On Tuesday night, fifteen women who have spent the past year learning from top educators at LSJS celebrated their graduation from the Susi Bradfield Educational Leadership Programme with a meal and siyyum. They are the 18th group of women to complete this highly respected programme.
The graduates, who come from a range of professional backgrounds including, teachers, doctors, nurses and scientists, spoke about what had inspired them over the year of study. Sharon Dewinter, who had been chosen by her peers to represent the group on the evening, said, “Guest speakers throughout the year have helped us tremendously; they taught us an array of different topics and approaches. Between the presentations by members of the group and the inspiring sessions with international guest lecturers, I never left on a Tuesday evening without having learnt something new. The Bradfield programme has helped open up our thinking and given us new directions to explore as educators and educational leaders.”
Olivia Remington gave a dvar torah that explored the first three chapters of Genesis and suggested a novel way of understanding the character of Eve. Drawing on contemporary scholarship, she said, “We can choose to see Eve’s story not as one of rebellion and blame but as one one of independence of thought and boldness. As such, Eve is a powerful role model for us.
The Bradfield programme was developed to cultivate educators and educational leaders, enabling us to learn from leaders in our community. We have become skilled, confident and, like Eve, bold; we can stimulate discussion and challenge the status quo simply by reminding ourselves of how positively God sees women.”
Speaking on behalf of the family of Susi Bradfield z’l, her daughter Cheryl Eman said, “With over 200 graduates since the inception of the programme, “Brad Grads”, are a serious, profound and eclectic group of women. Having gained a wealth of knowledge and developed educational and leadership skills, they lead and teach in both formal and informal contexts. As a family, we are thrilled to have our late mother and grandmother’s name associated with such a prestigious and successful programme.”
Applications are now being taken for the 2019-2020 Bradfield Programme. If you are interested in applying, or have questions about the course, please contact Dr. Tamra Wright - tamra.wright@lsjs.ac.uk
