CEnet is excited to present Synergy 2026, an event designed to foster exploration of opportunities for collaboration among the CEnet eLearning Working Group (eLWG) and the CEnet IT Leads (COG). The event will highlight the benefits of diverse partnerships to achieve success in the digital learning space. Attendees will have opportunities to explore how educators and technologists can support each other to enhance student learning. Synergy 2026 will also encourage participants to identify key opportunities, messages and actions that would support imperatives within their local contexts.

Drawing on the success of previous Synergy Sessions, this event promises to be highly informative and relevant to the evolving landscape of technology within our Catholic school communities. We extend an invitation to current members of the COG and eLearning Working Group, along with colleagues working in this space, to join the discussion.

Venue

Google Sydney
48 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW

Dates

24 & 25 March 2026

Agenda

24 March 2026

8.20AM Registration + Coffee

8.50AM Welcome + Acknowledgements

Morning Sessions

• Adaptive Leadership for AI in Education: Assisting school leaders to navigate the integration of AI in their schools and systems

• Synergy and Collaboration Catch-Up Morning Tea (10:40am)

• Leading the Edge: A Peer Table Discussion on Innovation and Collaboration in Dioceses

• National Technology Assessment Framework Update and Local Use Case

• A Diocesean’s Approach to Adaptive Leadership with cechat

1:10PM Lunch

Afternoon Sessions

• Next Steps: AI/Cybersecurity Balancing Act (Peer Sharing)

• Classroom Innovation: Educators Leading the Change

• Diocesan Risk Matrices

• AI and Innovation Compass: Session Synthesis and Key Takeaways

4:00PM Wrap Up and Optional Google Tour

6:30PM Synergy Dinner: I’m Angus , The Promenade, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour

25 March 2025

Agenda coming soon!

Optional half-day training sessions with Google: 23 March 2026 

As many participants will be travelling to Sydney and arriving on Monday 23 March, the Google for Education team has offered to provide Gemini and Google Administrator workshops for those interested. These will be Google-led activities, not part of the CEnet Synergy event. These optional training workshops will run in the afternoon (1:00pm - 4:30pm) prior to event.

1. Gemini Training: Elevate Your AI Expertise: Gemini Certification Afternoon

Join us for a focused, hands-on session, dedicated to mastering the latest in generative AI. This afternoon is designed to help you transition from casual users to power users. We will dive deep into the newest features and functions within Gemini, exploring practical workflows that save time and enhance creativity. Beyond the exploration, you will have the dedicated space and support to complete the official Gemini Certified Educator exam, allowing you to walk away with a formal certification and the confidence to lead AI integration in your diocese. Please note this session is subject to minimum enrolment numbers - please indicate your interest during registration. Details and confirmation of this session will be provided closer to the date.

2. Google Administrator Training

Designed to support technical or IT admins who lead the strategic planning and implementation of technology initiatives for their organisation, The Google Ed Leadership Program (ELP) equips K-12 leaders with the tools and resources needed to tackle education challenges through the global ELP Hub and through local, in-person, and/or virtual Leadership Circle meetings. There will be sessions to learn about best practice and guidance around the admin console and latest updates to admin tools. Perhaps most importantly - making connections across the community.

Who should attend?

This event is best suited to Heads of IT and members of the eLearning Working Group. Colleagues from dioceses beyond the eLearning Working Group and COG who are actively involved in this area are warmly invited to attend Synergy Session 2026. Please note that due to space constraints at the venue, we can accommodate a maximum of four (4) members from each diocese.

Registering to attend

A registration link has been sent to all members of CEnet’s COG and eLearning Working Groups. Should you have any questions about this event, please contact the Communication + Engagement team.