This April, five members of our Senior Leadership Team embarked on a rich and rewarding Erasmus+ job-shadowing experience at our sister school, Istituto Maria Immacolata in Gorgonzola, Italy (https://www.imigorgonzola.it/?sfnsn=wa). Ms Marion Cutajar, Ms Antonella Vancell, Ms Marionne Borg, Ms Melanie Ugaro, and Ms Enid Bonello represented our school with great enthusiasm and purpose, embracing the opportunity to observe and share educational practices with colleagues abroad.

Their visit formed part of our ongoing commitment to professional development and international collaboration, grounded in our shared mission and values inspired by St Jeanne Antide Thouret. A key highlight was a teacher seminar conducted by Sr Giovanna, focusing on formation and international connections. This session equipped the team with practical tools and new ideas for fostering global partnerships.

The programme, which ran from the 13th to the 16th of April, was coordinated by Sr Teresa Tonna, who facilitated collaboration between the two schools and organised impactful formation sessions.

The team visited the primary school, guided by Prof.ssa Francesca Beltrami, the secondary school with Prof. Claudio Lazzeri, and had the opportunity to explore the Infant School with Sr Michelina and Prof.ssa Miriam Galmarini, who also serves as pedagogical coordinator of the Liceo. These visits showcased the school’s holistic approach to education and allowed for meaningful exchanges around inclusive practices and daily school life.

On Tuesday, 15th April, the day began with a celebratory Mass in the school chapel for the Primary students. This was followed by continued visits to the Primary and Secondary schools and a tour of the Liceo with Prof   Anna Barzaghi, the Head of School. That afternoon, a reflective session held in the Aula Magna provided space to exchange best practices with a group of dedicated educators, despite some being unavailable due to teaching duties.

Each afternoon, the experience was enriched through cultural exploration. Highlights included visits to Milan’s Duomo, La Piccola Casa di S. Giuseppe, a moment of reflection at Sr Enrichetta’s tomb, guided by Sr Serena, and an inspiring trip to the River Adda and Cassano d’Adda Castle. These cultural experiences deepened our understanding of how history and tradition shape the identity of a school community and inspired new ways of integrating cultural awareness into our own teaching.

This mobility experience was not only professionally valuable but also deeply meaningful on a personal level. It reinforced the strong connection between our two schools and created new opportunities for collaboration in curriculum planning, inclusive teaching, and international exchanges.

We are truly grateful to our hosts at Istituto Maria Immacolata for their exceptional hospitality, dedication, and openness to shared learning—especially Prof.ssa Anna Barzaghi and Sr Teresa Tonna. This Erasmus+ journey reminds us that when values and vision align, education becomes a powerful bridge across borders.