Cultivating Joy: Practice for Flourishing Communities
The 2026 Conference is an invitation to all staff in member schools to explore joy as a distinctive mark of life with God and a foundation for flourishing together. Grounded in Scripture, this conference will consider joy as both a divine gift and a daily practice that shapes our work, relationships, and wellbeing. Together, we will explore practical ways to build school communities where joy is woven through every interaction, celebration, and act of service.
Plan now to gather in your school to utilise the package with all staff.
The 2026 CSA On Demand State Conference package is a comprehensive program which is suitable for all staff and can be used adaptively and creatively by schools - run over 3 sessions on a day or used over time in staff PD time, a retreat session or in any way that suits your context. The package provides all the materials required (short stimulus videos, workshop materials, discussion guides, PowerPoint slides, detailed Facilitator’s Guide, follow up readings etc) to run a full day program (or can be spread over several days) in your own school.
Feedback from the 2025 CSA On Demand State Conference Package:
"The staff were really engaged, and the feedback of the material and activities was overwhelmingly positive. Thank you for providing such a great experience for us!" ~ Principal, SA
"The quality of speakers and resources keeps getting better and better. The availability of on demand is also great for schools like ours." ~ Principal, VIC
Session Outlines
Sessions include the following topics:
Session 1: Joy as a Gift
This session explores joy as a deep and enduring gift grounded in God’s character and promises, rather than a fleeting feeling or surface happiness. Drawing on Scripture, participants will consider joy as central to biblical flourishing and to the mission and identity of Christian education, even in seasons of challenge.
Session 2: Joy as Personal Practice
Joy is sustained through intentional rhythms and practices that shape our daily lives and leadership. This session invites participants to reflect on spiritual disciplines and wellbeing practices that nurture joy, resilience, and hope, encouraging staff to embody joy as part of their personal and professional witness.
Session 3: Joy in Community
This session focuses on building whole-school cultures where joy, belonging, and flourishing are intentionally cultivated. Participants will explore practical strategies, and the science that supports them, for building the kinds of genuine human connections that make those qualities not just possible, but inevitable.
On Demand Conference Package Resources
The on-demand Conference Package can be used adaptively and creatively by schools. It can be run on one day as an in-school Conference or broken down and used over time as the school best sees fit. Schools will be asked to nominate an in-school facilitator and CSA will liaise directly with this person providing them with both the on-demand package, and support to deliver it. The package will comprise of a range of materials including video clips, discussion guides, resources, readings and activities.
School facilitators will have access to the material well in advance to assist in planning. Additionally, schools will have ongoing access to the material so that they can continue to engage with the content.
Facilitator Support
A facilitator guide which contains discussion questions, activities and support materials will be provided. It will also include suggestions and options on how to organise the program in-school.
During Term 2, facilitators will be invited to attend a Facilitator Information Briefing webinar designed to assist them in developing their in-school program and getting the most out of the conference package.
Please note: The person you nominate as facilitator needs to be the person who will deliver the sessions to your staff, e.g. a leader experienced at delivering professional learning. Feel free to nominate more than one person if needed.
How to Register
To register your school for this event, simply follow the steps below by Friday 1 May 2026.
» Nominate a key contact person, who will be facilitating the conference at your school.
» Determine the number of staff who will participate in the event.
» Click on the register button, which will open an email for your school representative to submit the information from steps 1 and 2.
The conference resources are suitable for all staff (teaching and non-teaching), and the registration cost is $18+GST per person with a maximum cost of $3,600+GST per school.
Please note: The person you nominate as facilitator needs to be the person who will deliver the sessions to your staff, e.g. a leader experienced at delivering professional learning. Feel free to nominate more than one person if needed.
You can use the package of materials as best works for you i.e. on one day, over two days, in staff meetings or whatever combination best works for your context.
Please reach out to Monika Zanardo on [email protected] if you have any queries.
Speakers
Matt Destry: Senior Minister, Discovery Church
Matt Destry is a pastor, preacher, and creative leader passionate about helping people rediscover God’s story in their own lives. As Senior Minister of Discovery Church in Victoria, Australia, Matt is known for blending biblical depth, cultural insight, and honest storytelling. His work sits at the crossroads of theology, leadership, creativity, and mission, calling people to live with courage, spiritual depth, and a renewed imagination for what Jesus is doing in the world.
Professor Darren Morton
Professor Darren Morton is an internationally recognised wellbeing expert who is currently the Director of the Lifestyle Medicine & Health Research Centre at Avondale University. He is the author of four books that have collectively sold over 100,000 copies. Darren's research primarily focuses on evidence-based approaches for improving mental health and wellbeing from the disciplines of Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology. This has led him to develop wellbeing programs—such as The Lift Project—that have engaged tens of thousands of participants from over 50 countries. In his spare time, Darren loves being active outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Kathryn Button
Kathryn has extensive experience in leadership in Christian and government schools, most recently as the Senior School Principal at Tyndale Christian School in South Australia. She is passionate about global mission and service and serves as the Director of Christian Schools Global Connect. Kathryn is keen to expand the global vision of schools, develop opportunities for service learning, as well as grow Christian education around the world. Kathryn has a Masters degree in Education, as well as qualifications in counselling and Biblical Studies.
Cameron Semmens
Cameron Semmens is an Australian poet, counsellor, and mental health educator with headspace... also... he's a connoisseur of fine words, a soul plumber, a force of dadness to 3 kids, and a hope-oriented wonder-monger living in Melbourne. He's a passionate poetry educator, having run workshops for students and adults across Australia. He's published 27 books of poetry, released 6 spoken-word albums and curated two poetry podcasts: 'Shards' and 'The Persian and The Poet'.
Qualify for CPD Hours
Schools are to provide their own CPD information and/or certificates to staff based on the program they offer. If all resources are utilised, the event will address the following AITSL standards and Christian Distinctive Focus areas:
AITSL Professional Teacher and Leadership Standards:
» 6.2 Engage in Professional Learning and Improve Practice
» 6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice
» 6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning
» 7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities
Christian Distinctive Focus Areas:
» 6A Engage in professional learning which aids the development of a philosophy of Christian Education based in Biblical principles
» 7A Knowledge about and engagement with the school, its Christian ethos and vision
» 7B Contributes to the development of distinctive Christian practice in the school, profession and wider community
Want to learn more about the CSA Christian Distinctive Focus areas? Click here.
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