Aurora August 2020 by Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle August 2020 | No.204

STRONGER TOGETHER

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On the cover Our Diocese is enriched by the many people who work, volunteer and partner with us to deliver services that will create a stronger, fairer and kinder society. The people featured on our cover are just some of many helping to fulfil our Mission. Photos by Peter Stoop

Featured f Giving is receiving

f Community Kitchen feeds on Taree’s success

f Mini advocates socially aware

f Down to Erth approach pays off

f Experts add substance

f Family first is foster focus

f We are still here for you

f School’s back in for disconnected

f Parent partnership spans the ages

f CDF builds on success

Collaboration brings us together The Mission of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is to "Live the joy of the Gospel and share it with the world". Depending on how you look at it, this task could seem quite simple or, inextricably complicated. Either way, there's no denying the strength that comes from partnering with others to make our communities stronger, fairer and kinder – just as the Gospel inspires us to. Improving our communities, making them places where people are healthy, safe, cared for and happy, takes a lot of work. It's an ongoing task and one that should not be done alone. The ability to partner

effectively with other individuals and organisations enriches our Mission and makes for more sustainable outcomes. I've always been a firm believer in collaboration. So, as I flipped through this edition of Aurora, I was buoyed to see how our local and global community continues to strengthen through a diverse range of partnerships. It was exciting to read how, through people sharing their skillsets and backgrounds, their transfer of knowledge was assisting others to open their minds to different perspectives or tackle complex problems.

I hope you enjoy this edition and are stirred to think how you may be able to join forces with your friends, colleagues, neighbours or family to bring ideas to life, and help others in the process. I will leave you with words from the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, to inspire you on your journey. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

f Lochinvar students bag a charitable chance 14 f Hello in there

f Students schooled in five star ways

f Child-centred resolution welcomed

f Partnership funding extinguishes trauma 17 f Alliance retains focus for common good

f If she can, I can

f IGA’s carry great range of reading

Regulars

Lizzie Snedden is Editor for Aurora

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Next deadline 10 September, 2020 Aurora editorial and advertising enquiries should be addressed to:

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Elizabeth Snedden P 0404 005 036 E elizabeth.snedden@mn.catholic.org.au PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300 Subscribe E aurora@mn.catholic.org.au

f First word

f My word

f CareTalk 19 f Community noticeboard

f Last word

Editor: Lizzie Snedden Sub Editor: Brooke Robinson Graphic Design: David Stedman Contributor: Darrell Croker Aurora appears in The Newcastle Herald on the first Saturday of the month, in the Maitland Mercury and in the Manning River Times the following Week. Aurora can also be picked up at IGA’s in Taree, Bulahdelah, New Lambton, Paterson, Karuah, Cameron Park, Wangi, Gloucester, Dungog, Shoal Bay, Boolaroo, Blackalls Park, Woodrising, Stockton, Caves Beach, Rathmines, West Wallsend and Windale. The magazine can also be read at www.mnnews.today

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Together as Church When this issue of Aurora was beginning to coalesce around a theme of partnerships in Church ministries and how we are “stronger together”, I knew I wanted to write about the great partnership at the heart of Church life, that between the clergy and the laity. But how does one do that these days? The image of the clergy has been so battered, especially and understandably by the revelations of child sexual abuse, that any suggestion that they have an important part to play in Church life immediately looks, to some people, like a defence of their “position” or a manifestation of an on-going corrosive “clericalism”. Not that most Catholics are in any sense “anticlerical”, but those who are that way inclined have been empowered to have their say while those who think a little differently have to choose our words very carefully. Obviously, this creates a bad atmosphere for “partnership” between clergy and their communities. I have memories of a different time. Back in the 1960s, if you believe all the caricaturing that goes on, the priests ruled the roost and the role of the laity was to “pray, pay and obey”. And all right, in my parish we did have an old Irish monsignor who was an aloof and somewhat haughty figure, but he was old, and he was Irish. You made allowances for that, just as you did, say, for the funny ways of grandparents. Looking around more broadly, the other priests took part in the working bees, played tennis with parishioners, talked to us over tea at the presbytery kitchen table and told bad jokes in their homilies. There was an

effective parish council, of which I was a member in 1969 as a 17-year-old leader of the parish youth group. In effect, I was an ally of the curate in persuading the more staid elders of the parish to tolerate the activities of the young people. In fact, my parish pretty much lived up to the boast of the Australian Church that our priests were close to the people. At home, there was no undue respect for the clergy. My mother didn’t like us to criticise the priests, but she didn’t like to criticise anyone. “If you don’t have something nice to say …” was part of the ethic of her generation. My father was more forthright. Being a priest didn’t make a man smart or wise, and definitely not always right. You could respect the priesthood without being blind to the man’s faults or quirks. And the priests you most liked were the ones, quite a few in my experience, who expected no more special “reverence”. Clearly there were Catholic families and parishes where “the priest’s word was law” and “we thought he was like God”, “we never questioned”. I’m just saying that such was not my experience of the Church in those days, and so for me the reaction against clerical power has something of “knocking over a straw man”. A picture of the Catholic past that focuses on clerical abusers, control freaks, pious frauds or moneygrubbers misses the main story, in my view. So does a story that says the laity were passive, frightened and submissive. Such “history” is a poor starting point for thinking about the future life of the Church and how we can be stronger together.

So, on what do we build the future? I’m disinclined to think that hope springs from better management practices, all of which will be old hat in a decade anyway. I lean to believing that we’ll be OK if we focus on some basics of Christian faith. The first of these is Creation. Every single human being is a child of God, and that is how we all must regard each other. Then there’s the meaning of Baptism. Every person in the Church is equally called to discipleship and to witnessing to Christ and to sharing in the life of grace. There’s not a special holy caste, though we may recognise some individuals as personally holy. Third, there’s original sin. We know that we all struggle and that no one is

perfect. Fourth, there’s Holy Communion. However different we all are, we share the one Bread and are made into one body in Christ. In short, “Do unto (all) others as you would have them do unto you”, “love one another as I have loved you” and “be merciful, as your heavenly Father is merciful”. Christian fundamentals have always told us that “We’re all in this together”. Divided we fall.

Bishop Bill Wright Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Frankly Spoken Prayer is capable of securing our relationship with God who is the true Companion on the journey of every man and woman, amid life’s thousand adversities, good or bad.” Pope Francis, Library of the Apostolic Palace, 24 June 2020

Photo: Peter Stoop

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Giving is receiving

Newcastle City Council, Collective Heart, the NSW Goverment, AGL and the Newcastle Branch of the Australian Maritime Union recently provided funds to CatholicCare, to help the organisation meet increased demand for its community outreach services during the pandemic

DARRELL CROKER

Newcastle is at its best when backs are against the wall. A mighty collective heart instinctively pumps a message of “stronger together” and it courses through the communal bloodstream determined to overcome any challenge. COVID-19 created a new wave of problems, but the response has been swift and targeted, recognising the groups at the coalface dealing with the dilemma. Newcastle City Council identified early in the pandemic that community groups would struggle to deliver services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, and initiated the Boost Our City grants program. All-up, 31 community organisations jointly received $550,000 to continue critical services. CatholicCare Hunter-Manning secured three Boost Our City grants. Counselling and Support Service received $14,850, which will fund up to 80 counselling sessions for people whose mental health has deteriorated as consequence of the COVID-19 isolation requirements. Multicultural Support and Assistance received $12,500 to help refugees, recent arrivals and asylum seekers affected by the pandemic. DARA food service received $7,797, but just as importantly an in-kind donation to use Newcastle Museum’s café and kitchen. This grant covers the costs of preparation and delivery of about 770 meals to the socially isolated, homeless, and financially distressed. The DARA program, staffed

by volunteers, has more than doubled its preparation of meals during the pandemic. CatholicCare was a successful applicant for a $5,000 Multicultural NSW grant to be spent on support services for multicultural families with exacerbated issues as a consequence of COVID-19. AGL and the Newcastle Branch of the Maritime Union of Australia also provided generous support to CatholicCare, along with community group Collective Heart. Robert Dawson, Strategic Engagement Manager CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, says it is heartening to receive assistance from Newcastle City Council and other organisations that in turn enables help to be provided to the marginalised. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes addressed the CatholicCare recipients and donors last month at the Museum. “Our Rapid Response community grants are part of council’s $5.5 million Economic Resilience plan,” said Cr Nelmes. “We’re proud to support CatholicCare delivering essential services to our community in these difficult times.” The Rapid Response program is a deliberate strategy to ensure assistance is provided to the disadvantaged. When possible, given COVID restrictions, Cr Nelmes visits the frontline operators. “It allows me to get a good feel of how the most vulnerable end of the spectrum in our city are coping during this pandemic,” she said. “I know CatholicCare, along

with other NGOs, does an exceptional job working with disadvantaged groups, making sure they are supported – whether it’s job training, or multicultural and refugee support programs.”

language. Out of that came the “cooking event” at the Soul Café in early June. The refugee community and Collective Heart partnered to put together meals and then deliver them to families in need.

