St Joseph’s ~ Blayney
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algo Hills is a small Aboriginal community of about 500 people in Western Australia. It is located on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert and the Tanami Desert. It has a petrol station, supermarket, a Catholic School (K-10), a Catholic Church, Adult Education Centre, Clinic, Police Station and and Art Centre. Luurnpa Catholic School is part of the Wirrimanu Community located in Balgo Hills. All students are Indigenous and the majority speak Kukatja as their first language. The Kukatja language and culture is supported in the School alongside a mainstream program. Emphasis is placed on oral English, with Kukatja also being used as the language of communication and instruction when necessary. Established in 1984, the School is run by the Brothers of the De La Salle Order and Sisters of Mercy. Each class has a teacher and one or more Aboriginal Teacher Assistants. Every year, the School has assistantance from volunteers from “Share the Mission” (De La Salle Volunteers). One of these volunteers is Madeline Ewin, an ex-student of St. Joseph’s Blayney. She completed her primary education at St Joey’s and her secondary education at James Sheahan High School in Orange.
Ryan Huckel with Cathy Griffin and his mum Tracey
Declin Houlihan with Principal Matthew French
Katie Koala Winners
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s 2012 comes to a close, it is time to report on a weekend in Sydney with accommodation for his family the winners for the Koala Club School savers and tickets to Taronga Zoo and Sydney Wildlife World and Aquarium. competition.
The CDF staff would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who help out voluntarily each week in collating the School Savings Accounts for the children at their respective schools. Their support is so important to this service being available to the children.
Second prize of a portable DVD player was awarded to Declin Houlihan from St Joseph’s School, Manildra. Third prize went to Jessica Lawrence from St John’s Primary, Dubbo who received a camera.
Maddy chose to become a “Share the Mission” volunteer at the beginning of 2012 after completing her HSC in 2011. She and her family are well loved in the St. Joseph’s community and the Mini Vinnies group decided they wanted to do something for Luurnpa School. After talking with Maddy, it was decided that cameras would be of great value to the School and students. After many fund raising events, including a “skip-off”, the children raised enough money to purchase two sturdy cameras that would not be damaged by the very dusty conditions.
Maddy with some of the children
Maddy sent a very big thank you to all the students at St. Joseph’s School. “It’s hard to explain how much of an impact these cameras have had and will continue to have on the children and their futures. Thank you so much”. Gerard Davies
While travelling around the Diocese, CDF staff member First prize in our competition went to Ryan Huckel from St Cathy Griffin presented the Agents with a small gift in Joseph’s School, Eugowra. Ryan was lucky enough to win appreciation for their hard work.
Who will teach her about the REAL meaning of Christmas?........ A Catechist???... YOU????? Helen and Vicki would like wish a HAPPY AND HOLY CHRISTMAS to all those wonderful people who so generously gave of their time this year to help children in State schools learn about God. If you’d like to join them next year, please contact your Parish Office – you will be so welcome! CATHOLIC OBSERVER - DECEMBER 2012 EDITION - PAGE 12
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