Aurora August 2019

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle August 2019 | No.193

FEATURE

Attention students:

get on the right track with an early education traineeship

Zimmerman Services upgrades with expanded mandate New Office of Safeguarding

Persuasive writing hits its mark

A new playground at Stockton inspired by St Peter’s Primary School students

Wrestling with the sacking of

Israel Folau

Quality education is a proven pathway out of poverty. www.marymackilloptoday.org.au

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First Word

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On the cover Hugo Gray and Sophie Wolfe at St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West

Thoughts on feedback

Photo courtesy of Peter Stoop.

Featured f f Early Educators headed for right track

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f f Wrestling with the sacking of Israel Folau 6 f f Zimmerman Services upgrades

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f f Maximum attention for minimum wage

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f f Bringing virtual ideas to life

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f f Time capsule lost and found

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f f From little things, big things grow

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f f Counsellors need support too

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f f Sleepout raises much needed funds

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f f Campus chaplains open up the world

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f f Compassionate student connects with his servant heart

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In my student days at Hennessy Catholic College in Young, my drama teacher Mr Stadmiller taught the importance of constructive feedback and the opportunity it presented for growth and learning.

The message resonated, and in my professional career I like to think I’ve always been open to helpful advice or even criticism.

In this month's My Word Bishop Bill reminded me of this significant lesson from high school when he described the Pope asking the assembled bishops to speak freely of him and the curia regarding issues they may be unhappy about. As a proponent of ‘servant leadership’, it should have been no surprise the Pope would openly encourage constructive criticism.

Having the inner strength to encourage those around you to openly discuss your performance, or lack thereof at times, is

the epitome of strength in character. But in doing so the person being critiqued opens themselves up to genuine connection, innovation and learning.

In this month’s Aurora, there are many excellent examples across our Diocese, the broader church and our local community of people having embraced opportunities for growth to achieve better outcomes.

The Diocesan leadership team’s progressive approach to developing new learning opportunities for the broader community, based on identified need, is a fine example (page 5). So too is its commitment to learn from past misgivings and rebuild a sense of trust by implementing best-practice preventive programs (page 8). In reflecting on the Israel Folau matter, Jesuit priest Fr Chris Middleton ponders how we might be best

to consider important social issues from all perspectives — not just rely on our immediate context (page 6). Newcastle City Council should be applauded for its receptiveness to ideas from students at St Peter’s Primary School in Stockton, rather than only engaging their adult peers (page 11).

Aurora continues to evolve in line with contemporary events — but underpinning it is a commitment to develop a magazine with deep community roots. I therefore encourage you to send us your thoughts on Aurora — the good, the bad and of course the constructive.

Lizzie Snedden is Acting Editor for Aurora

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My Word

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

And then there’s the Pope Last month I wrote from Rome but before the Australian Bishops’ Ad Limina visit had begun. I think it will not be too boring if I also set today’s column in that ancient city, but this time with views inside the Vatican and, indeed, the Apostolic Palace itself.

First, however, let’s note that your bishops began their time together with a spiritual retreat. We took ourselves off to a house in the Alban Hills outside Rome. This area has for centuries been a place of retreat from the Roman summer heat and fever for all who could flee the city. The present Pope has dropped the practice of going to Castel Gandolfo for the summer months, badly affecting the village’s tourist trade, but we lived in sight of the papal palace there, up among the pine trees, at about the same altitude but on the other side of the old volcano’s caldera, the sparkling blue of the crater lake between us. Beautiful place. And it was a great time of quiet interspersed with “spiritual conversation” between us bishops, who all too often only have time to talk business together.

Back in Rome, on day one, we saw Pope Francis. I must remark in passing that it was an extremely hot and sticky day to be waddling across St Peter’s Square in full rig of black caped soutane and sash, and then past the queues for the Sistine, through the security and past the Swiss Guards, up the broad marble stairs, across a huge blazing courtyard, up two more flights of marble stairs and, finally, into the state apartments. Still, we

were half an hour early. Word went up to the Pope who, characteristically, decided that since we’d arrived he’d start early so we could have more time together.

So, on we went, from the entrance area through the long gallery and, thence, the green room and the red room and the gold room and the blue room, for the papal palace was set up to impress, like any Renaissance prince’s pad, and to sort people by their importance, calibrated by which salon they could stand in while waiting for the Pope to pass through. Eventually we reached the papal library where Pope Francis greeted us one-by-one before we all took our seats in a long, open rectangle with the Pope at one end.

He loves conversation. Throughout the better part of two hours, Pope Francis was animated, smiling, thoughtful, direct, open, warm. He began by apologising that the air-conditioning wasn’t working and pointed out that there were bottles of water on the tables behind us and we should get up and help ourselves at any time. Then he greeted especially Bishop Greg O’Kelly, not as a fellow Jesuit but as a bishop achieving the incredible feat of attending his fifth Ad Limina. O’Kelly would allude to this later when we were talking about the long delays in replacing retiring bishops. Then Pope Francis invited us to speak freely, to make whatever criticisms we wanted to make of the Pope or the curia. Strangely, when Pope Francis says that sort of thing, you believe he means it. And so it proved, later on.

Of course, I’m not going to write about all we discussed. But there are a couple of stories that deserve retelling, and are being retold all over the country.

One bears on the matter of criticising the Pope. One of our Eastern Church bishops remarked that, while the Pope was meeting with Islamic and Orthodox leaders, he hadn’t gone to meet the Eastern Catholics. “You’re right,” Pope Francis shot back, “I must do more of that.” On another occasion, one of our about-to-retire bishops held forth for a while on ideas he’d developed over the years about reforms to the structure of the hierarchy. They weren’t, of course, the reforms every journalist knows we need, but really quite original. The Pope smiled and nodded and, pointing to Bishop O’Kelly, said: “I thought he was the Jesuit.” Then he spoke for a bit about the reforms he thought were needed and, thoughtfully, about the art of the possible.

Finally, one gesture that has been much talked of among the bishops. On one side of his chair the Pope had his really excellent English translator, and on the other side a small table with bottles of water and plastic cups. At one point in the conversation, Pope Francis leant around quite naturally, opened a bottle and poured a glass of water, just as you or I would do it, while still nodding and listening. Then he poured another. The first he passed to the translator and took the second for himself. It was the most utterly simple and natural thing that a nice, considerate man might do without thinking. And that is Pope Francis.

Bishop Bill Wright Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Frankly Spoken "If you do not feel pity before a needy person, if your heart is not moved, then something is wrong. Be careful."

Angelus - 14 July

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Feature

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Early educators headed for the right track

BY LIZZIE SNEDDEN

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle continues to expand its education network and has established a meaningful pathway to employment in the sector.

winning Newcastle-based registered training organisation International Childcare College (ICCC) to deliver the accredited training programs.

The initiative, St Nicholas Pathways, offers support to the growing demand for early childhood educators and is the first program of its type in the Hunter.

ICCC general manager Kael Cooper said the college was keen to embrace the opportunity to work closely with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

“Research indicates that the early childhood education and care workforce is expected to increase by 14 per cent by 2021, leading to more than 36,000 new jobs on offer Australia-wide by 2022,” Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle chief executive Sean Scanlon said.

“Our organisations have a shared objective to support young people in our local community,” Mr Cooper said.

“Our goal is to provide the best learning experience possible so that every student graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be successful educators.”

“The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle saw there was an opportunity to draw from our proud history of educating thousands of students and play a key part in addressing the local community’s emerging needs for early childhood educators.”

The SBAT program will be the first St Nicholas Pathways initiative to begin accepting enrolments. The program will allow students to attain their Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while completing their HSC.

St Nicholas Pathways will offer a number of training options including: part-time traineeships for high school students, full-time traineeships, industry immersion opportunities and additional customised programs for fully qualified educators. The part-time traineeship for high school students is classified as a School Based & Apprenticeships Trainee (SBAT) program.

“School-based traineeships are one of the most successful models of training with students able to apply their developing knowledge in everyday practices under the guidance of experienced educators,” Mr Scanlon said.

“One of the things that makes this initiative unique is the opportunity for students to undertake school studies, a traineeship and potentially gain a career in early childhood education and care with support from one overarching organisation — the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle,” Mr Scanlon said.

“In saying that, St Nicholas Pathways welcomes students and adult learners from all schools and the broader community.

“St Nicholas Pathways has been developed with input from representatives from the early education sector, careers advisers and principals to ensure the suite of programs — starting with the SBAT program, are industry relevant and provide high school students with unique learning opportunities.”

St Nicholas Pathways will strategically align with award

“Students leave school at the end of Year 12 with a qualification that can lead directly to employment and have the opportunity to continue the learning pathways with advanced entry into university.”

Sophie Wolfe is currently in Year 10 at All Saints College, St Peter’s Campus in Maitland and is keen to pursue a career in early childhood education and care.