COVID restrictions have ensured some intuitive initiatives. The shutdown of the Museum café and kitchen enabled council to allow CatholicCare to use it. “We are in continuing talks about keeping that initiative going,” said Cr Nelmes. “It’s perfectly suited for this collaboration with CatholicCare and its amazing volunteers to continue cooking meals for the homeless.”

“There’s something about food that brings people together,” said Mr Linnert. “Just to have that sense of a greater family. Sometimes people feel like they don’t have a lot to give in terms of material things or money, but just bringing people together can make a special difference. And the giver is often the main beneficiary.”

Collective Heart’s Matt Linnert understands the importance of “breaking bread” together. The group is committed to finding opportunities to share kindness and generosity in a practical way and was introduced to John Sandy, Project Liaison Officer at CatholicCare’s DARA Refugee Hub. “We felt that out of all the beneficiaries we have, the refugee community was one we hadn’t quite done as much for as we would have liked,” said Mr Linnert. “John started talking about the need for soccer boots for the kids to be involved with sport. It wasn’t just the soccer boots that interested us in particular, it was actually his philosophy behind it. It was all about the introduction of kids into a community, breaking down the old ideas of who the kids could play with … looking at healthy integration.” Collective Heart also sought to assist people who don’t speak English as a first

Council is the closest level of government to the community and Cr Nelmes wants to make sure Newcastle is doing everything it can within its domain to support the community. “The $5.5m grant program is all about getting the money out rapidly to those most vulnerable,” she said. “Part of that is also making sure we pull levers on projects to create jobs sustainment. There is an extra $33m going into our works program next year. Our REMPLAN analysis showed 700 jobs in the Newcastle LGA and a return of $275m to the economy.” Creating jobs, assisting services such as CatholicCare providing multi-faceted support to the vulnerable – stronger together. Anyone interested in Collective Heart, please go to www.collectiveheart.com.au or call 0421 207 953.

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Photo: Callam Howard

Community kitchen feeds on Taree’s success

Main photo: The newly opened Forster Community Kitchen is bolstered by the generous support of community volunteers and donors | Inset: Fr Greg Barker, Brooke Stephens and Gary Christensen

BROOKE ROBINSON

Forster Tuncurry has a new place of welcome for those in need. A partnership between CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning, the Forster Tuncurry Catholic parish and Holy Name Primary School, Forster has resulted in a new community kitchen. The Forster Tuncurry Community Kitchen opened in July in the parish hall at 33 Lake Street, Forster, and serves lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 1pm. Parish Priest Greg Barker says his congregation has tried a couple of times to start a community-based kitchen from the hall. “There is a lot of hidden homelessness here, as well as from time to time people who need a help up,” he said. “No one organisation can do everything, so it was wonderful to be able to meet with CatholicCare and build on its work in Taree and to translate some of that to here in Forster Tuncurry.” CatholicCare Social Services HunterManning Director Gary Christensen says the community kitchen adds to CatholicCare's suite of programs that support vulnerable people in local communities.

“The Forster Tuncurry Community Kitchen will support people who are experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, mental health issues and any number of other vulnerabilities,” he said. “It provides hot nutritious meals and importantly it is a soft entry point where people can access additional services such as counselling and mental health support as well as referrals to other services.” CatholicCare staff and volunteers are responsible for ensuring the kitchen meets the needs of the local community and provides a friendly, warm and welcoming service to vulnerable people, but they are not alone. The parish will provide the facilities and some volunteers, and they welcome collaboration with the local primary school. When Holy Name Primary Principal Brooke Stephens heard about the planned community kitchen, she jumped at the chance for the school to be part of it. “One of Holy Name’s goals is to develop the concepts of 'service' and 'action' within our community,” she said. “Our aim is for students who graduate from Holy Name to be young Catholic leaders who know and understand the needs of those around them and of their capacity to

change things by their words and actions.” Students in each year will contribute to a shared garden, which will provide food for the community kitchen. “We have a program where each class from Kinder to Year 6 is responsible for the growing and harvesting of produce in a garden bed to support the community kitchen,” Ms Stephens said. “For the past couple of months our produce has been delivered to the Taree Community Kitchen, but now it will be taken to the Forster Tuncurry Community Kitchen.” The school will not just deliver the ingredients; students will also help cook the meals. “Our school has a strong Mini Vinnies program for students in Years 5 and 6,” Ms Stephens said. “We hope to build on the service model of this program by rostering our Year 5 and 6 students to help in the preparation of food in the community kitchen. Our students have the kitchen skills that will enable them to support our parish and CatholicCare.” Fr Barker hopes the kitchen will help the community “to be and do what Jesus asks of us. To feed the hungry, comfort the sick and visit those who are imprisoned by either their loneliness or their need.”

“I think it will be another sign of the generosity and compassion of the people who call this place home,” Fr Barker said. “It was extraordinary to watch during the drought and then the fires how the people here pulled together to help out. They were so generous in response to calls for help across the district and beyond during the drought, sending food, supplies and money to the hardest hit and then to back that up with what the fires and its devastation demanded of us.” CatholicCare is seeking more volunteers to help run the kitchen and be required to pick up food donations and prepare and serve meals. Mr Christensen said the role would suit anyone over 16 who has time to give. "You need to be friendly, be able to connect with people, and if you can cook that's a bonus," he said. “It is my hope that the Forster Tuncurry Community Kitchen will be a volunteer-led place of welcome and safety where people can come, be accepted, have a hot nutritious meal and access the supports they need.”

Photo: Peter Stoop

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Mini advocates socially aware LIZZIE SNEDDEN

Three decades after St Vincent de Paul first established Mini Vinnies in conjunction with the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, the program continues to gain traction. Primary schools across the nation embrace it and engagement rates continue to climb. Since its humble beginnings in 1990, the primary school program, which promotes community-mindedness, has developed legions of passionate student advocates who have gone on to become leaders in social justice.

Paul Coles from St Vincent DePaul collecting Winter Appeal donations from students at St Francis Xavier Primary School, Belmont

“St Vincent de Paul seeks to support young people to learn more about injustices in Australian society and help build their skills as advocates and leaders, to create a more just and compassionate community,” Ms Van Doorn said. In the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, 41 schools facilitate the Mini Vinnies program, providing interested students with the opportunity to take the lead on social justice initiatives within their community.

Clare Van Doorn is the Regional Director of the North East division of St Vincent de Paul and says the organisation deeply values the connection it is able to make with students through Mini Vinnies.

Ordinarily, students and staff from participating schools voluntarily elect to be involved in the program at the beginning of the school year. In doing so, they commit to regular catch-ups to discuss social justice issues including overseas aid, homelessness, charity and poverty.

“One of the many benefits to come from Mini Vinnies is the generous donations we receive from school communities, to support those in need,” said Ms Van Doorn.

