AngliSchools
Anglican Identity Day 2026
The Revd Peter Laurence OAM, CEO, AngliSchools
More than 1,500 educators, leaders, chaplains and support staff from across our Western Australian AngliSchools gathered on 20 April for the annual Anglican Identity Day, a significant moment in our shared life.
Each year, this day offers us the opportunity to pause, to come together, and to reflect on what it means to be part of a distinctly Anglican system of schools. It is a time to reconnect with our purpose, to be encouraged in our work, and to be reminded that what we do each day is part of something much larger … a national Anglican Church and a global Anglican Communion.
We began, as we should, in worship. Led by our Archbishop, The Most Revd Kay Goldsworthy AO DD, with an address from Assistant Bishop The Rt Revd Hans Christiansen, we gathered in Eucharist, grounding the day in faith and worship.
Another highlight of the day was the keynote address from Ms Justine Toh, whose reflection on Anglican Excellence: Life Beyond Achievement Addiction struck a deep chord. In a culture that so often defines success narrowly, Justine invited us to consider a richer vision, one grounded in a Christian faith, one that holds together effort, service, humility and the common good. In doing so, she honoured teachers as the quiet, consistent practitioners of this kind of excellence.
Her message connects strongly with the values that underpin AngliSchools: Faith, Inclusion, Respect and Excellence (FIRE). These are not abstract ideas, but principles lived out in the daily life of our schools, shaping communities where each person is known, valued and supported to thrive.
Anglican Identity Day is also an important occasion to recognise the extraordinary contribution of our staff through the CEO Awards.
This year, I was delighted to present the CEO Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to Melissa Cuming, Early Years Coordinator at John Wollaston Anglican Community School. As a long-serving and highly regarded community member, and an exemplary practitioner, Melissa has made significant educational leadership impact and influence. She is at the forefront of educational research and works with dedication to bring state, national and international evidence-based approaches within her school and across the wider education sector.
I also had great pleasure in presenting the CEO Award for Outstanding Service to the School Community to Sheena Richardson, Café Manager at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School. From everyday meetings to major school events, Sheena consistently fosters a sense of welcome, care, and connection through her professionalism, generosity, and attention to detail. She always responds with warmth and flexibility to the needs of the School, and leads an inclusive, supportive team.
Both recipients embody the values we seek to uphold across AngliSchools. Their work reminds us that Anglican Identity is real when it is lived out daily: in classrooms; in staffrooms; in conversations; and in the quiet, faithful service of those who place the education and wellbeing of others at the centre of their work.
As we continue to grow as a system of schools, days such as this remain essential. They anchor us in our shared identity and strengthen the relationships that sustain our work.
My thanks to all who attended and contributed to this year’s gathering, bringing Glory to God and helping equip God’s people in our schools for mission and ministry.