“I love playing with children and find them fascinating. I am interested to learn more about how kids grow, how to support their learning and to see their personalities develop,” Sophie said.

A recent visit to a St Nicholas Early Education centre, along with her peers, has led Sophie to consider applying for the St Nicholas Pathways SBAT program.

“I think the SBAT program provides a great opportunity for students. I would like to complete my Certificate III while I am still at school so that I can graduate having

Sophie Wolfe with St Nicholas Early Education Operations Manager Kerri Armstrong and Diocese CEO, Sean Scanlon.

School-based traineeships are one of the most successful models of training. completed my HSC and fast-track my qualifications in a supportive environment,” Sophie said.

As part of the traineeship, participants will complete the theoretical component of their studies online. Mr Scanlon said this would be complemented by 100 days of paid on-the-job training at one of the Catholic Diocese’s six St Nicholas Early Education centres.

Sophie said this was a major drawcard for her in choosing the St Nicholas Pathways SBAT program.

Mr Scanlon said the St Nicholas Pathways SBAT program also connects students with potential employees.

All students, trainees and educators accessing Pathways programs will have the opportunity to complete workshop content and receive general support throughout their studies at a purpose-built St Nicholas Pathways training facility located in Maitland.

Construction of the training facility is well under way and financially supported by the Catholic Development Fund.

Situated under the same roof as the soon-to-be-opened 70-place St Nicholas Early Education centre, the facility, expected to be open in early 2020, will also include two well-appointed training rooms alongside a simulated children’s services environment.

Students who are interested in a career in early childhood education and care and interested in the SBAT program are encouraged to visit www.stnicholaspathways.com

Lizzie Snedden is the Team Leader Content for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Opinion

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Wrestling with the sacking of Israel Folau

BY FR CHRIS MIDDLETON

High-profile Australian rugby player Israel Folau’s April 10 Instagram post is an example of the impact of our use of social media, and of the complex issues it raises.

Folau posted a passage from St Paul's biblical Letter to the Galatians (chapter 5 verses 19-21), along with a warning that hell awaits eight categories of people unless they repent. The conviction of Folau’s post is that Jesus loves them and desires their repentance. St Paul does not reference homosexuals in his list of “sins of the flesh”, but Folau’s post does, which causes immense offence to members of the LGBTQI community and many others.

Folau is a lay minister in his church and has been filmed preaching and baptising. His preaching, along with multiple Instagram posts, leaves little doubt that he, as an evangelical Christian with a literal understanding of the text, believes a whole lot of people will go to hell unless they repent. But he is also a national representative, contracted to Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs, and a sporting hero. But many people found his post to be unacceptable and some even referred to it as “hatespeech”.

Rugby Australia determined he should show good cause why it shouldn’t terminate his multi-million dollar contract.

After a code of conduct hearing his contract was terminated. Both parties then failed to reach a settlement at a Fair Work Commission conciliation, paving the way for a protracted Federal Court battle.

Important issues around the role and responsibility of professional sport stars, the relationship of sport to social policy, sport as a business, and the rights and limits of free speech all come into play in what is emerging as a significant case in Australian public life. Commentators have taken up his case and some voices have linked it to a perception of attacks on religious freedom.

I remain conflicted about the sacking of Folau. I believe

Israel Folau facing the press.

his case does raise questions around important issues in a society that values diversity and that promotes inclusivity and tolerance.

Highly paid sports stars are indeed role models, and to publicly propose that gay people risk going to hell because of their orientation has an impact on young people and their wellbeing and safety. A sporting star has clear responsibilities in this area to weigh the consequences of their words or actions. It is appropriate for governing sports bodies to enforce codes of conduct in this area and to insist on the responsibility of players.

Rugby is a business and has a brand to protect. Folau is an employee and has contractual expectations. After a similar post in April 2018, Folau appeared to avoid official sanction from Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union. Following months of negotiations, he re-signed in October, entering into a contract that has been widely reported to have confirmed the expectation of adherence to the Rugby Australia code of conduct.

But he is also a sportsman with a private life, and is a member of a small church. Should his employer have required of him to be silent on issues related to his faith?

Is it discriminatory to require this on some issues but

not on others? Should sports, and sportspeople, have public positions on social issues that don't directly relate to their sport, for example, officially endorsing same sexmarriage, as distinct from ensuring a lack of bigotry or hate speech within a sport?

Rugby Australia enjoys a virtual monopoly in terms of employment (playing rugby), and unlike other work contexts, Folau as a professional rugby player has limited choices. If he wishes to express himself he cannot simply look for another employer. This monopoly situation is relevant in what can or should be asked of a sportsperson. Selection for a sport to represent a country cannot be reduced to an employee relationship.

Is Rugby Australia heading dangerously towards imposing a religious or a political test for sporting selection? If a conservative Muslim player was to publicly support sharia law, would that disqualify them from representing Australia? If a Maronite Catholic player was to publicly affirm their opposition to same-sex marriage would that disqualify them from representing their country?

There is another factor here: how much influence should big sponsors have in determining policy? Qantas sponsorship is clearly an issue — they are the Qantas

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Opinion

Discuss anti-religious sentiment in Australia Thursday 22 August I think his way of reading the Bible is dead wrong, but the Church learnt some time ago that it can't impose its understanding on other Christians.

Australians take pride in being a multicultural society, but is Australian society today displaying signs of intolerance towards religion?

Recent issues in the media have brought this issue to the forefront. What has been your experience, and do you think Australia should or could change?

The Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Council invite you to an event discussing this important topic.

Wallabies after all — and Qantas chief Alan Joyce was a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage. It seems Rugby Australia feels the pressure here.

As a Catholic priest I have a very different understanding to Folau about the redeeming love of God. Threatening hell has no place in my way of seeing faith. But as a member of the Assemblies of God, Folau has a much stronger belief in the likelihood of people going to hell.

In his post he named a whole lot of “sinners” as he saw it, and how he wished to help “save” them. I don't agree with his theology but it is hard to see in its intent, at least in a layperson's terms, as meeting the threshold of hate speech. His intent is repentance so that they can be saved.

I don't doubt for a moment many find these views hateful, but in a pluralist, multicultural society that cannot be, in itself, justification for silencing someone. I think his way of reading the Bible is dead wrong, but the Church learnt some time ago that it can't impose its understanding on other Christians.

Can Rugby Australia hold Folau to account for expressing a religious belief that is shared by many millions? As Darren Kane noted in the Sydney Morning Herald (“Rugby

Australia treading on dangerous ground …”, 26 April 2019): “There is no distinction between a person's beliefs, and publishing material consistent with those beliefs, as much as the latter might be dressed up as a code-ofconduct issue.”

Is race also an issue in this case? More than 40 per cent of professional rugby players have Pacific Islander or Maori heritage, with many belonging to “fundamentalist” churches. As with all communities there are a range of views within Islander groups, and various judgments about the rights of Folau to express his views the way he did. But I sense a growing unease among this part of our multicultural society about the treatment of Folau.

The Folau case remains disputed and raises genuine and serious issues on both sides, but also highlights that intemperate language and polarisation in our society poses a challenge to debate in the public square.

This article first appeared in the Eureka Street, republished with permission.

Fr Chris Middleton SJ is the Principal of St Aloysius College, Milsons Point, Sydney.

Panel members from various faiths will take part.  Ruth Jacobs – Jewish  Teresa Brierley – Christian  Farooq Rah – Muslim Join us on Thursday 22 August from 6.30pm to 9.00pm at MacKillop Pastoral Centre Function Room, 7 Milson St, Charlestown.

A light supper will be served.

For catering purposes, please RSVP to Jenny Harris E: jenny.harris@mn.catholic.org.au or P: 4979 1111

News

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Zimmerman Services upgrades

with expanded mandate

BY DARRELL CROKER

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults will reach new levels when spring dawns on the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle. There is no denying the effect of historic child sexual abuse, but there is an absolute commitment from the leadership and the people of the Diocese to implement best-practice preventive programs.

On 1 September, coinciding with National Child Protection Week, Zimmerman Services will upgrade to the Office of Safeguarding under the direction of Sean Tynan. Part of the transition relates to regulation, and the Office of Safeguarding certainly has a larger mandate, but there is a more significant element.

“It is vital for a number of reasons,” Mr Tynan said. “There is the compliance element, but it is actually about the Diocese rebuilding a sense of trust and belief that it is a safe place for children. I know some people will be cynical about this and I respect people being cautious and wanting to see evidence of change, but you can’t deny the facts.

The Diocese is committing significant new resources, employing more specialist investigators, increasing our training obligations and improving governance and compliance across our many services.”

The Office of Safeguarding is the structural expression of the Diocese’s commitment to demonstrate the highest

standards of recognising and upholding the dignity and rights of all children.

“It’s our job to make sure all the different parts of this Diocese meets those standards, and that we make safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults an absolute core component of who we are, and what we do,” Mr Tynan said.