The students are then empowered to promote the causes they are passionate about, both within their school community and beyond.

“However, equally important if not more so, is the program’s power to engage students in understanding the needs of others and helping them to become more socially aware citizens.”

Sonya Boslem is the Principal of St Francis Xavier’s Primary School in Belmont where students have embraced the Mini Vinnies program and work in close partnership with the local St Vincent de Paul chapter to enact their initiatives.

Ms Van Doorn believes this sharing of knowledge will help build a more equitable future, which relishes Christian values.

Since 2018, students involved in the school’s Mini Vinnies group have led

various initiatives including blanket and clothing drives, as well as Christmas hamper appeals and collecting gold coin donations for the homeless. “Mini Vinnies provides a great opportunity for children to put all their learning and understanding of Catholic faith into action,” Ms Boslem said. “The program is designed in a way that even our youngest students can understand how they are actively involved in working towards making a difference in the lives of others. “It also helps to reinforce that their contributions, no matter how large or small, can help others.” Ms Boslem believes one of the critical elements to the success of the program is its student-led approach. “Mini Vinnies encourages students to talk, share their ideas and concerns and come up with suggestions on how to support others in need,” she said. “This type of hands-on involvement in driving the initiatives makes a big difference to students’ learning and understanding.” Ms Boslem pointed out that while one of the key premises of Mini Vinnies is for students to support others in need, they too reap a reward from the program.

“The Mini Vinnies program provides students with valuable advocacy experience and enriches their understanding of their ability to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others, through their actions and words,” she said. “This is such an incredible gift as they make their way through life and gets to the heart of Gospel values.” Ms Van Doorn said the Mini Vinnies program is open to all schools, not just Catholic schools, and encourages anyone interested in promoting social justice within their community to get in touch. “The Vinnies model of ‘See, Think, Do’ is a great way to get young people thinking and talking about their spirituality,” she said. “Connecting their beliefs and values with service activities and issues in their community can help make their faith real, meaningful and relevant.”

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Photo: Peter Stoop

Down to Erth approach pays off ANNA KERRIGAN Dinosaurs, a rhinoceros, the mask for an ogre, various sets of wings, more dinosaurs – the workshop at Erth is a treasure trove of inspiration. Long an admirer of the world-renowned puppetrybased theatre company’s work, when ASPIRE realised the need to have puppets in our upcoming production, The Pecking Order, set in an Aussie bush camp and featuring a host of bird characters, we knew we had to make contact. ASPIRE is the Catholic Schools Office creative and performing arts program and offers all students a range of workshops and opportunities to develop skills and engage in artistic mediums. The largescale annual production is always an original script co-written with the students and performed at the Civic Theatre. We have ensembles in dance, design, drama, instrumental, production and vocal, all working together to realise the production. It is vital to open students’ eyes to a range of practices and experiences in their arts education. There are so many ways of working and so many different approaches to creating work that in providing them with a range of experiences they’re empowered to be the artists they want to be. Steve Howarth, head designer at Erth’s amazing workshop, provided puppet options for The Pecking Order. I was keen for our design crew to be involved in the creation of the puppets and learn from Erth’s artists. We arranged a two-day trip to Sydney in April to work in the studio

Sisters Abbey and Caitlin Cashmere working on their puppet for ASPIRE

at Erth to create flying bird puppets, but COVID hit and our plans had to adapt. It was agreed to go online to continue the project and Mr Howarth created a userfriendly video to walk our team through making their own puppets at home. He sent us a list of things to purchase, and provided each student with a kit of more specific pieces. We then gathered online to start creating. The content was easy to follow, and the results are nothing short of amazing. Mr Howarth has also built a more state-ofthe-art puppet for The Pecking Order and this character will interact onstage with the junior actors. We are excited that in October, all being well, our design crew will finally attend Erth’s studio for a day to learn how to use the magpie puppet. “Erth has engaged with education for the whole of our 30-year history,” says Mr Howarth. “This includes primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and individuals. The opportunity to share our practice among those who are primed to learn makes the experience hugely positive from both sides. “The birds project has been very rewarding. Initially devised as a dedicated workshop with participants in our studio in Sydney, it required a rapid turnaround due to COVID-19. Students previously poised to work together on-site were suddenly isolated and stuck at home. “This led to the creation of simpler designs that incorporated different elements, some

of which could be easily found around the house. It highlighted the potential of regular, everyday items that might otherwise be disregarded as waste. They can be put to creative use, or upcycled, which is an important part of Erth’s design philosophy. “I hope the experience has allowed the students to feel greater ownership over an item they had to make themselves from scratch. Providing quality arts experiences is essential at any stage. During times of uncertainty it is even more so. The birds helped bring people together at a time when they had to keep apart.” ASPIRE’s design director Gillian Rutherford said it was a great way to connect with the design crew. “Even though we weren't all together, there was still a feeling of togetherness as we followed the tutorial,” she says. “We created stunning, workable puppets from everyday materials. Who knew you could do so much with masking tape and cable ties?”

The ability to think creatively is vital to human endeavour, and partnering with industry can only lead to greater crosspollination of skills and concepts. Erth is the latest in a long line of ASPIRE’s industry partnerships that provide students with unique experiences. We have a strong connection with Australian Theatre for Young People, with whom we regularly collaborate on scriptwriting projects. We have also worked with Bell Shakespeare, engaged composer Tim Hansen to write a piece for our 2018 production Dark Matter, and every year we collaborate with Newcastle’s own Catapult Dance, where students experience working as a professional company. Encouraging new experiences, investigating fresh methods, and trialling alternative materials all contribute to the growth of productive beings. These concepts are not exclusive to the arts, however the arts provide a platform for learning that is creative by definition. Anna Kerrigan is Artistic Director (ASPIRE), Catholic Schools Office.

The ability to think creatively is vital to human endeavour, and partnering with industry can only lead to greater cross-pollination of skills and concepts.

What do a group of national and international academics, Australian Defence Force personnel, a managing director of a real estate company and a physiotherapist all have in common? Their commitment to sharing their expertise to ignite student learning. The Catholic Schools' Virtual Academy (VA) enables students in Years 5-8 from across the Diocese to engage with like-minded learners who benefit from specifically designed curriculum differentiation, extension and enrichment opportunities. These gifted learners undertake research to provide solutions to a range of realworld challenges. Once students have established the parameters of their project, with some guidance, they are empowered to reach out to experts and ask questions that will enhance their understanding and help them ponder a vast array of possible solutions. In their quest for knowledge, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cohort of VA students have reached out to experts in all corners of the globe, from as close as Mayfield, NSW to as far-flung as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States. Jett Samuel, (Year 6, St Michael's, Nelson Bay) is midway through a yearlong project investigating the way in which health professionals combine virtual reality technology with physical therapy. To aid his learning, he visited Engage VR in Mayfield and met with practice co-founders Craig Hewat (physiotherapist) and Rohan O'Reilly (movement therapist), who explained patients' experiences. They also invited Jett to have a go on the machines, helping him understand the life-changing role virtual reality can have in rehabilitating those with injuries and disabilities. This experience was enhanced by Jett's contact with Dr Denise Higgins from the University of Newcastle, who explained virtual reality's use in training oral health students in administering anaesthetic to patients. Johann Alapatt (Year 5, St John's, Lambton) approached another academic from the University of Newcastle, Professor Paul Dastoor, as part of his research into solar panels, and was excited to receive a prototype designed at the university to aid his learning. From this experience Johann learned that the manufacturing of solar panels might become far more cost-effective in future, using perovskite in 3D printing. Andre Fiorentino (Year 5, Holy Family, Merewether Beach) is also interested in solar energy, but more specifically its application in powering cars. Andre submitted some questions to members of the University of Western Sydney's solar team and was excited to receive a response via a video message. Andre has since been propelled to design a car, which includes solar panels that can have their position adjusted to maximise sun exposure throughout the day. Kaylah Broadhead (Year 6, St Joseph's, Merewether) is designing an original solution to the problem of corrosion affecting aircraft located near the ocean. As part of her primary research, Kaylah emailed technical questions to an Australian Defence Force engineer and received detailed responses including "stereoscopic images". Kayla's research showed there are many types of corrosion, including intergranular corrosion, and that replacing corroded parts was wildly expensive. This feedback spurred Kaylah to focus her attention on designing parts made from materials that would resist the various types of corrosion.

