“THE STAR”, Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - PAGE 23
Jumping Schizophrenia barrier FORTY-THREE South Gippsland FOCAS members and supporters celebrated Schizophrenia Awareness Week with a lunch at the Wonthaggi Golf Club recently. FOCAS is a self help/mutual support group for people with mental health issues, their carers, family members and friends. It has been working successfully in Bass Coast Shire for the past six years and members like the positive approach that has seen many of them enjoying their lives to the full. FOCAS members believe they can accomplish
independence and a fulfilling life, and they have support from community agencies throughout the shire. There are numerous success stories and the mutual support they give and receive can work miracles. The group also has regular social outings and works hard at promoting mental health awareness. The Wonthaggi WHO (We Help Ourselves) group works closely with FOCAS and meets monthly at Mitchell House. It is an advocacy/ action group for people with a disability. For more information about FOCAS and the WHO group contact Nancy on 5674 4628 or Sue on 0403 693 234.
Chickens on the run KORUMBURRA Secondary College has had a few new pupils attending a Year 10 psychology class recently. Chickens that hatched recently are now picking up learnt behaviours from the students. Imprinting, as it is called, is the process of training the chickens to come when called or motioned by the students. The chicks respond to the voice and hand signals, due to a trust gained from students, which involved cuddling them for a while to gain familiarity. “Then we moved our
Bishop visits BISHOP Christopher Prowse visited St Laurence’s Primary School in Leongatha last Tuesday, to talk confirmation with Grade 6 students. Confirmation is the third of the sacraments, after Baptism and the Eucharist. The bishop put the question to the students, asking them what they thought confirmation was, what they felt it meant, and how it will change them. The children were prepared to answer, and impressed Bishop Prowse with their knowledge of the sacraments, and also the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The students, along with Bishop Prowse, decided that the most important gift was counsel, or right judgement, that will allow them to make clear decisions in the next few years.
Some Saints names featured were Patrick, Colette and Rose of Lima. The Bishop inquired about the students’ choices, why they chose the Saints and who they were. Bishop Prowse believes that Australians in this day and age can be very confused about religion, so it is important to learn about it while young. Bishop Christopher Prowse will be confirming the children at 2pm on June 27, at the Catholic Church, Leongatha.
Confirming beliefs: Bishop Christopher Prowse came to talk to the students of St. Laurence’s about confirmation. He is with (from left) Riley Smith, Oliver Maclean and Julian Patterson.
hands away and the chickens moved towards the warmth, and when we moved even further away they still followed,” student Loni Jeffs said. One familiarity was formed when the students sent the chickens through a trust exercise. The birds moved through cylinders, acting on trust only to be sure safety met them on the other side. Now the chickens respond to the students, and chase after them when they walk away.
Not chickening out: Loni Jeffs and Daniel O’Flaherty took on the challenge of training their chickens.
Changes afoot TWENTY-THREE members attended the June meeting of Tarwin Lower Red Cross. It was great to see three men in attendance. A few of our members have gone north for the cold months. Reports were given for Telecross by Terri, and Val reported that 12 members attended the morning tea at the Tarwin Lower Hall in aid of cancer. Our next meeting is the annual general meeting at 11.30am, followed by lunch, on Tuesday, July 6. For further information please contact Val on 5663 2262. Our guest speaker, Helene Hayes spoke on the restructure of Red Cross Australia wide, as we are now not state based. It was very interesting, with many members asking a lot of questions. A lovely afternoon lunch and get-together finished off the day.