The Diocese’s safeguarding obligations are multifaceted and include compliance with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, along with legal obligations under the NSW Child Protection Statutes.

Bishop Bill Wright believes establishing the Office of Safeguarding with its expanded mandate and increased resources “is the next logical evolution of Zimmerman Services”.

“We are committed to extending and developing the sophistication of our auditing and compliance regimes to ensure our policies, procedures and organisational structures promote a culture of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults as a vital expression of our Catholicism and a central tenant of professional practice,” Bishop Bill said.

Bishop Bill described the events that led to the formation of Zimmerman Services as a “silent tragedy” during the mid and later 20th century, when a terrible number of children were the victims of child sexual abuse “across our society’s institutions”.

Bishop Bill described the events that led to the formation of Zimmerman Services as a “silent tragedy” during the mid and later 20th century.

“Our own Diocese was particularly affected,” Bishop Bill said. “Compounding the harm caused by these crimes was the abject failure of Diocesan leadership to ensure that perpetrators were stopped and brought to justice.”

Zimmerman Services originally derived from Beverly Zimmerman, a Sister of St Joseph, and the second female chancellor of this Diocese. It was her work in 2006-08 that helped establish the child protection service.

Despite the name change, the Diocese will continue to acknowledge her contribution and the institution created in her honour.

Zimmerman Services will remain as part of Healing and Support.

For his part, Mr Tynan is looking forward to the expanded mandate.

“As Zimmerman Services, we responded to concerns,” he said. “We would receive complaints and investigate and provide training and preventive programs. Now, as the Office of Safeguarding, we will be testing every part of the Diocese. It is a preventive and proactive process we have not had before.”

Darrell Croker is a contributor to Aurora

Child Protection Week

BY CONNIE PEATE AND BRITTANY GONZALEZ Supporting families to protect children National Child Protection Week (NCPW) occurs across Australia from September 1-8.

It is a time when we can come together to celebrate the many ways that all members of the community can play their part in making a difference in the life of a child and keeping children safe.

Why is it important?

Children are among society’s most vulnerable members. In promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, we are undertaking important steps in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

What part can we play?

Children thrive when parents have the support they need. Our Diocese is working with the community to educate and enhance skills to nurture and protect our children and young people. This is achieved by providing parents with tools and resources, connecting them with both internal and external supports and encouraging them to be flexible and adaptable.

Promoting Awareness of Child Protection This Child Protection Week, the Diocese is letting its lights shine bright. A light switched on symbolises knowledge and understanding and acts as a guide to keep us from stumbling through life’s stressors and challenges. As a Diocese we have asked our schools, parishes and offices to join in leaving a light on during Child Protection Week.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.

In light of NCPW, our Diocese’s child protection unit has developed a number of online resources, specifically designed for each age group, to help educate parents, children and young people about protective behaviours.

HIGH SCHOOL AGE padlet.com/ZS_2/pb_high_school

PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE padlet.com/ZS_2/pb_primary_school

PRESCHOOL AGE padlet.com/ZS_2/pb_preschool

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News

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Maximum attention for minimum wage and marginalised

BY TODD DAGWELL

"For those on the margins, those who are required to survive on an inadequate minimum wage or the abysmal level of Newstart, life will not be getting easier any time soon."

Joe Zabar, deputy chief executive and director of economic policy at Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) identified this disturbing reality. He believes the Australian Catholic Church's strong determination to advocate for the country’s lowest income earners and welfare recipients is more important than ever.

“It is a very important function of the Catholic Church to argue in this space for an increase to both the minimum wage and Newstart,” Mr Zabar said. “If we don’t step up, who will?”

In May, Bishop Bill Wright was a member of a church delegation, the Bishops Commission for Social Justice – Mission and Service, which told the Fair Work Commission that low-income families had not been “sufficiently protected by the decisions in the annual wage reviews”.

The oral submission, delivered by John Fernon SC and Brian Lawrence, drew upon the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s written submission in March and stated the Fair Work Act had “failed to provide an adequate wages safety net for low-paid workers with family responsibilities” or “alleviate the poverty and disadvantage suffered by them and their families”.

Mr Lawrence told the panel that decisions over a 20-year period have resulted in the relative value of the minimum wage falling significantly. “As a result of the decisions over the past two decades, what was an adequate wage to support working families in 1997 is now only enough for a single person without family responsibilities,” he said.

St Vincent de Paul Society Maitland/Newcastle executive officer Denise Lucas is all too familiar with the pain and hardship endured by people on low work incomes or insufficient welfare support. She said the high cost of living, particularly rent and utilities, had led to a higher number of calls this winter from those in need of substantial financial support.

“I have multiple large overdue rent cases on my desk right now,” Ms Lucas said. “Newstart is very meagre, at roughly $566 a fortnight, it is extremely tough to live on.

We don’t want to see people evicted but we have to work out what’s feasible for them and us — we can’t just keep paying the rent.”

Ms Lucas has also noticed an increased demand for St Vincent de Paul’s No Interest Loan Scheme, which assists low-income earners to purchase essential household items or services that would improve their quality of life.

“We’re being inundated with requests for loans. Other agencies are also referring people to us and we’re receiving call after call,” Ms Lucas said. “Cost of living is very tough; people are often left with no money, which results in a low quality of life.”

In response to this growing inequality, the Catholic Church has been calling for the minimum wage to be increased from $719.20 per week to $760 per week. The church also called for award wages to be increased by $31 per week and 3.7 per cent for wages above $837.40 per week. On May 31 the Fair Work Commission increased

Bishop Bill, was a member of a Church delegation, which addressed the Fair Work Commission.

the minimum wage to $740.80 weekly despite the church and Australian unions advocating for a higher amount.

In a statement following the announcement, Australian Council of Trade Unions assistant secretary Liam O’Brien said the increase was a win for workers, but was not enough to be considered a “living wage”.

“No one in Australia should be living in poverty while working fulltime, but we know that thousands of people are facing this reality,” he said.

In relation to Newstart, Catholic Social Services Australia supports a proposal to take decisions around welfare payments out of politicians' hands altogether.

“If the major parties are going to put supporting the most vulnerable in the 'too hard' basket or kick the can down the road, let an independent commission determine the rates at which various welfare payments can allow people to live a dignified life,” Mr Zabar said.

“The lack of a living wage clearly shows that even working people are vulnerable to poverty while everyone from the trade unions to the big business lobby acknowledges that

It is a very important function of the Catholic Church to argue in this space for an increase to both the minimum wage and Newstart Newstart is completely inadequate and even a barrier to employment.”

Despite this reality, Federal Minister for Social Services, Anne Ruston, said again last month the Coalition government had no plans to boost the Newstart payment.

“You’ve probably heard it a million times and you’re going to hear it a million again — the best form of welfare is a job,” Ms Ruston said.

Todd Dagwell is a contributor to Aurora

Education

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Bringing virtual ideas to life

BY AMY THEODORE

Ever dream of watching the Sydney Swans or the Australian cricket team take the field regularly right here in Newcastle?

Well Rohan Power from St Joseph’s Primary School, East Maitland has been working hard to make it a possibility.

Rohan, a year 6 student, is a member of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic School’s Office Gifted Education K-12 strategy. The program aims to assist schools in providing high-ability students with appropriate learning opportunities to realise their full potential.

A major aspect of the program is the Virtual Academy, which provides a flexible online platform that can be accessed 24-hours-a-day and gives students units of work that go beyond what is provided in the classroom.

As part of their work, students in the academy are tasked with completing a research project where they can choose either a local or a global issue and then design a solution that would make a positive impact on their community.

Inspired by his love of sport, Rohan focused on making professional AFL and cricket games more accessible to people outside of capital cities. His solution was to design a new stadium for the Hunter capable of hosting professional sporting events.

Rohan began by distributing a survey asking AFL fans if they were already a member of a club, if they currently travelled to Sydney for games and if they would like to see professional games played locally. Rohan even wrote directly to the AFL administration asking about participation rates in Canberra in order to compare a similar-sized area to the Hunter.

With research in hand, Rohan chose No 1 Sportsground Newcastle West as a suitable location for his new stadium due to its proximity to public transport, its heritage value, its current position within a sporting precinct and the ample space available for development.

Rohan then conducted further research into other essential features such as a media room, first aid room, lighting, toilets and wheelchair access.

For an element of originality, Rohan also added a “leisure zone” — a family friendly food and activity area that would provide before and after-match entertainment — a museum, water bottle recycling system and a smartphone app that could be downloaded to watch close-ups and replays.

Rohan says he has found the Virtual Academy a fun experience and has enjoyed having something new and different to work on.

Time capsule lost and found A time capsule buried in 1988 at St Paul’s Primary School, Gateshead was lost until two of the parents that buried it, returned to the scene 31 years later.