Xavier Heaney (Year 5, St Joseph's, Merewether) collaborated with Jonathan Craig, the managing director of real estate development company GWH, to come up with new ideas to attract people to the Newcastle CBD, with a key focus on alternate parking solutions. Dr Sidsel Grimstad, from the University of Newcastle, provided helpful ideas for Bridget McEwan (Year 5, St John Vianney, Morisset), who is investigating housing affordability at Cooranbong. Together, they discussed the role of government in supporting affordable social housing, with an emphasis on sustainable design that enhanced livability through proximity to green space.

Experts add substance REBECCA HEATH AND JUSTIN MAHONEY

Photo: Peter Stoop

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Professor William Green, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Dr Theo Amanatidis, from Cambridge University, assisted Finn Betts and Noah McCallum (both Year 5, St Mary's, Warner's Bay) with ideas about new types of spherical car wheels to reduce road accidents. Taking this expert advice on board, Finn and Noah were then able to refine their car project to include more effective braking systems and steering methods. Professor Ugur Guven from the UN Center for Space Science and Space Technology Education helped Henry Carpenter (Year 5, St Aloysius, Chisholm) work on his new type of gyroscope to power rockets into space. "As an educator of 25 years and as an expert in space sciences and space technology, it's a pleasure for me to help entice young minds on their journey to science and technology," said Professor Guven. "I am impressed with Henry's level of questions for a Year 5 student." Dr Frances Seymour, a Distinguished Senior Fellow from The World Resources Institute in Paris, provided detailed responses to questions from Jeremy Gocher (Year 6, St Mary's, Warner's Bay) on deforestation. Dr Seymour encouraged Jeremy to look at the impacts of deforestation in various communities around the world, including causes and solutions. On the back of this, Jeremy took a keen interest in deforestation in Brazil, and the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move there to empower its Indigenous people to manage large portions of land to protect it against further deforestation. By working collaboratively with experts in a broad range of industry, students have access to a rich source of highly reliable information, enabling them to design more technical and practical solutions to their chosen problems. One of the many other benefits of this approach to education is that while students are strengthening their knowledge in an area of focus, they are also sharpening their communications skills by approaching people outside their immediate circle of reference to garner new insights. Witnessing students' joy for learning through encounters such as these is as rewarding for them and their families as it is for us as their teachers. Rebecca Heath and Justin Mahoney are teachers in the Virtual Academy based at the Catholic Schools Office.

Jett Samuel visited Engage VR to investigate the way health professionals combine virtual reality technology with physical therapy

Family first is foster focus ALICE HOLDEN I remember 15-year-old Harry sitting on the lounge with a grin on his face. He had just dished out a cheeky comment to his mother, Tegan. Much to Harry’s surprise, Tegan returned serve with an identical sense of humour. Harry was a fostered young man who had been supported by two families through a challenging childhood. However, given his grin, he appeared to be emerging with a sense of belonging. Whether we look back in time or into the future, our connections with family meet a universal need – that of healthy attachment. For most of us, our family connections develop with only the occasional hiccup. However, for parents and children in foster care, family connections can come to a sudden stop or prolonged break. Some parents need time to solve life’s problems before caring for their children again. The “stop” not only requires a significant amount of planning, it requires a great deal of compassion. Foster carers perform a highly valued role. They raise children while those children’s parents build capacity and explore the possibility of restoration. In the vast majority of cases, the universal need of “healthy attachment” remains key. Mums will always be “mum”, and dads will always be “dad”. Better outcomes are predicted for children restored to their parents. The out-of-homecare sector (now called the Permanency Support Program or PSP) prioritised the restoration of children to their parents where possible. Some permanent care placements became “restorative”. Harry’s foster carer Claire said this situation pulled at the heartstrings. She said parents and carers become attached to a child who might transition from one household to the other. She did say however that she took an idea from a CatholicCare seminar. “I used to think I was supporting a child, but then I realised I was supporting a family,” she said. Since that time, Tegan and Claire have formed a close relationship and worked busily on phone calls, family visits, and joint celebrations with Harry. Raising children is highly rewarding and, for those of you waiting for the “but”, yes, it can be highly challenging. It pays to have a support network. In 2018, CatholicCare created support teams with various specialists to co-ordinate children’s care and work towards therapeutic outcomes.

CatholicCare’s therapeutic consultants offered counselling to children and young people, and a range of programs and services to parents and carers. Needless to say, transitioning children back from foster care to their families can be incredibly tough. Harry described allegiances to both Tegan and Claire: “It’s just weird. Claire was always there for me but she’s not my mother, but then again, I needed her.” Tegan developed a promising capacity to care but often questioned herself. “I don’t know if I am doing it right,” she said. “Maybe Claire was better at it.” Claire came from a place of compassion. “I had to support Tegan knowing that the more capable she became the less I would see Harry,” she said. Claire cared for four foster children. She rejoiced in a hundred milestones, gave a million cuddles, and soothed a thousand meltdowns. Claire also reached out to Tegan despite the possibility of losing Harry from her family. “This is the story of a lot of carers,” said Clair. “It’s hard sometimes, but you have to do what’s right for the family.” Foster carers not only perform a highly valued role, they care with extraordinary compassion towards children and their families. Alice Holden is a therapeutic specialist CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning.

Claire rejoiced in a hundred milestones, gave a million cuddles, and soothed a thousand meltdowns.

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We are still here for you! MARK TOOHEY Corruption, mismanagement and poverty are all obvious barriers to seeing communities around the world thrive and develop, and the Church has a unique role in delivering hope in places where governments and corporations can’t or won’t. Proudly, our Diocese has a long history of generous partnership with external agencies such as Catholic Mission to help overcome these obstacles. Catholic Mission is responsible for raising funds in Australia for global mission and providing project support, monitoring and evaluation for our partners in Asia, Africa and the Pacific. We work with local churches to establish and maintain grassroots initiatives that aim to fulfill Jesus Christ’s mission in the world, expressed in John 10:10: that all may have life abundantly. Some examples of our work include: catechism and pastoral care in Papua New Guinea; construction and repair of churches in Timor-Leste and Sri Lanka; development of schools, teacher training and delivery of a Catholic education curriculum in Myanmar; a comprehensive maternal health unit for women in Uganda; and provision of a safe home and schooling for vulnerable children in Ghana. I am fortunate to have witnessed many of these initiatives first-hand and their benefit

to local communities. I also appreciate why it is so important to have a globally supported missionary network in place. Simply put, if these programs were not run by the Catholic Church and its dedicated missionaries, they would not exist at all. Recently the missionaries work has come to the fore, as they remain committed to serving their communities despite the devastating impact and ongoing anxiety caused by COVID-19. "We are still here for you!”, is their response. They are providing everyday support for children like Nathaniel, one of 17 children at the Eden Gardens Children’s Home in in north-east India who have no family to return to during the COVID-19 lockdown. Missionaries can give that reassurance to their communities because they in turn are supported through prayer and fundraising by dioceses like our own, through the work of Catholic Mission. Particularly at this time, our missionaries also need to hear from us, "We are still here for you!” In partnership with Catholic schools across Australia, our resources and programs inform and form students, teachers and the whole school community to better understand what mission is, and how we can all be a part of it. These resources include student learning opportunities as well as professional development in

mission formation for teachers. We also offer international and local immersion experiences for student and teacher groups. Australian Catholic schools this year can partner in our work of mission through Socktober, our online community engagement initiative www.socktober.org. au It is a straightforward way for school communities to live out mission and unpack key issues of social justice, forming a response that engages the heads, hearts and hands of your whole school. Additionally, teachers of this Diocese continue to give generously through regular contributions to the Teachers Helping Teachers – Workplace Giving Program, which directly supports teacher training projects in developing communities within Cambodia, Myanmar and India. Our parishes will have the opportunity to respond to our Annual Mission Appeal on 18 October 2020 – World Mission Sunday. Only through your prayer and financial support will many crucial mission programs around the world continue their vital work supporting people who are vulnerable, especially during these uncertain times. To find out more, go to www.catholicmission. org.au or call us on 1800 257 296. Mark Toohey is the Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission

