Education and peace: Inclusivity, Justice and Flourishing registration now
10th Slovakian Educational Leadership Conference
27th-28th November 2026
Bratislava
To register conference@skolalibellus.sk
education for peace. education for justice.
Education, whether as theory, policy or practice, is - like life - always contextually informed, never morally neutral and is often contested. The pursuit of peace, not only as the absence of war, but the active presence of justice operates at all levels within the educational space. Peace between nations and peoples through well-formed minds and hearts, peace in our communities and homes, and peace in our classrooms, understood as the cultivation of environments where young people are not merely engaged in knowledge transfer, but truly flourish. This, the tenth anniversary Slovak Educational Conference will hear from a variety of Slovakian and international expert perspectives including practitioner, academics and policy-makers.
SPEAKERS for 2026
Executive Co-Chair of SEL-Conference, Professor Simon Uttley
Executive Co-Chair of SEL-Conference, Professor Simon Uttley
Executive Co-Chair of SEL-Conference, Professor Simon Uttley
Professor Simon Uttley is, together with Martin Smilnak, the co-founder and co-Chair of SELC, the Slovak Educational Leadership Conference, now in its tenth year. Founder and Director of Koinonia Educational, an values-driven educational research community, Simon is a full Professor and Course Leader for Catholic Education and the Common
Professor Simon Uttley is, together with Martin Smilnak, the co-founder and co-Chair of SELC, the Slovak Educational Leadership Conference, now in its tenth year. Founder and Director of Koinonia Educational, an values-driven educational research community, Simon is a full Professor and Course Leader for Catholic Education and the Common Good at the University of Notre Dame [U.S.A], London. In addition, Professor Uttley is Visiting Professor in Catholic Education, Institute of Education, St Mary’s University, London, and Visiting Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education, London. Simon is a member of the Board of Advisors for the peer-reviewed academic journal, International Studies in Catholic Education. In the daytime, Professor Uttley is the Headteacher of Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic High School in Reading, 65km from London. Simon is a licensed Catholic Schools’ Inspector for the schools of the Dioceses of England and Wales. Simon is also Chair of the Reading Education Partnership, working alongside one of another of this year's speakers, Reading's Director of Education, Brian Grady.
Our host for 2026, Dr Michal Poldar
Executive Co-Chair of SEL-Conference, Professor Simon Uttley
Executive Co-Chair of SEL-Conference, Professor Simon Uttley
Michal Poldar, our host for this year's conference, is the Director of Škola Libellus, a private primary school and preschool in Bratislava, Slovakia. He studied International Economic Relations at the University of Economics in Bratislava, where he defended his doctoral dissertation on cultural diplomacy. He brings to education extensive
Michal Poldar, our host for this year's conference, is the Director of Škola Libellus, a private primary school and preschool in Bratislava, Slovakia. He studied International Economic Relations at the University of Economics in Bratislava, where he defended his doctoral dissertation on cultural diplomacy. He brings to education extensive experience from the world of international business, combining organisational leadership with a strong commitment to personal formation and character development. Michal also holds a degree in Catholic Theology, where his final thesis explored the benefits of tutoring and personal mentoring in education. Alongside his leadership role, he teaches religious education to adolescents and is actively involved in the formation and mentoring of boys and young men. Michal and his wife, Katarína, have two children. In his free time, he enjoys photography, running and swimming.
Professor David Oswell
Executive Co-Chair of SEL-Conference, Professor Simon Uttley
Professor David Oswell
Professor David Oswell is a sociologist, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Researchit Goldsmiths College, University of London. He is responsible for research, innovation and knowledge exchange, as well as leading various cross-university and sector-wide projects.
Professor Jacek Brant
Executive Co-Chair of SEL-Conference, Professor Simon Uttley
Professor David Oswell
Jacek Brant is Full Professor at the world-renowned Institute of Education, UCL (IOE). He worked in manufacturing industry for two years before becoming a schoolteacher of economics and business for 11 years and he is now in his 30th year at the IOE. He has run pre-service and continuing professional development programmes for teachers;
Jacek Brant is Full Professor at the world-renowned Institute of Education, UCL (IOE). He worked in manufacturing industry for two years before becoming a schoolteacher of economics and business for 11 years and he is now in his 30th year at the IOE. He has run pre-service and continuing professional development programmes for teachers; master’s programmes and modules, he supervises research students and is involved in various international projects. Jacek writes on educational issues concerning curriculum and pedagogy. His latest article is available as open access:
Brant, J., & Kilar, W. (2025). From entrepreneurship to business & management education. A fundamental curriculum shift or tinkering at the edges? Journal of Curriculum Studies, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220272.2025.2460475
Brian Grady
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Brian Grady Brian Grady has over 20 years of civic, public service experience, holding Local Government senior leadership positions in England with responsibility for improving educational outcomes across the English education system. Brian has experience in a variety of contexts of Local Government in England, working in London, densely
Brian Grady Brian Grady has over 20 years of civic, public service experience, holding Local Government senior leadership positions in England with responsibility for improving educational outcomes across the English education system. Brian has experience in a variety of contexts of Local Government in England, working in London, densely populated urban settings and more rural districts, delivering early years, primary and secondary provision and overseeing programmes to improve attainment for disadvantaged groups.