Stephen Vidot and Graham Pritchard, respectively former Parents and Friends president and secretary, had a vested interest in the capsule they had helped bury in 1988, and dropped into the school to see if it had been dug up.

The school had tried to find the time capsules location in 2013 but failed.

Mr Pritchard was “thrilled” to be able to lead the staff to the correct location.

“Both Stephen and I knew where it was, so it took us no more than 10 minutes and we located it,” Mr Pritchard said. “The school thought it was buried on the other side of the flagpole towards the rose garden, which would have been under a concrete gutter. But we knew it wasn’t, and located it very quickly, much to the delight of the principal and staff.”

Rohan Power is a part of the Virtual Academy Program.

style of learning, discovery, planning and self-directed learning. This has boosted his confidence to work on tasks outside of his favourite areas of maths and geography.”

“I have learnt about recognising the different types of patterns in our world and I have also learnt to use many new types of technology,” said Rohan.

“The Virtual Academy helped me with learning how to research and explore a topic more thoroughly and I learnt more about collecting and analysing data and problem-solving skills.”

Rohan’s mother, Vanessa, has noticed positive changes in Rohan’s regular schoolwork as a result of his participation in the academy.

“He often would find creative thinking tasks a bit challenging and preferred the mathematics and science tasks where the answers were more black and white,” she said. “With this project, he has certainly been encouraged to think more deeply and broadly.

“At first he was a little apprehensive about the workload, but soon came to enjoy the

BY BROOKE ROBINSON

Once the capsule was located, principal Greg Cumming set plans in place to dig it up on the feast day of St Paul, one of the biggest days on the school’s calendar.

“We celebrate St Paul’s feast day every year, as he is our patron saint and we try and model ourselves not just on Jesus, but on St Paul,” Mr Cumming said. “He’s got a great story. He was a traveller who shared God’s word and that’s what we want our kids to do.”

Mr Pritchard and Mr Vidot recovered the time capsule in July in front of school students and staff. This was followed by a liturgy, which included displaying the items from the capsule.

Inside the 1988 time capsule was a copy of the Newcastle Herald and The Catholic Education Reporter, a staff photograph, artwork and school patch.

Present at the excavation was Rowan Kelly, who had been in kindergarten when the time capsule was buried

The Gifted Education K-12 strategy is provided through a cluster program where primary and secondary schools within the same region work together to ensure these students are supported throughout their schooling life.

The participating schools are known as Gifted Education Lead Schools (GELs).

GELs identify gifted education as a part of their school improvement plan and demonstrate a motivation, willingness and commitment to implement gifted education across the curriculum.

Amy Theodore is a Marketing Officer for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

in 1988. He recalls that day. “I was one of the youngest ones sitting here watching it being buried,” he said. “I remembered what was in it. I told mum exactly what was in it and I was right.”

Three generations of Mr Kelly’s family were present at the unearthing including his mum Kathleen, now a teacher’s aide at the school, and his two daughters who are now students there. When asked what changes he had noticed at the school since that time, he said although there were many new buildings and resources, “it’s still the same caring place it was when I was a student”.

Mr Cumming said St Paul's was preparing for a building program and the school hoped to bury a new capsule in a year.

“I think it would be great for the school to bury another capsule — and remember where it is,” Mr Pritchard said with a laugh.

Brooke Robinson is Content Officer for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

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Education

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Mya Lobbi, Grace Sutton and Mia Ferguson, enjoying the new Stockton playground they helped design.

From little things, big things grow A double flying fox, climbing walls, rope swings, a roundabout swing, and a “wicked” skateboard and scooter track all located at a beautiful waterfront location.

Sounds like a kid’s paradise, which makes sense when you learn this recently opened playground at Stockton was designed from the ground up by primary school students.

When St Peter’s Primary School, Stockton students from Years 3 and 4 were tasked in 2016 with a Persuasive Writing class assignment on a topic about which they felt “passionate”, they chose not to focus only on themselves but the wider Stockton community.

Knowing that Stockton and Fern Bay were growing suburbs with many young families but minimal outdoor play areas, the students chose to write to Newcastle City Council about the need for a new playground facility.

Each student wrote their own letter, expressing different ideas on why the playground would be of benefit to the community. Great for health, exercise, business and socialising, students also noted that Stockton provided plenty of

open space with lovely ocean views and a ferry close by, making it the perfect location for a new play area.

representatives; students hosted an information session and presented their designs.

“Within three weeks of writing to council, the class were delighted to not only receive a response, but also a visit from the council’s landscape architect and manager of council infrastructure,” said former St Peter’s teacher Lisa York.

The final designs ensured the area was accessible for those with disabilities and featured picnic and barbecue facilities, an area for skateboarding and scooters, a sand play area, a roundabout swing, a double flying fox, climbing frames, rope swings and more.

“They thought the idea was fabulous and wanted to hear more,” Mrs York said.

“Who better to design a playground than children?”

During the following term as part of their science unit, Design & Make, the students used OneNote, Sway, PowerPoint and even Minecraft to create 3D digital playground models and share their designs.

Each week the class focused on different elements, including surveying the community, researching materials, exploring award-winning playgrounds around Australia and looking at landscape and environmental options.

At the end of term, an open classroom was held for families and council

Council landscape designers spoke to the students, explored their designs, took photos and asked for all of the projects to be emailed to Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, for her and her team to review.

After further consultation with the wider community, Cr Nelmes visited St Peter’s to announce the playground was going ahead.

Three years on and Cr Nelmes officially opened the Stockton Active Hub on 27 June, where she unveiled a plaque in commemoration of the collaborative effort of the St Peter’s students, honouring their wonderful ideas and efforts.

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic

BY AMY THEODORE

Schools Office, assistant director, Brian Lacey attended the event along with Mrs York and the 2016 students who are now in Years 6 and 7.

“School and community partnerships, as recognised in the National School Improvement Tool, are a key indicator of a successful school and this particular project certainly developed partnerships between the school, the local community and our council,” St Peter’s principal Michael Punch said.

“It was a wonderful learning experience for our students to see that their ideas were heard and that action was taken based on their suggestions. Having students involved in the community and in decision-making processes augurs well for their development as contributing citizens in the future.

“I congratulate the students, Mrs York and Newcastle Council for the completion of a project that has resulted in the development of a fabulous facility for our city.”

Amy Theodore is a Marketing Officer for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

News

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Counsellors need support too

BY TODD DAGWELL

Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) is calling on the state government to extend its public school funding boost for mental health support to all education sectors as counsellors report more young people presenting at school with “significant distress”.

The 2019 NSW budget handed down in June allocated $88.4 million for 100 new school counsellors and 350 extra support officers to provide mental health and wellbeing support — but only for students in public high schools.

CSNSW chief executive officer Dallas McInerney said this was an example of the government basing funding decisions on sector rather than need. “It is not only government schools that have needy students; non-government schools educate one in three NSW students, the vast majority from low and middle-income families where much of the disadvantage exists,” Mr McInerney said.

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools Office student wellbeing coordinator Emma Merlino said school counsellors employed by the Diocese worked directly with students and families, from kindergarten to year 12, counselling students, conducting educational and behavioural assessments, supporting

We know that the longer a person delays getting help and support the more difficult their recovery can be.

families and liaising with external services.

She said in terms of mental health, anxiety was among the most common reasons for referral. “A 2015 report by the Federal Department of Health found students with a mental health disorder miss a higher number of school days than their peers, are therefore more likely to have poor academic achievement, disengage from school and ultimately have greater difficulty adjusting to the adult workforce,” she said.

According to Ms Merlino, the NSW Coroner recommended in 2010 that there be one school counsellor for every 500 students but, despite an increase in recent years, the Catholic Schools Office Maitland-Newcastle was unable to meet this recommendation due to funding restraints, and students were at times left waiting.

“Sadly schools are seeing more young people presenting with significant distress including self-harm and suicidal thoughts,” Ms Merlino said. “Having more professional counsellors based in our schools would mean students who need additional help, be that due to poor mental health, difficulties with learning, family and other issues, will be more able to access early intervention and support.”

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle acting director of schools Gerard Mowbray said the Catholic Schools Office budgeted each year to incrementally increase the number of counsellors. “A decade ago, our goal was to provide a full-time counsellor for 1000 students. This ratio is now one counsellor per 800 students,” he said. “We will continue to prioritise annual improvements to this ratio.”

rural and metropolitan areas,” he said. “I call on the NSW government to extend these and other targeted programs to all sectors so that needy students receive support wherever they go to school.”

Mr Mowbray said it was now untenable not to offer these services.

“Increasing the number of specialist, well trained counsellors in Catholic schools would ensure that students have access to prevention programs and quality mental health support before problems become more serious,” she said.

CSNSW’s Mr McInerney said the principle of needs-based support demanded that counselling be available to all schools where necessary.