Mission fun day at St Joseph’s Primary School Kilaben Bay (2019). Nathaniel and children at the Eden Gardens Children’s Home in in north-east India

Many people ask how Catholic Mission is different to Caritas? Both agencies cross over in international development and both are the Gospel in action. Caritas is the Catholic Church’s organisation for humanitarian aid and development, operating under the auspices of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference; whereas Catholic Mission is the Church’s agency for evangelization and mission, responsible for the development of faith communities and Church infrastructure through initiatives such as those mentioned in the article. It is the Australian agency of a vast global network known as the Pontifical Mission Societies, which includes 140 countries and 1100 dioceses. It is subject to the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and is Pope Francis’s official agency for global mission.

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School’s back in for disconnected DARRELL CROKER

Many of the issues troubling the students were happening away from school, or “beyond the gates”, and Mr Keating sought a CatholicCare social worker to engage with them and their families from a case-management perspective to allow reconnection with the St Mary’s community. With the great efforts of sociual worker Lucy Karbowiak supporting Mr Keating and the St Mary’s staff to bring the pilot program to life, Beyond the Gates was so successful Mr Christensen approached Diocese Director of Schools, Gerard Mowbray, about taking the program to other schools, especially in the Manning and the Upper Hunter. “CatholicCare was aware of the social disadvantage in those regions,” says Mr Christensen. “The expansion of Beyond the Gates reaffirms the partnership with the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) under the Many Parts. One Body. One Mission. banner. For too long, CatholicCare has worked separately to the CSO and viceversa, so we are really trying to work in partnership, to complement each other and not compete.”

Beyond the Gates casework statistics from St Mary’s showed an increase in full days attended of 22 per cent, and a decrease of up to 38 per cent of full days off. Students also cited the positive aspects, with up to 20 per cent self-reporting an improvement in wellbeing during their time in the program, while parents observed an increase in wellbeing of up to 60 per cent. Overall, parents reported a 95.8 per cent satisfaction with the program. Ms Karbowiak as part of her casework approach introduced a therapy dog to facilitate rapport and provide a calming environment as children and young people spoke with her about their difficulties. The pilot at St Mary’s was for students in Years 7 to 10, but it soon became obvious many primary school-aged siblings were experiencing the same disengagement. “The transition to high school becomes even more complex when you're dealing with those sorts of issues,” says Mr Christensen. “We have expanded the new model to include Years 5 and 6 of the Catholic feeder schools to the high schools, allowing us to operate in a systemic way with the family. Physically going beyond the gates allows a whole-offamily approach.”

are keen to adopt the program. Aaron Moon, Principal of St James’ primary at Muswellbrook, is co-ordinating its introduction. He describes a worrying prevalence of suicidal ideation among young people in the region. Now the families working in partnership with Beyond The Gates will have access to CatholicCare psychologists for counselling and assessment services from Singleton and Muswellbrook. “Part of CatholicCare’s remit is to build a stronger, kinder and fairer society in our local communities, and we’re conscious the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is not all about Newcastle,” says Mr Christensen. “The Upper Hunter is part of the Diocese and needs services, and it makes sense for us to provide those services.” The region has experienced a long drought and now COVID-19 and the trauma resulting from these events cannot be underestimated. The Upper Hunter also has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the state. “You put all those things in a melting pot and it's no wonder students need additional support beyond the gates,” says Mr Christensen.

Once a student is reconnected after a case-management period, the school counsellor takes over the maintenance. “There's that real cross-referral process between us and the school counsellor,” says Mr Christensen.

The Manning, too, experiences a range of disadvantage and the devastating impacts of the bushfires linger. CatholicCare’s Taree Community Kitchen has served more than 30,000 meals in the past three years, and a similar operation recently commenced in Forster.

The Upper Hunter is known for entrenched disadvantage, and principals there

“That tells you what's going on,” says Mr Christensen. “There are a lot of people

below the poverty line. And it's a slippery slope for all of us. Most of us are only two or three pay cheques away from needing to go to the Kitchen. People forget that.” Despite achieving commendable HSC results, St Clare’s at Taree is the only Catholic high school servicing a huge area, and a portion of the student body experiences significant issues resulting from disadvantage and vulnerability. As a farming area, the drought, the bushfires and COVID have exacerbated people's mental health problems. St Clare’s Principal Peter Nicholls says the Beyond the Gates program is a wonderful initiative that will add to the support his school offers to its students and families. “The Manning is an area short on services,” Mr Nicholls says. “The addition of a qualified social worker to St Clare's is very welcome and we thank CatholicCare for its support of the school and the Manning Great Lakes area.” Mr Christensen says CatholicCare is trying to be part of that system that ensures the vulnerable don't fall through the cracks. “It’s important we remember that some parents are just doing it tough. They’re absolutely pulling their hair out" he says. "And then finally, someone says, ‘hey, we can help … we can help you beyond the gates’. “Stronger together… we’re one Diocese, and we have two agencies working together for one really good outcome.”

Photo: Callam Howard

CatholicCare Social Services HunterManning Director Gary Christensen acted quickly in 2018 when the Principal of St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead, Larry Keating, identified a student cohort disconnecting from school. It was a result of a range of reasons including social disadvantage, mental health and behavioural problems, and the St Mary’s counsellors and learning support staff were at capacity.

Phil Gibney, Assistant Principal at St Clare’s High School with Gary Christensen Director of CatholicCare, dicussing the launch of the Beyond the Gates program.

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Parent partnership spans the ages CATHERINE GARRETT-JONES

Our schools have always operated on the premise that parents and carers are a child's first and most important teachers. Indeed, Pope Francis reminds us that "schools do not replace parents but complement them." This three-way relationship has been put to the test in recent times as together, we faced a new frontier in education, due to the pandemic. While I understand the quality and effectiveness of home-learning has varied, overall, the experience has provided a wealth of opportunities to share ideas and recognise the critical value of these relationships. Plenty of research exists to highlight the importance of the partnership between families and their school and the critical impact this has on their child's learning. One of the traditional ways that schools

Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Cheryl Henderson, with the school’s P&F President and Diocesan Federation of P&F Association’s Councillor, Michelle McDonald, discussing the proposed new model for P&F engagement.

interact with parents is through their Parents & Friends Association (P&F). I use the term "P&F" but am fully aware this does not truly represent the fabulous support many of the associations receive from grandparents and carers too. Years ago, my mother found an old Christmas card she had received from the president of the Parents & Friends Association (P&F) when I was a student. I asked mum about its work, which seems to have mainly extended to cake stalls and raffles to raise money for the school. But its work was tireless and committed, and we have much to be grateful for in acknowledging it. We have, however, changed since then. Schools and families engage in many ways, utilising technology now more than ever. An alternative model to the traditional P&F Association is currently being developed

for school communities interested in a modern approach to partnering together for improved outcomes for students. The model centres on enabling each school community to focus on selfestablished goals, or areas the community identify as needing attention and supports families to participate in initiatives as they are able. Plans are afoot to trial this new model soon, making it available to all school communities who seek this style of engagement. In the interim, I urge you to access your child's school communication platform – newsletters, Facebook page, or website to see what is going on and "dip your toe in the water." Our schools and overall student wellbeing will undoubtedly be enriched for through your involvement.

