catholic Mission, and provides an integrated approach to curriculum development, delivery and assessment, and faith formation activities.

KEYNOTE SUBJECT: 

Br David will be presenting one of the keynote presentations at the symposium based on his long experience as a leading Catholic educator.

Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli

Archbishop of Melbourne

In June 2018, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Peter as the ninth Archbishop of Melbourne and on 1 August 2018, he was installed at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Archbishop Comensoli holds a Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Catholic Institute of Sydney, a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in moral theology from Accademia Alfonsiana (Rome), a Masters of Letters in moral philosophy from the University of St Andrews (Fife, Scotland) and a Doctorate of Philosophy in theological ethics from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland). He is the author of In God’s Image: Recognizing the profoundly impaired as persons (Cascade Books, 2018), as well as a number of articles on disability and Christian anthropology.



Anne Kertz Kernion

Speaker, retreat leader and author 

Anne founded Cards by Anne (www.cardsbyanne.com) over forty years ago, and is the award-winning author of “Spiritual Practices for the Brain,” which integrated insights from health and spirituality. Her background in engineering, theology, neuroscience and positive psychology informs her presentations for groups across the US and Australia. Anne’s third book, “The Four Connections: How to Flourish by Aligning Your Beliefs, Body, Brain, and Bonds,” was recently published by Loyola Press. Anne teaches a weekly yoga class and enjoys biking, running, and hiking. She and her husband Jack have three children and six grandchildren.



Br Bill Short OFM

Professor of Spirituality in the Franciscan School of Theology, University of San Diego

Brother William Short O.F.M. is a Franciscan Friar and Professor of Spirituality in the Franciscan School of Theology (FST) at the University of San Diego in California. Originally from Seattle, Washington, "Brother Bill" is just finishing a decade of service in Rome as Director of the International Center for Franciscan Studies and Research. He received his B.A. from the University of San Francisco, his M.A. from FST and the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. He received the Licentiate and Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. He has previously served as Dean, Academic Vice-President and President of FST and Vice-Rector of Students of the International Franciscan College Sant'Antonio in Rome. An avid collector of California native plants, he has also been an amateur wine-maker in Italy and California.



Workshop Presenters

Dr Nigel Zimmermann

Director Catholic Mission & Identity, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools

Dr Nigel Zimmermann is Director Catholic Mission & Identity at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). Nigel received his PhD in theology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, holds a degree in

Journalism (QUT) and Master’s Degrees in theology (Brisbane College of Theology) and bioethics and medical law (St Mary’s University Twickenham). He was a Wingate Scholar in the UK, taught theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia and publications include Faith and Reason: Vistas and Horizons (co-editor), Levinas and Theology (2013), and Facing the Other: John Paul II, Levinas, and the Body (2015).


Dr Dan White

Former Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools and former Director of Catholic Education Hobart.

After retiring as the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools in 2019, Dr Dan White has facilitated an extensive range of professional development and spiritual formation programs for Catholic dioceses and schools throughout Australia. Building on his doctoral research in the field of Brain Based Learning and Pedagogical practice, Dan is the author or co-author of eight educational resource books focusing particularly on the Sacred Scriptures and higher order learning and thinking strategies. His current research project involves an exploration of the cultural context of 1st Century Palestine and its implications for understanding the Scriptures. 


Sr Dr Elizabeth Dowling RSM

Senior Lecturer, Australian Catholic University

Elizabeth (Liz) Dowling is a Sister of Mercy who lives in Ballarat. She has a lifelong commitment to education, working in secondary, tertiary and adult education settings. After completing doctoral studies in 2005, Liz lectured in Biblical Studies at Australian Catholic University for ten years. She has published a book and many journal articles and book chapters on the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Luke.Currently, she offers biblical workshops and retreats across the country.


Professor Kath Engebretson

Lead RE Curriculum Writer, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools

Professor Kath Engebretson is an academic and religious educator, known to many through her years educating religious education teachers at pre-service and postgraduate levels. She is the author of many academic books and papers on religious education. A particular service has been Kath’s contribution to

the development of student resources especially the acclaimed To Know, Worship and Love series.   

In her role as lead curriculum writer of the forthcoming religious education curriculum for the archdiocese of Melbourne, Professor Engebretson brings deep knowledge and wide experience, and a commitment to excellence in religious education. 


Professor Richard Rymarz

Professor of Education, University of Notre Dame Australia. Project Manager, KWL Resources

Richard Rymarz is Professor of Education at the University Notre Australia and Project Manager for KWL Resources based in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. He has had a long career teaching, researching and writing about Catholic education with a special emphasis on religious education and teacher formation and development.  



Rosalba Squarci

Principal, St Raphael's Catholic Primary School Preston West

Rosalba Squarci, Principal of St Raphael's Primary School, brings over three decades of experience in Catholic education across the Northern and Western regions of Melbourne Archdiocese Schools. Rosalba leads with authenticity and a strong commitment to learning excellence, curriculum innovation, and contemporary pedagogies that enhance student outcomes. As a spirit-filled leader, Rosalba fosters a culture of faith and servant leadership, integrating educational and ecclesial dimensions to support the holistic growth of students, staff, and the wider community. Rosalba holds a Master of Catholic Educational Leadership (ACU), a Graduate Diploma in Special Education (Monash University), and a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education and Teaching (ACU).