“Catholic schools educate students from all socio-economic backgrounds in both

Sleepout raises much needed funds The 2019 Vinnies CEO Sleepout Newcastle raised over $181,000 for homeless services across the Hunter.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle was represented by Niamh Marzol, principal of St Catherine’s College, Singleton, and Bryn Hoskins, young adult services manager at CatholicCare, who took part in the event at McDonald Jones Stadium on June 20.

The pair were joined by 53 CEO’s and 8 executive teams who slept out in the cold on cardboard to raise awareness and funds to assist the homeless.

In Newcastle the top five fundraisers were John Kell, Hicksons Lawyers, who won the Highest Fundraiser Award with $15,421, Will Wright, Douglas Partners, $11,916, Adam Boyle of Pegasus $11,899, Simon Linge, Bradken, $9,333 and Trish Sellars, Think Solutions Cleaning, $8612.

The top ten CEO’s raised an amazing

BY TODD DAGWELL

$90,409, nearly half of the combined total raised. Executive teams on the night included Hicksons Lawyers, ATO Newcastle, ANZ Newcastle & Central Coast, Castle Personnel, SDA Newcastle, Healthe Care, Compass Housing and Team Talbot from the Matthew Talbot Homeless Service.

More than 116,000 people in Australia are currently experiencing homelessness; 14% of this number are aged under 12 and 39% under 25 years of age.

Over a third of Australians experiencing homelessness are based here in NSW. Across Australia, the National Campaign aimed to raise $7m and is currently at $7,887,469 from 11 CEO Sleepout events. In NSW the three events in Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle combined to raise a staggering $2.4 million. Registrations for the June 2020 event kick off on August 1 2019. www.ceosleepout.org.au

Niamh Marzol and Bryn Hoskins

Ms Merlino said Catholic school students were just as likely to be impacted by social and emotional issues as the next student.

Todd Dagwell is a contributor to Aurora

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Campus chaplains open up the world

Community

The Catholic Society at the University of Newcastle.

BY REV CAMILLUS CHINENYE NWAHIA

As a newly arrived international student at the University of Newcastle a few years ago, I was not immediately aware of the presence of chaplains on campus. I came to know about the chaplaincy after I visited the university medical clinic some weeks after my arrival. After some questioning, the doctor told me I was not actually sick.

She said I was going through emotional and physical stress, and she referred me to the chaplaincy centre.

Here I met a team of fun and friendly men and women who introduced me to some social groups and helped me integrate into university and Australian society. The chaplains helped me deal with some of my issues, which included but were not limited to, integration and enculturation. At first I only spoke to Catholic chaplains, but as I visited often, I made friends with chaplains from other faiths.

Chaplaincy became for me a home far from home, a place I could relax, have a cup of tea and interact with loving people who care about safety and spirituality of life. It is a place where everyone feels welcome and has a safe space to “chill”. We do not proselytise, rather, as chaplains we organise students of similar faith to come together to support each other and learn more about their faith.

Students of various faiths also gather as a group some days for social times, meals, spiritual sharing and to also learn how to live out and express their faith. As Catholic chaplains, we have our own faith community called “Catholic Society”. In a recent Catholic Society meeting we had as a topic: What do I do to show I am Catholic and why I am still a Catholic?

Our society members are diverse, and this was an opportunity to share their faith: how they came to the Catholic faith and why they are still living the faith.

With students from more than five countries and three

continents, it was great to hear these young people express their faith. About 60 per cent of our students affirmed they are what we call “Credo Catholics”, which simply means being born into a Catholic family. The others grew to embrace the faith through some personal encounters. Some of our students only embraced the faith after arriving in Australia to study, which for me is fascinating. In a society where it is easier to lose faith than to find it, our young people are still coming to faith here, which shows not all hope is lost.

We received some beautiful answers to the first part of the question: What do I do to show I am a Catholic? “I care for kids, attend Mass,” said one student. “It makes great meaning to go to Mass … the Church makes a lot of sense to me … I have not found anything better than being part of a community of faith united in the sacrifice of the Mass … this is so powerful to me.” Another student, also a Credo Catholic, said: “I volunteer, go to Mass, help and watch kids, grow, support and encourage people, help to nurture the faith of the young people and teach them by my example.”

In a different scenario, we heard from a student who comes from a country where it is difficult to practice one’s faith. According to this student: “In my country, it’s not easy to express one’s faith, however I try to live a good Christian life by being charitable and loving. It is a personal thing in my country, and I try to be nice and love people, which is a mark of being a Catholic.”

Answering the second part of the question, our students emphasised they are still Catholics because of the rich

In a society where it is easier to lose faith than to find it, our young people are still coming to faith here, which shows not all hope is lost.

history and traditions found in the Church. Many said those who know more about the Catholic faith such as bishops, priests, deacons and their godparents had helped them. One of the students was very particular about the sacrament of reconciliation. According to her “there is no better feeling than coming out of sacrament of reconciliation knowing I am loved and forgiven. Honest with Christ about my failings and shortcomings, knowing I have been forgiven.” Other responses were “continuous growth and learning is always part of why I am still a Catholic”, “I have been to other faith communities and saw how they worship”, “no church is perfect”, and “I don’t know the reason why I am still a Catholic, but I am happy being there and emotionally attached to it”.

Going by these interactions, we can see that not all hope is lost. We are lucky to find ourselves in an environment where we have the freedom to express our faith and live it out without being intimidated or afraid. If people young and old want to dress like their celebrity or sports-star role models, those of us who follow Christ should not be afraid or intimidated to show that he is our model.

That’s exactly some of the things we learn at the Catholic Society.

Rev Camillus Chinenye Nwahia is University Chaplain and Priest at Wallsend - Shortland.

Community

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Compassionate student connects with his servant heart

BY BROOKE ROBINSON It is not every day you come across a young man such as Tallas Lynch. The 18-year-old spends Saturday afternoons once a month handing out food packages in Islington Park. He is a Year 12 student at St Francis Xavier High School, Hamilton (SFX), and volunteers with the Development and Relief Agency (DARA).

For Tallas, volunteering is all about connecting.

Growing up in Mayfield, he would see homeless or disadvantaged people walking the streets. Through DARA, he watched SFX staff and volunteers sit beside these people and treat them with “compassion, interest and equality”.

“It was interesting trying to make those connections with limited English,” he said.

“Lessons can be a little bit boring for the teenage blokes, so it is good to connect through our shared interest of soccer.

Hopefully in the near future we’ll get to play a game together.”

Tallas has enjoyed expanding his friendships, especially with those he wouldn’t normally have had an opportunity to get to know. With the refugees, he has been trying to get an understanding of what they have faced before coming to Australia, and has realised despite their challenges, “that all these blokes are exactly the same as me”.

Tallas has now made those same connections, and believes society would benefit if all those in need were treated with the same care.

Tallas was encouraged to volunteer by DARA’s project liaison officer, John Sandy, who spoke at his school. He sees Mr Sandy as a role model who has influenced more people than he realises.

“With DARA, I help prepare food, but it varies from week to week,” Tallas said. “I might be making coffee one day or I might be on the barbecues. Usually I’m down with a couple of the blokes chatting and handing out the food packages.”

“I want to give a compliment to John,” Tallas said. “His moral integrity is pretty amazing and he has had a big influence on us as young people to live by our values and really have a servant heart.”

Tallas has also begun helping with English lessons at DARA’s Refugee Hub in Mayfield. Refugees of all ages attend weekly lessons to improve their English skills and make connections.

Tallas has enjoyed many benefits from volunteering and wants to encourage other young people to give it a go.

“It’s really easy as a young person to stick with your own habits and own lifestyle

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL PERTH AUSTRALIA 2019 8 -10 December REGISTRATION CLOSES 19 AUGUST Visit: https://bit.ly/32QUVQn

Tallas Lynch (centre) at Refugee Week celebrations at DARA.

and we can get really comfortable, a little bit too comfortable,” he said “The most rewarding thing about it is the experience of engaging with new people, people you wouldn’t normally get to cross paths with.

“This will sound selfish, but it also has a personal reward as well. Being able to get out and serve and have a sense of compassion, it really does do something for you as an individual. It’s that twofold benefit.”

The world is a brighter place with people like Tallas, so here’s hoping other young people take up that challenge.

To find out more about volunteering with DARA, go to www.dara.org.au

Brooke Robinson is Content Officer for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

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Struggling students benefit from breakfast

Community

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Pastor Rick Prosser, MSN chairman Jon Chin and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the prayer breakfast.

BY LIZZIE SNEDDEN

“Seek the welfare of the city … and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 Established a decade ago with the purpose of acknowledging God, the power of prayer and to invite the blessing of God over the City of Newcastle and its people, the Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast has now become one of the city’s largest annual civic events.

Rick Prosser, one of the founding group of Newcastle ministers in 2009, describes the breakfast as being a powerful time that elevates common values benefiting our community.