CDF builds on success

Catherine Garrett-Jones is the Family Engagement Officer for the Catholic School’s Office

Pope Francis reminds us that 'schools do not replace parents but complement them'.

LIZZIE SNEDDEN Despite the recent global economic downturn, school and early education infrastructure developments across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle have not slowed. This progress is assisted, in large part, due to the support of the Diocesan community – staff, parishioners, students and their parents choosing to invest with the Catholic Development Fund (CDF). In the past year alone, their investment has helped to contribute to the CDF’s funding of more than $37 million towards school infrastructure, new St Nicholas Early Education centres and other significant projects. The CDF has been in operation for more than 50 years and assists with the management of finances for the Diocese

and its agencies, parishes and schools. It also offers retail clients a range of investment products. Fund manager Graham Heath says over the past several years the CDF has focused its efforts on building its capital base and strengthening its risk-management framework by gaining an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). “This has helped provide something of a financial buffer in an often-uncertain economic environment, and in times of constant change,” Mr Heath said. Accordingly, to date, the COVID-19 pandemic along with the regulatory changes that came into effect in 2018 have not hampered the efforts of the Fund.

“Prudent management has enabled the Diocese to harness the Fund’s operating surplus to bolster capital works such as the development of Catherine McCauley Catholic College in Medowie and St Nicholas Early Education centres in Gillieston Heights, Medowie, Maitland, Muswellbrook and Branxton,” Mr Heath said. “It also enables the Church to fulfil its essential pastoral mission and charitable work through agencies, including CatholicCare.” Meanwhile, the Fund’s retail clients also continue to reap the rewards of a fee-free environment, competitive interest rates and personalised service. “Our vision is to empower our members with financial investments, as well as the

opportunity to contribute to their local community actively,” Mr Heath said. The Fund is grateful for its customers, “who think with both their heads and their hearts,” he said. “By investing with the Fund, our clients are getting a competitive return on their investment, but also the peace of mind that by choosing to deal with us, they are helping to fund several significant projects. Together, we are working for a united community and a vibrant future.” For information on the CDF visit www.cdfmn.com.au. This article does not constitute financial advice. You should consider seeking advice before making any investment decisions.

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Lochinvar students bag a charitable chance MELISSA BLANDFORD AND MELONIE HAWKE

The College's Year 8 Religious Studies class recently undertook an investigation of the charity work of the Cows for Cambodia organisation. As part of their studies in the Called to Act Justly unit of work, students develop an understanding of the important connection between charity and justice – the way in which Catholics can continually strive for the betterment of all through charitable works, which ultimately works towards justice. Cows for Cambodia founder is Andrew “Cosi” Costello, a country boy from the Yorke Peninsula and now a household name in South Australia after more than 20 years in the media. In 2005, he was named South Australian Journalist of the Year and over the years he has won many other radio accolades including an Australian Commercial Radio Award for Best Radio Feature, which highlighted the plight of people experiencing homelessness. He now fronts travel show South Aussie with Cosi. Cosi always wanted a farm, but he realised he could never afford one in South Australia. Instead, he bought land in Cambodia, one of the world’s poorest nations, where he bases Cows for Cambodia. “All rural families in Cambodia dream of owning a cow,” says Cosi, “but the reality is that most will never be able to afford one. Cows for Cambodia is essentially a cow bank. We loan families a pregnant cow. They must look after it and when it has the calf, they get to keep the baby and we take our cow back.” The program is more about providing an opportunity to break the poverty cycle rather than a direct handout. “It's a really, really big thing for them,” says Cosi. “To give you an idea, a cow costs me $1000, but the houses they build cost $200. Once they have a calf, instantly the poverty cycle for that family is broken." It has been an overwhelming success and the long-term goal is to have 1,000 cows in the project, which will make Cows for Cambodia one of Asia’s biggest agriculture charities. But Cows for Cambodia has other initiatives, including a “rice run", a 24-hour period during which people can buy a 25kg bag of rice that will be delivered to a

Cambodian family in need, usually living in the poorest villages. A 25kg bag of rice can sustain a family for up to three months. The delivery of the bags also provides employment for many Cambodians and is the worth a day's wage. The St Joseph’s Year 8 students were inspired. After some discussion and research, together they decided to join the efforts of Cows for Cambodia and contact Cosi to enquire about purchasing a bag of rice from money the class had collected. Student Luke Dean says everyone deserves an equal chance at life no matter where they live or grow up. “If this is a small way that can help make that happen, then I want to be involved,” he said. After many weeks of not hearing anything due to COVID-19, the class was excited to receive a reply from Cosi providing them with an opportunity to fulfil their goal of assisting others in need through buying a bag of rice. Another Year 8 student, Harper Williamson, says the Cambodians need this food more than we do. “I didn’t even miss the small amount of money I donated, and I feel happy knowing that it will benefit someone other than myself,” he said. “Cosi also seems like a good bloke.” Through the rice run, 100 bags of rice were delivered to Cambodian families in need. Cosi and his team of helpers write a message on each bag from the people who donate it, and upload a photograph of it to their website and Facebook page. Year 8 proudly viewed their photograph, which they said captured their effort of seeing a need and doing something about it. The smiles on the faces of the students when they saw the photograph for the first time was heart-warming. It was also affirmation that the experiences the St Joseph’s Catholic school community share together are supporting young people and providing opportunities to be compassionate and promote a strong sense of justice.

Photo: Melonie Hawke

St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar, continually seeks and explores opportunities for service and to enact the words of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop to “never see a need without doing something about it”.

Year 8 is now looking at organising a Skype session with Cosi to learn other ways in which they can make a difference. Melissa Blandford is Acting Leader of Ministry, St Joseph’s College. Melonie Hawke is the Leader of Learning CAPA and a Religious studies teacher. Student Luke Dean says everyone deserves an equal chance at life no matter where they live or grow up.

Photo: Peter Stoop

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Hello in there Rick Prosser and Teresa Brierley are passionate about churches working together for the community

BROOKE ROBINSON

Life Church Pastor Rick Prosser believes there was already a pandemic in our community before COVID-19 hit, and that pandemic was loneliness. A spike in calls to Lifeline since coronavirus has confirmed that belief, with many calls largely related to loneliness and anxiety. To counter both of these pandemics, a collaboration of denominational leaders in the Hunter region has led to the creation of Hello Hunter. Hello Hunter aids people who are feeling isolated, lonely or anxious. Volunteers are available to make a friendly phone call, deliver essentials, assist in finding specialised help or on request pray with the person.

Hello Hunter’s call centre takes requests for assistance, then neighbourhood hubs mobilise their volunteers. Hubs are formed according to suburb and postcode. The goal is to have their nearest neighbour assist the person in need. Leaders from many different church denominations including the Catholic Church have worked together to launch the initiative, and more than 30 churches in the region have engaged with it. Director of Pastoral Ministries, Teresa Brierley, is the representative for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Mrs Brierley says Hello Hunter enables local churches to work together, instead of trying to meet the need on their own. “We all live in a community, so if that

community can look after one another, how good would that be?” Mrs Brierley said. Mr Prosser said Churches are meant to meet the needs of the people surrounding them, and that Hello Hunter allows churches to do this effectively. He is passionate about Churches working together, which he says is “a great witness to the city of the love of Jesus. It allows Churches to focus on what we agree on, rather than on differences.” Hello Hunter provides the opportunity for many people to be involved in helping others. Some volunteers are able to deliver food, while others are able make phone calls and pray.

“Older people or those who do not have as much mobility are in a perfect position to be able to do this ministry. Their many years of wisdom mean they have so much to contribute to our community.” In a recent trial of Hello Hunter, those receiving the phone call and those making the call felt encouraged. “That’s the nature of it,” Mr Prosser said. “If you give something away, it bounces back to you.” Hello Hunter is looking for volunteers and hub leaders. Volunteers will be required to submit a form, validated by their local parish priest, pastor or parish leader. Go to hellohunter.org.au for more information.