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
SELC Treasurer, Maria Budzynska
has worked in Catholic decondary education in inner London for over 10 years including in her current role as. asenior leader (Deputy Headteacher). With a background in 11-18 English teaching, she has come to specialise in inclusion, special needs support and whole-school pastoral management. A lead practit
SELC Treasurer, Maria Budzynska
has worked in Catholic decondary education in inner London for over 10 years including in her current role as. asenior leader (Deputy Headteacher). With a background in 11-18 English teaching, she has come to specialise in inclusion, special needs support and whole-school pastoral management. A lead practitioner and an authoritative voice in the area of improving standards, Maria offers fresh thinking.
Judy Hutchinson
Maria Budzynska
Judy Hutchinson
SELC Secretary Judy Hutchinson
is the Senior Associate Director for Study Abroad with Notre Dame Global, University of Notre Dame, USA. Wth over 28 years of experience in formational education in the Catholic university sector, she has been a pivotal member of the university’s international division since 2007
SELC Secretary Judy Hutchinson
is the Senior Associate Director for Study Abroad with Notre Dame Global, University of Notre Dame, USA. Wth over 28 years of experience in formational education in the Catholic university sector, she has been a pivotal member of the university’s international division since 2007. During her tenure in London, she established and led the role of Director of Student Affairs at Notre Dame’s largest global location, where she provided pastoral care for 200 undergraduate and 50 graduate law students each semester. In this role, she also spearheaded the development of numerous experiential learning initiatives, including a robust internship and immersion program. Judy is currently pursuing her doctorate in education at St. Mary’s University in London.
Shingi Hopkins
Maria Budzynska
Judy Hutchinson
Shingi Hopkins
Shingi is is Director of Social Sciences at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic secondary school. She holds a Law LLB and a Master’s in History from the University of Reading, and is currently completing a doctorate exploring women’s experiences of land, memory, and belonging in Zimbabwe. Alongside her
Shingi Hopkins
Shingi is is Director of Social Sciences at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic secondary school. She holds a Law LLB and a Master’s in History from the University of Reading, and is currently completing a doctorate exploring women’s experiences of land, memory, and belonging in Zimbabwe. Alongside her teaching role, Shingi leads on student participation, curriculum development, and skills-based learning. She also serves as Lead for Girls’ Achievement and Engagement, and is part of the school’s Character Education team, with a focus on teaching with intention and nurturing the whole person. She is passionate about building inclusive, reflective classrooms that promote confidence, curiosity, and emotional growth. Shingi works closely with schools and cultural organisations to support student voice and purposeful education. She is based in Berkshire and is mum to two children.
Sue Matthews
Sue Matthews
Sue Matthews
Sue Matthews is Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for Teaching and Learning and Safeguarding at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School. She teaches both Business Studies and French with previous Head of Department responsibility in both subjects. She holds a BA Honours in French Studies, a Post Graduate Certifcate in Education (P
Sue Matthews is Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for Teaching and Learning and Safeguarding at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School. She teaches both Business Studies and French with previous Head of Department responsibility in both subjects. She holds a BA Honours in French Studies, a Post Graduate Certifcate in Education (PGCE) a Management Diploma and the National Professional Qualifcation for Headteachers (NPQH). She came into teaching following a successful career in sales and marketing in the French Chemicals and Polymers Industry both in France and the United Kingdom. Sue is married to Jan and is mum to Céline, also a Business Studies and French teacher and Liam a qualifed Occupational Therapist.
Honorary president ambassador lubomir L'ubomír Rehák
Ambassador Ľubomír Rehák
Ľubomír Rehák graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1992 and started his professional career at the MZVaEZ SR. His first 5-year diplomatic posting abroad was in Moscow as the Private Secretary to the Ambassador and Political Officer for Central Asia (1993 –1998). It was, however, in his later posting as
Ľubomír Rehák graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1992 and started his professional career at the MZVaEZ SR. His first 5-year diplomatic posting abroad was in Moscow as the Private Secretary to the Ambassador and Political Officer for Central Asia (1993 –1998). It was, however, in his later posting as Slovak Ambassador to the United Kingdom that he provided invaluable guidance and support to the SELC Conference founding Co-Chairs, Martin Smilnak and Simon Uttley. Ľubomír Rehák is an Honorary Fellow of the London College of Contemporary ArtsĽubomír was awarded the Freedom of the City of London, and is appointed Knight Grand Cross of Merit (GOMCO) of the Franco-Neapolitan-Two Sicilian Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
the selc executive team
Martin Smilnak
Martin Smilnak
Martin Smilnak
Co-Founder & Executive Co-Chair
Martin is the former Headmaster of Cirkevná základná umelecká škola sv. Jána Bosca and a highly experienced educator. He is a member of the Slovak National Council, where his expertise provides a valuable contribution at the national and international level.
Simon Uttley
Martin Smilnak
Martin Smilnak
Co-Founder & Executive Co-Chair
Simon is Headmaster of Blessed Hugh Faringdon School in Reading, England. He also holds the position of Professor in Education at the University of Notre Dame (USA), London, and Honorary Professor in Catholic Education at St Mary's University, London.
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Executive Member & Treasurer
Maria has worked in Catholic secondary education in inner London for over 10 years including in her current role as. asenior leader (Deputy Headteacher).
Judy Hutchinson
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Executive Member & Secretary
Judy is the Senior Associate Director for Study Abroad with Notre Dame Global, University of Notre Dame, USA. With over 28 years of experience in formational education in the Catholic university sector, she has been a pivotal member of the university’s international division since 2007.