“The commitment of so many to gather together reflects the willing ability of civic, church, business and community leadership to journey together in a God-

honouring way that shapes the future of generations to come,” Mr Prosser said.

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Each year, the lord mayor chooses a charitable organisation as the beneficiary of a collaborative donation made possible by long-term supporters of the annual breakfast event.

MSN chairman Jon Chin acknowledged the support of the lord mayor and the other sponsors. “It is a valuable contribution that will assist the continued work of the network, and importantly, young people in our region,” Mr Chin said.

Cr Nuatali Nelmes this year chose the Mentor Support Network (MSN) because of its ability to provide students with access to scholarships and support that furthers their education endeavours. The MSN was announced as the recipient in front of a crowd of more than 400 people representing more than 100 organisations including the Catholic

The MSN provides scholarships to young people committed to achieving their educational goals, but who lack the financial means necessary to obtain basic resources. An MSN Educational Scholarship allows recipients to pay for items such as computers, course materials, uniforms, reading glasses and excursion fees. MSN has also

Plenary council Phase 1 report released The plenary council facilitation team has had a busy July during which it released snapshot reports of its themes for discernment. After receiving and analysing submissions from more than 222,000 people throughout Australia, discerned themes will guide the plenary council 2020 agenda.

A comprehensive report of the findings

from Phase 1: Listening and dialogue, can be viewed on the plenary council website, plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au.

The Bishops Commission for the plenary council has also sought applications for volunteers to join discernment and writing groups. Each group will focus on a theme and be involved in sustained theological reflection in order to discern and plan for plenary council 2020.

orchestrated the Refugee Student Education Program, a pilot scheme with the aim of allowing refugee students to flourish within their school setting no matter their background.

In its 11-year history the Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast has shared more than $92,000, and former beneficiaries include Zara’s House, DALE Young Parents School, Girl Friday, Hunter Women’s Centre, Grainery Care, CityServe, Christians Against Poverty, World Vision, Soul Café and Food 4 Life (Baptist Care).

Lizzie Snedden is the Team Leader Content for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

BY BROOKE ROBINSON

In our Diocese, Director of Pastoral Ministries, Teresa Brierley, has been writing about each theme in her weekly mnnews.today column Tuesdays with Teresa. She is inviting everyone to “sit with the themes”.

“To listen to the voice of the Spirit and each other in discerning what we are being asked to do in our parish, in our Diocese, within the national church and

throughout the universal church.

This is a blessed time for us to seize, reimagine and recreate,” Mrs Brierley said.

Go to www.mnnews.today for more information and reflections on the themes.

Brooke Robinson is Content Officer for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

CareTalk

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How do I give support through health issues?

My husband has been experiencing deteriorating health over the past few years due to a variety of medical conditions. Life has become more difficult for him and I am now concerned about his mental health. He seems to have withdrawn from friends and family over the past few months and I believe he has become depressed.

How do I raise this with him and support him in seeking help?

CatholicCare’s Assistant Director and registered psychologist Tanya Russell, addresses an issue each month.

The advice provided is general in nature and does not replace ongoing support and advice from your health professional.

To talk to someone about counselling support, call CatholicCare P 4979 1172 or

You have taken the first important step in supporting your husband and that is recognising that something has changed for him. Dealing with the effects of physical conditions can be exhausting and it is understandable that some people may also experience a mental health issue such as depression.

Consider the following when approaching your husband about your concerns:

Lifeline 24/7 on P 131 114.

ff Prepare for your conversation beforehand and what you might say if your husband admits to feeling low or depressed; or if, despite your concerns, he denies there is a problem.

Do you have a question for Tanya?

ff Begin the conversation by letting your husband know that you are worried about him because you have seen changes in him over the past few months — describe the changes in terms of behaviours, such as social withdrawal, and things he may have said. You do not need to say “you seem depressed” as this can be quite confronting for some people, especially if they do not identify their symptoms or behaviours in this way.

Email your question to aurora@mn.catholic.org.au or write to Aurora-CareTalk PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300.

ff To describe emotional changes, you could use terms such as “low mood”, “irritable” or “snappy” but focus on the changes you have seen, also verbalising that “this is not like you”. ff If you find your husband is resistant to discussing emotions or changes in mood, you can express concern about some of the physical symptoms that could be associated with depressed mood. This could be a less direct way of admitting that something has changed and may encourage willingness to seek further support.

You could talk about changes in sleep patterns, appetite, increased fatigue and any other physical symptom you have noticed that could be connected to mood. ff If your husband willingly opens up about his emotions, let him know you are available to talk with him about his feelings anytime, but you would also like to support him in talking to a professional about how he feels. This may be a counsellor or his GP. ff If your husband seems unwilling to discuss emotions but admits to experiencing physical changes, you

could suggest you both make an appointment with the GP to review his symptoms. It is important to see a GP who either has a good reputation for acting on mental health concerns or a GP who knows you and your husband well and will pick up on this as an issue. Your husband may be more willing to accept advice from his GP than anyone else initially, especially if this GP is looking after his physical medical conditions.

There is a chance that despite your expressed concerns, your husband may not be ready to acknowledge that something is wrong. You can only raise your concerns and let him know you will support him. It can be frustrating but it is up to your husband to take the next step.

If you don’t initially succeed, you could confide in a trusted friend or relative, or even his treating GP and see if they would be willing to talk to your husband about his mental health. Good luck, be patient, keep trying and also, look after yourself too.

For further information, please call CatholicCare on 4979 1120.

Come home to Calvary.

As your aged care needs change, Calvary is there.

Independent Living | Residential Aged Care | In Home Care Services

1800 222 000

calvarycare.org.au

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Restoration projects benefit from research

BY DARRELL CROKER

A compelling documentary explicitly exposing the angst and aspirations of birth parents whose children are in foster care debunks the stereotypes attached to such situations. But it also implicitly begs questions around the pressure of those taking on the responsibility.

Birth Parents, Real Questions and Answers is available on the CatholicCare website and comes on the back of similar documentaries the agency created with young people who have been in care, and foster carers themselves. It is riveting, and among other things delves into the birth parent relationship with foster carers.

CatholicCare’s operations manager, Maryanne Kerrins, understands the situation from all angles.

“The point is not to make any assumptions about the parents whose children come into care,” she said. “Our experience is we see a fairly broad range of families with the common factor being socio-economic disadvantage. Often this disadvantage is brought about by substance misuse.”

In November 2015, the NSW government commissioned an independent review of the state’s out-of-home care system.

Increasing numbers of children were coming into care, and many of them were experiencing very poor outcomes. They were under-represented in educational and employment achievements and over-represented in teen pregnancy and juvenile justice data. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were disproportionally represented in the number of children coming into care.

Children over an average of 12 years in care also experienced a large number of placement disruptions, moving from one carer household to another. “It was something like six or eight,” Ms Kerrins said. “We have to do something different.

It’s not the fault of carers. We just need to offer a whole lot more education and raise awareness. Culturally it can be so foreign for all involved.”

NSW Family and Community Services has communicated a clear direction

to all Permanency Support Program providers that they make the restoration of families their top priority when exploring permanency options for children in care.

“CatholicCare wholeheartedly supports this position,” Ms Kerrins said. “It is our belief that the best outcomes for children are achieved when they are returned to their birth families, when it is safe for this to occur. The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care will always be our first priority, but we make every effort to support them in being returned to their family or to have a meaningful ongoing relationship with them.”

This in itself can raise challenges for those wanting to support and foster. They not only commit to raising a child, they also commit to some type of contact with the birth parents with potentially a view to restoration.

“Understanding the impact of trauma is the biggest change taking place,” Ms Kerrins said. “Historically we didn’t know much about it. Raising a child that hasn’t been impacted by trauma is a very different experience to raising one who has been exposed to layers of trauma.

We didn’t know how trauma impacts the brain, and how to respond to and repair that. It needs intense and very consistent work and needs to be considered in a very different way. Parenting has to be very different and we didn’t understand that very well historically.”

In the past, carers were recruited without adequate information or education about trauma, which often made things difficult. “We have different tools now for placement matching,” Ms Kerrins said.

“I’m confident as time goes on we are getting better at that. Better at recruiting, better at matching and better at training around trauma-informed parenting for foster carers and for birth parent alike.”

Still the apprehension remains for birth parents trying to get to a stage where they can have their children returned. As the documentary highlights, the parents want their children in care to know they love them and have never given up on them.

“We can document what birth parents have done,” said Ms Kerrins. “ We can give the children a life-story document.

We can tell their children the lengths their birth parents went to get to a position for their return. Sometimes it doesn’t work out but the children need to know that their parents tried their best to make the needed changes. That is an important message for any child to hear — that their parents gave it their best shot.”

Community

Sarah Reynolds is featured in CatholicCare's documentary Birth Parents, Questions and Answers.