“A friendly chat can bring life and hope back into a community,” Mr Prosser said.

Students schooled in five star ways SONIA LIDDIARD St Nicholas Pathways and Maitland Five Star Family Day Care are connecting to provide students involved in the Pathways Industry Immersion Program with an opportunity to gain valuable workforce skills, along with insights into early education and the important role it plays in a child’s development. The federal government is taking a strong stance to ensure young Australians are able to make informed decisions about their learning, training and work pathways through its Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package, and releasing important research. Key to this research is the need to improve career information and advice through innovative programs that demonstrate collaborative partnerships between industry sectors, employers, schools and

training organisations. The Foundation of Young Australians – The New Work Reality (2018) also indicates that participation in programs that provide real-work experience and build enterprise skills such as problem solving, communication and teamwork, can be an accelerator to full time work and speed-up the process by 17 months. With a new purpose-built facility, St Nicholas Pathways has invited Maitland Five Star Family Day Care educators and the children it cares for, to participate in our industry immersion program. A fundamental component of this program is the play-session environment, where Year 10 students attending any schools across the region are supported by our fully qualified play-session co-ordinator and

provided with opportunities to explore the experience of working with children and being a part of the early education sector. Family Day Care educators represent another professional part of the early education sector and share with the participating students their skills and understanding of the children in their care. The opportunity to collaborate in this program has benefits for all parties. “Coming together at Pathways will allow additional networking for educators, broader social experiences for their children and an opportunity for aspiring early childhood educators to gain valuable and real work experiences that can be transferred to future recruitment opportunities,” says Jenelle Ycas, manager of Maitland Five Star Family Day Care.

Pathways play-session co-ordinator, Emma Pratten, anticipates more than 90 students from a range of Hunter schools, will participate in the Pathways Industry Immersion program during the next school term. “We are more than excited to see the positive outcomes unfold,” Ms Pratten says. St Nicholas Pathways’ range of authentic programs acknowledge the changing landscape of secondary education and the need for co-ordinated and consistent career advice. We offer clear and purposeful pathways to possible employment. For more information, visit us online at www.stnicholaspathways.org.au Sonia Liddiard is the Operations Manager of St Nicholas Pathways

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Photo: Peter Stoop

Child-centred resolution welcomed LIZZIE SNEDDEN

The Office of Safeguarding’s Michelle McEntyre has strong aspirations to support human connections that place children’s wellbeing at the fore

Michelle McEntyre has strong aspirations to facilitate human connections that place children’s wellbeing at the fore. And now, as the lead facilitator of the Office of Safeguarding’s (OoSG) newest service, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), she has an opportunity to do just that.

However, she does issue a word of caution for those thinking it might provide a quick fix.

have their views heard and, hopefully, start to see the other person’s point of view.

“We can’t promise agreement or reconciliation in every case, in the same way a formal investigation won’t guarantee all stakeholders’ expectations will be met,” Ms McEntyre says.

“In ADR, each participant is directly involved in the process from the outset and is provided with an opportunity to have the other hear their experience of the concern. This perspective can make all the difference.

Where safeguarding concerns have been raised, the service provides an opportunity for a child-focused conversation between the adults central to a child’s participation in the life of the Diocese. And, while only launched earlier this year, the service is already yielding significant results.

She acknowledges investigations are still an important component of the work the OoSG conducts, mainly where claims have been made that are criminal in nature, relate to reportable conduct, or there is a risk of significant harm to a child or vulnerable adult.

“After the participants have the opportunity to understand each other better, they are often better placed to identify their shared interests and work together towards outcomes they are able to commit to.”

While Ms McEntyre is new to her role as an ADR facilitator, she is familiar with the OoSG having spent four years as an investigator with the agency.

“However, where ADR is identified as being a plausible alternative, and involved stakeholders voluntarily agree to take part, it’s the preferred option” she says.

“ADR focuses on relationship outcomes that are in the best interests of the child involved,” Ms McEntyre says. “It provides an opportunity for a conversation between adults, often a parent and teacher, to restore ‘goodwill’ or a sense of welcome in these relationships. This is important, as children do best when their supporters are confident in the abilities and intentions of the people around them.”

It was during her time as an investigator Ms McEntyre initially pondered the potential for a more therapeutic approach to conflict resolution that values the human experience. “In an investigative process I would speak with both parties individually and often hear genuine, but conflicting accounts of an event,” Ms McEntyre says. “ADR allows people to speak directly with each other,

Ms McEntyre has been involved in many matters that, before the ADR service being initiated, would have been addressed as part of an investigation. “There is rarely a black and white, or clear cutcut response to welfare or wellbeing concerns in the safeguarding of children,” she says. “You can’t predict how matters would have ended up if they’d gone through an investigation process compared with ADR. However, what I can say is that through ADR I have seen numerous incidents resolved more quickly and with less impact on the children and adults involved than what tends to occur in formal investigations.

“I’m also confident that ADR has paved the way for ongoing discussions and strengthening of relationships by establishing a foundation for respectful communication informed by perspective and empathy.”

ADR allows people to speak directly with each other, have their views heard and, hopefully, start to see the other person’s point of view.

Photo: Peter Stoop

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Partnership funding extinguishes trauma KELLY PAVAN

Primary Health Network Hunter New England and Central Coast is partnering with CatholicCare’s Counselling and Clinical Services team to deliver counselling services for bushfire victims

Nature may well have rejuvenated much of the Manning’s bushfire-scarred landscape, but restoring human mental wellbeing is a longer process. To help aid the process, the Primary Health Network Hunter New England and Central Coast is partnering with CatholicCare’s Counselling and Clinical Services team to deliver counselling services for bushfire victims, free of charge. This partnership is a particularly important collaboration for the Manning area, where quality mental health support provided by experienced clinicians is a limited resource. Compounding the issue of long waitlists are service fees, which tend to sit above the reach of many families, particularly those who have experienced recent financial hardship and need to prioritise spending on rebuilding homes and businesses. The partnership between the Primary Health Network and CatholicCare aims to produce better outcomes for individuals with, or at risk of developing mental health concerns. The Bushfire Recovery Service, as it’s referred to, is designed for individuals requiring mental healthcare who are unlikely to have their needs met solely

through Medicare-subsidised mental health services. These individuals will be able to access up to 10 free, evidenced-based counselling sessions that focus on clientled goals. The program complements other local initiatives and services, and addresses geographical and population “gaps”. It enables streamlined referral to higher and/ or lower-intensity programs as appropriate in alignment with Primary Health Network’s stepped-care approach. It also encourages treatment options and evidence-based, client-directed, and recovery-oriented interventions. Improving the mental health and wellbeing of bushfire-impacted individuals collectively increases the resilience of affected communities and promotes linkages with broader health agencies. In establishing referral pathways and facilitating linkages with other relevant services, it provides the wellbeing and social assistance that best supports individuals and families. Feeling depressed, anxious and a loss of confidence or direction, are normal human responses to this kind of unpredictable hardship. Even vicarious trauma experienced through close friends or

neighbours’ losses, and exposure to the sombre media coverage at the time, can trigger underlying or past worries. Counselling with a qualified professional from outside an individual’s immediate support network can be useful to make sense of what has happened and plan a way to get back on track. The Bushfire Recovery Service will help identify vulnerable people affected by the disaster of the past summer. Kelly Pavan is a Psychologist and Manager of Counselling and Clinical Services at CatholicCare, delivering accessible mental health services for communities.

Individuals will be able to access up to 10 free, evidenced-based counselling sessions that focus on client-led goals.

The Bushfire Recovery Service will be delivered in key areas of affected communities – Taree, Forster, and Gloucester – and can work with whole families, or individuals of any age, who would benefit from support. For enquiries about accessing this new service, community residents can contact the CatholicCare head office on 02 4979 1120 for more booking information

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Just two months into my role as the inaugural organiser for Hunter Community Alliance, the state government implemented isolation protocols for COVID-19. We had a plan and model for building a broad-based civil society alliance and working for the common good of people in the Hunter. The pandemic has been a huge challenge for that plan, but also an opportunity to unite people towards shared values and goals.