Dr Beth Nolen

Manager, RE Excellence, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools

Dr. Beth Nolen is an accomplished educator and researcher who has served across four dioceses in diverse roles, including teacher, Religious Education Leader, consultant, lecturer, and manager. Building on her master's research, she authored the book Prayer Strategies: A Teacher’s Manual, now widely used in classrooms throughout Australia. Her doctoral research focused on teaching Scripture in the early years, a project conducted in close collaboration with schools to ensure practical classroom impact. This groundbreaking work earned Beth an international award and demonstrated significant results, with independent data showing a 25% increase in student engagement levels.


James O'Brien

Curriculum Writer, Religious Education (Secondary), Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools

When writing the new RE curriculum, James draws upon experiences teaching Religious Education within three Catholic secondary schools across co-ed, girls, and boys school contexts. James is passionate about preparing an RE curriculum which commends faith credibly and thoughtfully engages student questions. James sees each unit providing opportunities to invite connections to God’s presence with us in everyday life. From 2021-2023 James served on the World Executive Council of the Christian Life Community, an Ignatian lay

community grounded in small local groups of faith and life.


WORKSHOP SUBJECT:

The Year 7 and 8 RE Curriculum as an invitation to trace salvation history and meet the person of Jesus Christ:

Elyse McHardy

Religious Education, Curriculum, and Community Engagement Leader

Elyse McHardy graduated with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Melbourne and has worked in education for the past eighteen years, spending the majority of her teaching career in a Prep classroom. Her passion for Religious Education leadership was sparked when she completed a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education in 2018. She later undertook a Master of Education and Theology in 2024, both at Catholic Theological College (CTC). Elyse is enthusiastic about providing formation opportunities that enable all members of the school community to encounter the Catholic faith in ways that invite authentic and personal response at each stage of their faith journey. Elyse is currently the Religious Education, Curriculum, and Community Engagement Leader at St Peter’s Primary School in Epping. Her role is enriched by strong partnerships with the St Peter’s Parish community and local partner schools.


Marsha Van Cuylenburg

Curriculum Writer, Religious Education (Primary), Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools

Marsha Van Cuylenburg is the Lead Primary Curriculum Writer in the RE Excellence Team at MACS. She is an experienced primary school teacher and leader who designs the knowledge rich, coherent Primary RE curriculum that invites students into meaningful engagement with religious education. Marsha is committed to strengthening teacher practice and student engagement across all year levels in the RE curriculum and values teacher and student voice within the curriculum design. Marsha is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Notre Dame Australia, where her research explores teachers' perspectives on effective pedagogies in Religious Education, with a particular focus on students in Years 5 and 6.

WORKSHOP SUBJECTS:

  • From the Beginning: Navigating the Foundation RE Curriculum
  • Fostering Engagement in Years 1 & 2 RE

Bronwyn Ryrie Jones

Teacher educator, instructional coach and professional learning designer

Bronwyn Ryrie Jones works with teachers, schools and systems to develop expertise in explicit and responsive teaching. With a background in classroom teaching and graduate education (University of Melbourne), Bron is renowned for her deep and practical expertise in high quality instruction. Bron has worked directly with over 40,000 teachers in Australia and abroad, developing explicit and responsive teaching practices on the ground.

Bron has long-standing partnerships with several systems and educational leadership institutes in Australia; she has designed and delivered large-scale professional learning programs, and is at her happiest when talking about teaching with the people who do it everyday.


Fr Stephen Bliss

Provincial Minister of the Order of Friars Minor in Australia and New Zealand.

A key leader within the Franciscan Schools Australia executive, he has wisdom and leadership expertise in parish ministry and school identity. Known for his committed, practical witness, Fr. Stephen is dedicated to nurturing the Franciscan charism by joyfully encouraging others to live the Gospel with the simplicity and authenticity of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.


Alison Stone

Animator of Franciscan Schools Australia, experienced facilitator, educator, retreat and pilgrimage leader.

Alison brings deep wisdom about the Franciscan tradition. She serves with the OFM Friars, Missionary Franciscan Sisters and the Franciscan Family in Australia and globally. Alison works across Australia empowering schools to enliven the Franciscan charism in their unique educational context. She has a Franciscan heart that is connected to peace, justice, beauty, the earth and all of creation. Her embrace of charism, identity and mission breaths creative life into the very heart of the educational experience.


Fr Paul Rout, OFM

Distinguished member of the Holy Spirit Province and a leading voice in Franciscan spirituality.

A former teacher at Padua College in Brisbane, Fr. Paul has lectured extensively at the Yarra

Theological Union and Heythrop College, University of London. He is the author of Francis and Bonaventure and specialises in making the Franciscan tradition relevant for the contemporary world. A frequent leader of pilgrimages and retreats, Fr. Paul is deeply committed to supporting everyone inspired by Franciscan spirituality.