As such, CatholicCare needs carers prepared for a long and sometimes tough road, willing to invest time and energy into understanding the impacts of trauma on children, and who understand the importance of connection with birth family.

Darrell Croker is a contributor to Aurora

Superannuation

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

The steps to an early retirement

BY AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC SUPERANNUATION

No matter how much you love your work, chances are you’re also thinking about the life you want in retirement.

Early retirement is an achievable dream.

There are, however, some things you’ll likely need to do to ensure that it’s not just a financially feasible future, but a comfortable one as well.

Here are the five things you should consider if you want to retire early.

Things to know: when can I access my super?

You can access your super after you reach your preservation age. Depending on when you were born, it’s between ages 55 and 60.

Things to know: how much do I need to retire?

The short (if unsatisfying) answer is that it depends entirely on the kind of life you want to live in retirement. Want to travel a lot? You’ll need more than if you plan to stay close to home.

That said, assuming you own your home, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates you will need about $43,000 per year ($61,000 for a couple) to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

One good place to focus is on paying down the biggest debt most people ever have — the mortgage.

3. Take advantage of your super There are tax benefits to using your superannuation account that may mean your dollar can stretch further both now and in the future. Pre-tax contributions are taxed at 15% and withdrawals aren’t taxed once you reach age 60.

Comfortable is a great goal, but if you’re thinking about retiring early you might want more. It’s doable, but it’ll take some planning. Here’s what you should consider to help make it a reality.

1. Get a plan

You can also put after-tax money into super, up to $100,000 with the ability to bring forward up to $300,000 in a single year. This can be a good way to maximise the proceeds from a home sale or inheritance.

Having goals is a great way to start planning for retirement, but you also need a plan for the small steps along the way. A financial adviser can help you address your debt and expenses while maximising your income and savings.

The money you put in super is invested and may earn a rate of return significantly higher than a standard savings account.

2. Save more, spend less Retiring early means you’re going to need more money, and sooner. Your focus should be on making the most of every dollar, whether that means paying down debts or putting it into your super.

4. Budget for your life in retirement Knowing how much you’ll need comes down to what you want to do in retirement. What will be your ongoing expenses, like food and utilities? What kind of one-off payments do you foresee, like trips, purchasing a caravan or renovating your kitchen?

Early retirement is an achievable dream. There are, however, some things you’ll likely need to do to ensure that it’s not just a financially feasible future, but a comfortable one as well.

Also, factor in future healthcare and aged-care costs. Things can get more expensive as you age.

5. Make your money work for you How your money is invested can have a significant impact on how much you will have in the future. Keeping your savings in a bank account will keep it accessible, but the return will likely be lower. Having a holistic strategy can be extremely useful in having liquid capital for now without sacrificing growth potential.

You don’t have to go it alone.

Having a solid plan for your retirement is the best way to achieve your goals, whatever they may be. Our financial advisers can help you look at all of your options and find the best path for you.

Let’s have a chat about making your dreams a reality. Call us on 1300 658 776 or speak with your local Australian Catholic Superannuation representative about what we can do for you.

There are plenty of other ways to get your questions answered, including our local call centre or live chat through our website, catholicsuper.com.au.

*The information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances, needs, fees or taxes. You should assess your own financial situation and consult a financial adviser or tax adviser, if required.

Need help to plan your super?

We can help. Our phone-based advice service offers members clear and concise personal advice on four specific topics.

A qualified adviser can provide personal recommendations for you on: The most tax-effective way to build your super

How to protect your income

via salary sacrifice and personal contributions.

and your family with insurance through Australian Catholic Superannuation.

Which investment option/s may be right for you.

Investing with non-super money.

Simple and straight forward financial advice over the phone can start you on the right track to achieving your super goals and help build towards the future.

Call us on 1300 658 776 to book an appointment

Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Townsville

PO Box 656 Burwood, NSW 1805

e fundoffice@catholicsuper.com.au

w www.catholicsuper.com.au

W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A - M A G A Z I N E

Alumni

19

A life devoted to learning

BY BRITTANY GONZALEZ Gerard Mowbray assumed the position of acting director of Catholic Schools in September 2018, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the church and its school system.

Schools and systems of schools are multifaceted, diverse environments and Mr Mowbray works alongside 3500 teaching and support staff in 57 Catholic schools teaching 19,600 students.

There is no questioning his deep passion and commitment to the learning, formation and wellbeing of young people.

Which Catholic school/s did you attend?

St Columban’s Primary School, Mayfield (K-6), Hamilton Marists Brothers (Years 7-9) and then St Clement’s, Galong, for four years to complete my secondary education. This school was a Juniorate for the Redemptorist Priests for students contemplating the priesthood.

I left Galong at the end of Year 12 and attended Newcastle University.

Catholic schools provide a spiritual framework, a values and moral framework from which to shape their adult lives.

Gerard Mowbray is the acting director of the Catholic Diocese Maitland-Newcastle, Catholic Schools Office.

Why did your parents choose Catholic school/s for you?

When I attended, Catholic schools were incredibly tribal. For a Catholic parent there was a deep commitment to support Catholic schools, and only Catholics attended, unlike today. Attending was part of ensuring we understood and remained deeply loyal to the Catholic tribe. There was a great barrier between Catholics and the “Proddos” (Protestants) who attended government schools.

You have experienced the Catholic education system as a student, a teacher, a principal, an assistant director and now acting director.

What changes have you noticed?

This year marks the 43rd year I have worked in Catholic schools. In so many ways the schools of today are unrecognisable from four decades ago, and I say, thankfully so. In particular I note: ff class sizes are smaller ff all staff are lay people ff pay and conditions of staff has significantly improved ff resourcing is significant, with strong government funding for Catholic schools ff the internet has transformed learning ff the nature of physical spaces and furniture has been revolutionised ff mainstream schools now, thankfully, cater for students with a wide range of learning needs and disabilities

ff learning is not so much about content as about skills students need ff schools are much more studentcentred and future-focused ff the manner in which we shape, support and discipline students are very much about building emotionally strong and resilient young adults, not blindly compliant students.

I see these changes for the good of our young people.

What do you think are the benefits of Catholic education?

I believe Catholic schools serve their students magnificently. Interestingly, in this Diocese 30% of students in Catholic schools are other than Catholic. Why do parents seek Catholic schools in growing numbers in this Diocese? I have never witnessed nor ever supported Catholic schools ramming religion into our young people. Over four decades I have seen young people benefit richly from a holistic education that not only supports their cognitive, emotional, physical and psychological growth, but also attends to their spiritual nourishment. Catholic schools provide a spiritual framework, a values and moral framework from which to shape their adult lives.

gave it back to teachers in assessment.

There is a huge shift away from learning content for content’s sake. Our subjects will still have content, but we are ever so much more conscious of the world our young people will enter and the skill set they will rely on — uniquely human skills like creativity, team work, problem solving, service, collaboration, care for others and conflict resolution. We have a far more balanced approach to not just learning content, but a sophisticated skill set that sits behind the content. Thankfully, too, students in our schools who have all manner of needs and challenges are welcomed and supported in a much more inclusive environment.

Is faith a big part of your life? If yes, how has it helped?

Faith is fundamental to the person I am.

I have a deep and strong relationship with Jesus. Daily prayer and meditation are critical to my day — I am a great fan of walking meditation. I love a predawn walk, which focuses on my daily prayer and reflecting on what is valuable in my day. I have recently completed a Masters of Theology with distinction, which greatly nurtured my intellectual faith life. However, the basis of my faith life is measured by my every action in the minutiae of life.

What excites you about the future of education?

What advice do you have for educators just starting out?

Many people will recall their education as content-oriented. We learnt “stuff” and

There are three things vital for our fine young people beginning their careers.

Gerard as the Assistant Principal at St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen in 1986.

First, know why you work in education — no less today than the day I started.

I am deeply motivated by a love of young people and a commitment to their learning, formation and wellbeing.

Second, you have three priorities before anything else: relationships, relationships and relationships. Get this right and the rest will follow. Third, remember being an educator isn’t an easy gig, it is challenging and will have its hurdles, but it is the most rewarding career you’ll ever have. Helping shape the life of a young person is a privilege.

Brittany Gonzalez is a Communications Co-ordinator for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Social

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Faces and places in our Diocese ASPIRE doing "Good Deeds" Members of the ASPIRE cast launched the 2019 production, 365 Questions, Issues and Good Deeds, with a preview performance at St John’s Villa in New Lambton. See photos of the production on mnnews. today.

Emma McNamara, Tony Chapple and Katie Matthews

Edna Pattison and Conner Langley

Sarah Austin and Iris Cryer

Leila Kelly, Pauline Lee and Phoebe Clarence

Venton Harding and Angus O’Connor

Betty Robbards and Annie McLoughlin

Bonny Roberts and Dianne Langham

Lawrie Hallinan and Sheikh Mohamed Hamed

Forugh Dorani, Sharon Claydon and Fr Andrew Eaton

NAIDOC Week Service Yidaki (didgeridoo) and clapping sticks welcomed the crowd arriving at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle West for the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle’s Sunday Service that kicked off NAIDOC week.

