Supporting Students on Their World Youth Day Journey
Thank you for supporting students who are applying for the Melbourne Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to WYD27 for Melbourne Catholic Schools.
Referee Teachers play an important role in helping students discern whether World Youth Day is the right opportunity for them, supporting them throughout the application process, and providing an endorsement that assists the selection panel in understanding the student’s suitability for the pilgrimage experience.
Your encouragement, guidance and insight can help students present a thoughtful and authentic application and begin preparing for what promises to be a life-changing journey of faith, formation and pilgrimage.
The Role of a Referee Teacher
As a Referee Teacher, you are asked to:
- Encourage and support suitable students throughout the application process
- Discuss the World Youth Day opportunity with prospective applicants and their parent/guardian(s)
- Assist students to reflect on their faith journey and application responses
- Provide an honest and informed endorsement of the student’s suitability
- Act as a point of contact between the student, school and pilgrimage team where required
Your endorsement helps the selection panel understand how a student participates in school life and how they may contribute to the wider pilgrimage community.
How the Application Process Works
Step 1
The Principal identifies and encourages suitable student applicants and nominates a Referee Teacher to support them through the application process.
Step 2
Students review the Student Application Pack with their parents or guardians and complete the online application form.
Step 3
The Referee Teacher is contacted to complete a Student Endorsement Form.
The endorsement will ask you to provide feedback on the student’s:
- Character and conduct
- Engagement in school life
- Leadership potential
- Ability to participate positively in a pilgrimage setting
- Capacity to represent their school community
Step 4
Applications and endorsements are reviewed by the World Youth Day Selection Panel.
Referee Teacher Resources
To support you in this role, we have provided a Referee Teacher Pack, which includes:
- World Youth Day 2027 Information Booklet
- World Youth Day 2027 Fundraising Guide
- Road to World Youth Day 2027 Flyer
- MACS Code of Conduct and Child Safety Policy
- Draft Parent Information Letter & Parent Permission Slip Template
These resources are designed to help you confidently support students and their families throughout the application process.
Supporting Families
Referee Teachers are encouraged to discuss the pilgrimage opportunity with families and may choose to share the draft parent letter included in the Referee Teacher Pack. Upon submission of your student’s application, you will be provided with an endorsement form link. Within this form we ask you acknowledge and endorse the student’s application on their parent/guardian(s) behalf. Please ensure the parents are aware of the commitments required for their child to attend World Youth day 2027.
Thank You
Thank you for your support of World Youth Day 2027. By accompanying students through the application process, you are helping young people take the first steps on a journey of faith, leadership and encounter that has the potential to shape their lives for years to come.