The service reflected on this year’s powerful theme “Voice.

Treaty. Truth – Let us work together for a shared future”.

Term investments with the CDF offer a way to invest while also supporting the Catholic community.

Earn a competitive rate of interest, while choosing the timeframes that are right for you. Choose from 3, 6 or 12 month options.

For more information about our services, including our Terms and Conditions. Freecall 1800 810 330 or visit www.cdfmn.com.au Investments with Catholic Development Fund (CDF) are guaranteed by Bishop William Wright, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle Diocese and CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the CDF rather than with a profit oriented commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. The CDF is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The CDF is also exempt from the normal requirements to have a disclosure statement or Product Disclosure Statement under the Corporations Act 2001(Cth).

Neither CDF nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Contributions to CDF do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959. CDF is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Diocese.

W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A - M A G A Z I N E

What’s on

21

For your diary

Community Noticeboard Walking together LGBTIQ Catholics, their family, friends and their sisters and brothers in faith discuss the LGBTIQ perspective and creating a Church for all. Sunday 18 August, 1-3.30pm. Toohey Room, 841 Hunter Street Newcastle West. For further information contact Lawrie on 0419 447 217 or lah.yallourn@gmail.com Blessing of our land As an expression of the Tri-Diocesan Covenant between the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle and the Catholic Dioceses of Maitland-Newcastle and Broken Bay, the Catholic and Anglican Parishes of the Kurri Kurri and Cessnock areas invite people of all Christian churches, and those who do not belong to any religious group, to this liturgy and picnic.

Please arrive at 11.30am for 12.30pm on Sunday 25 August at Pokolbin Community Hall, 128 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, in the beautiful vineyards of the Hunter Valley.

Beginning with an Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony, the liturgy will last about 30 minutes and we will give thanks for the blessings bestowed on us over the past 12 months, acknowledge our sins, pray for what we need and invoke God’s blessing on our land. A shared picnic lunch will follow. BYO everything. Activities will be provided for the children.

Sunrise by the Sea breakfast Sunrise by the Sea breakfast will be hosted on Friday 30 August 2019, 6.30am, at Merewether Surfhouse. We will be supporting the beautiful land of Papua New Guinea and celebrating the medical and training work of YWAM Ships Newcastle while enjoying great food and some entertainment surprises.

Email Youth With A Mission events@ ywamnow.com.

Is there anti-religious sentiment in Australia?

Australians take pride in being a multicultural society, but are we today displaying signs of intolerance towards religion?

The Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Council invite you to an event discussing this important topic. Panel members from various faiths will take part.

• Ruth Jacobs — Jewish • Teresa Brierley — Christian • Farooq Rah — Muslim Join us on Thursday 22 August from 6.30pm-9pm at MacKillop Pastoral Centre Function Room, 7 Milson St, Charlestown.

A light supper will be served. For catering purposes, please RSVP to Jenny Harris, email jenny.harris@mn.catholic.org.au or phone 4979 1111.

Marriage and Relationship Education Course — FOCCUS, Toohey Room, Newcastle, 28 October and 4 November.

5.15-7.30pm, (session three to be confirmed).

Before We Say I Do, 22 and 23 November, Toohey Room, Newcastle. Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm.

We also have a wait list for our Bringing Baby Home workshop, which assists couples transition to parenthood. FOCCUS Individual sessions by appointment only.

For further information on all our courses please contact Robyn Donnelly, 4979 1370, or rdonnelly@catholiccare.org.au.

Couples are advised to attend a course about four months before their wedding.

Book early, as some courses are very popular. Before We Say I Do is a group program held on Friday evenings and Saturdays, as advertised, and the FOCCUS group program is three Mondayevening sessions.

Before We Say I Do, 23 and 24 August, Toohey Room, Newcastle. Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm.

For more events please visit mn.catholic.org.au

3

Communion Rite Guidance Exploration 10.30am at Parish Hall, 33 Lake Street Forster

3

DCMYP Thread Day at 1pm at 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West

5

Pints With A Purpose at 6.30pm at Northern Star Hotel, Beaumont St, Hamilton

8

Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

9

Day of Prayer and Reflection with Bishop Bill, 9am, 31 Vista Parade, Kotara

15

Feast of Assumption

18

Walking together (see opposite)

22

Interfaith Dialogue - "Is there anti-religious sentiment in Australia?" (see opposite)

Marriage and relationship education courses 2019 Marriage education is a vital part of planning for a life partnership. CatholicCare offers a selection of courses for married and soon-to-be married couples.

August

Stay up to date with news from across the Diocese mnnews.today

23

Spirit in the snow trip

23

Before we say I do (see opposite)

25

Blessing of our Land (see opposite)

mnnews.today

29

with Bishop Bill, 9am, 140 Wangi Road, Toronto

/mnnewstoday 30

Sunrise by the Sea breakfast (see opposite)

@mnnewstoday 31

@mnnewstoday

Day of Prayer and Reflection

Communion Rite Guidance Exploration 10am, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West

For the latest news & events in our Diocese You can download the Diocese phone, iPad or tablet app here

Last Word

22

A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Book Review I'm Australian Too

BY ELISA EDMONDS

My family came from Russia back in 1948.

How about you? My family escaped a wartorn country in the hope for a better life.

How about you? My Grandpa built a home in Cardiff? How about you?

The children in I’m Australian Too have origins from countries such as Ireland, Italy, Greece, England, Lebanon, Vietnam, Somalia, Afghanistan and Syria. The similarities of these places are referred to.

Last year, I had the great pleasure of meeting one of my childhood idols, Mem Fox. I felt such anticipation waiting in line to talk to the author of books such as Possum Magic, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, and Where is the Green Sheep?

One child’s family decided to “live in Adelaide because it’s so like Greece”.

Colloquialisms such as “g’day mate” and “mob” are used, giving the book an inclusive, Aussie feel while being respectful to indigenous Australians.

I’m Australian Too is another of Fox’s books.

It’s about identity. It portrays different children’s voices and their family’s journey to Australia. Children speak of where they have come from and who is in their family.

I’m Australian Too also touches on new and old immigrants. I imagine Mem Fox wants to challenge the adults who are reading this book to their children. It has a political message too and touches on the sensitive issue of a child arriving in Australia after their “boat capsized”, and another child who was a refugee and “not Australian yet”.

Fox herself embraces multiculturalism, having grown up in Africa.

“I made a lot of friends at school, and they were all Africans,” she said. “I could have felt very different. I didn't feel different. I didn't notice the colour of their skin, I didn't notice the colour of my skin, and I have remembered that all my life.”

My own identity is one of inclusion and acceptance. As a second-generation Australian, I had the experience of growing up in a multicultural extended family of both Dutch and Russian cultures. I’m Australian

Author Mem Fox signs Elisa Edmonds’ personal copy of I'm Australian Too

Too embraces this and unites Australians: “Together now we live in peace under the Southern Star.”

Elisa Edmonds is the director of St Nicholas Early Education Lochinvar.

Apple and Raspberry Bread St Nicholas, Raymond Terrace, is kindly sharing a recipe from its Community Kitchen cookbook. Assistant director Amelia Denton says the book is a collection of recipes cooked at the centre as a result of a partnership with the parents.

“We always have parents coming to the centre saying ‘Oh yum, that smells amazing.

What is it?’ So this is a way we can give them a recipe and they can serve it to their children at home,” Ms Denton said. In return, the parents like to share some of their home recipes. “This way we can promote the different cultures we have here at the centre through our meals and we can cook the children the food they love the best,” she said.

Parents of children enrolled at St Nicholas can ask for a copy of the cookbook.

Most St Nicholas Early Education centres provide a full service menu, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, prepared by cooks and enjoyed by children.

Dylan, Georgie, Ka

rlene, Joshua an

d Jax Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 8

Ingredients

Method

 130g butter

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy

 2 eggs (or substitute)

Add egg or substitute and beat well

 1 cup of sugar  2 cups of self-raising flour  ¾ cup of milk

Fold in dry ingredients then add milk Add apples, raspberries and mix

 1 tin of apples (385g)

Spoon mixture evenly into greased square tin

 150g frozen raspberries

Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C

Casual teachers

Every teacher shapes a life We are seeking casual teachers across our network of 57 Catholic Schools. Our schools are located in the Manning, Upper Hunter, Maitland, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions.

For more information call Rabecca on: 4979 1230.

www.mn.catholic.edu.au

Stages

1- 11

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14 Denton Park Drive, Maitland NSW 2320 | enquiries@signaturegardens.com.au | signaturegardens.com.au

Winner of the Hunter Aged Care & Disability Achievement Awards 2016 Retirement Village of the Year 27718