Alliance retains focus for common good

Luckily, I had a strong team of community leaders behind me. Representatives of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese, Community Disability Alliance Hunter, Newcastle Response to Climate Change, The Uniting Church in the Hunter, The Change Agency, and The Wilderness Society Newcastle have been steering the direction of our Alliance.

CALLAN LAWRENCE

These leaders formed the organisation in 2019 as a means to strengthen civil society. Their shared vision is a strong Hunter civil society that can agitate for positive change and push back on government and big-business overreach. Together we changed tack in response to COVID-19. We invited leaders of diverse organisations to a series of facilitated group discussions that we called “virtual table talks”. Listening campaigns such as this are core elements of our organising model. Leaders of organisations as diverse as the Newcastle Muslim Association, LGBTI health network ACON, Lock the Gate and the Catholic Diocese shared lived experiences. From 40 leaders representing 33 organisations, we heard some powerful and insightful stories. David Belcher, then executive officer of Community Disability Alliance Hunter, shared his concern for people with disability, as well as his own personal anxieties. “Will it create a reverse triage effect?” he asked. “As resources become thin, will people with disability, the elderly, be pushed to the bottom of the pile for treatment? I am susceptible with limited respiratory capacity. My fear is that if I am admitted to hospital, the proper precautions to intubate me will not be taken due to pressures on the hospital.”

Photo: Peter Stoop

Bishop Peter Stuart, of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, expressed his concern for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Nicole Grgas, Manager of Hunter Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service, said many people renting in the Hunter were in danger of being evicted for rent arrears.

Teresa Brierley, representative of the Catholic Diocese, and Callan Lawrence work for common good with other community partners as part of the Hunter Community Alliance

For every person rushing to hoard toilet paper, there was another calling their neighbours to check if they were OK. Michelle Faithfull of Compass Housing said: “People are changing up, responding, forming groups so they can help.” People were stepping up to be leaders in their communities. Together, 24 leaders took action in response to what we’d heard. By consensus we decided that a permanent increase to JobSeeker, the disability and age pensions, and widened eligibility to payment support, would have a positive effect on many of the issues we’d heard about. On 17 June, 22 leaders, including Bishop Bill Wright, co-signed letters sent to a selection of influential MPs, including the Prime Minister and the Hunter’s elected representatives. This was a modest but important first collaboration in building the Hunter Community Alliance. It was the first time in living memory that such a broad group of civil society organisations had collaborated on an advocacy campaign. The first of many to come. Our Alliance is here for the long term and will work to strengthen organisations and communities throughout the Hunter. Over four days this month, our Alliance will train people online in the foundations of our community organising model. Please find more information and register for training at bit.ly/30dP0UR. Through training people, we strengthen partner organisations and the communities they serve, allowing citizens to fully participate in grassroots democracy. The issues will come and go but we will continue to build our Alliance based on the shared values and interests of our communities. Callan Lawrence is a Hunter Community Alliance organiser. Contact him at ahcalliance@gmail.com for more information.

Participants expressed concern about the strain on welfare services, about who would benefit or be left behind in the government’s response, and the economic stimulus’s detrimental effects to nature.

Through training people, we strengthen partner organisations and the communities they serve, allowing citizens to fully participate in grassroots democracy.

We documented themes and noted that it was the most vulnerable who were being further marginalised. Another theme was that many people had been mobilised to take action to help their fellow citizens.

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Care Talk Couple is the client at counselling Q: Since COVID-19 social isolation, working from home, and increased pressure from home schooling, fights and disagreements with my partner have increased. I am concerned this has always been an issue in our relationship but focusing on our busy lives has allowed us to ignore it. We have not attended couples counselling before and would like a first-hand account from a psychologist as to what it entails because my husband says he doesn’t need someone else to tell him what to do.

CatholicCare’s registered psychologists address a new 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 Lifeline 24/7 on P 131 114.

Even the healthiest relationships may be going through a rough patch right now – for various reasons. A considerable number of people are facing unemployment and financial instability as a result of COVID-19, while others are having to work from home alongside their partners and children. Meanwhile, our usual opportunities for socialising, date nights, romantic breaks, and hobbies enjoyed outside the house are being restricted and monitored. At times such as these, our stress levels become higher and our difficult emotions seem to surface more readily. This not only leads to more conflicts, it leads to more unresolved conflicts. Finding a psychologist to provide counselling is a very personalised process. You can start by using search engines such as AAPI, aapi.org.au, or APS www.psychology.org.au Once you have found a psychologist trained to provide relationship counselling, you can expect the following from the process.

Do you have a question for us? Email your question to aurora@mn.catholic.org.au or write to Aurora-CareTalk PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300.

f You are not the client. The couple is the client. Most couples therapists have what they call a “no secrets rule”. That means everything you share individually with the therapist is also shared with the other partner. For example, you can’t divulge an affair to your therapist and then expect them to conceal that from your partner. Also, don’t expect one partner to be the focus of the therapy. This is about the both of you as a unit, not either of you as individuals.

f Make an effort. For your own sake. One of the hardest things for couples deciding whether to break up is ambivalence, which often makes them reluctant to do the work. But doing this work will help you no matter what becomes of the relationship. Human beings behave in patterns. “Whether we leave the relationship or not, we can never leave our baggage behind – it will follow us wherever we go, until we resolve it.” Neglect to do so and it’s likely you’ll repeat the same unhealthy behaviours and follow the same patterns in your next relationship, too. f It’s going to take a lot of time. Just as it took some time for the relationship to deteriorate to this low point, it’s going to take a while to get it back on track and functional. The specific number of sessions depends entirely on the couple and the approach of their therapist. Sessions can be weekly or fortnightly, 60-90 minutes in length and span over years if required. f Relationships are all about patterns. Therapy is all about changing those patterns. In any case, the underlying problem that presents as annoyance and frustration has an underlying pattern that seeps into other parts of the relationship. With couples therapy, ultimately the goal is to change the patterns of relating and create the love we want.

f Your therapist is not going to tell you what to do. You might already know that a therapist cannot give advice. Their job is to identify the patterns in which you and your partner engage, and then to help you change those patterns. This can involve responding with kindness or opening up about what you really need rather than shutting down. Your therapist can help you make decisions, but they will never make them for you. f Happy couples can go to therapy. You don’t need to wait until you’re about to break up. It’s certainly scary to ask your partner to go to therapy with you when things are basically status quo, since we tend to think of couples therapy as a last-ditch effort. Issues can be things like wanting to have a better sex life, or wanting to argue less, or to have more productive conversations about money – anything that’s causing friction or that is difficult to talk about is a good place to start. Therapy provides space for folks to feel safe enough to express those things they otherwise would not usually express. Lauren Freele is a psychologist, CatholicCare Social Services, Hunter-Manning

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Photo: Peter Stoop

If she can, I can Nadene Barretto is the founder of Eight Recruitment

BRITTANY GONZALEZ

Nadene Barretto is the founder of Eight Recruitment, a consultancy that is different, a little bold and pushes the boundaries, but very Novocastrian.

entire child — their mental, physical, and spiritual selves — as well as core values they take with them throughout their entire lives.

As a fun, charismatic individual with more than 21 years’ experience in recruitment, Nadene wanted to shake up the industry and create a brand that reflected her and her husband’s “nutty personalities”.

f What led you to entrepreneurship in recruitment?

Part of her success lies in her generosity of spirit. As a mother, wife and entrepreneur, an important part of her philosophy revolves around fostering relationships by putting candidates and clients at the centre of the business, and giving back to the community through sponsorship and partnerships. f Do you know why your parents chose Catholic education for you? And why you chose to also put your children into the Catholic school system? I come from generations of Irish Catholics. I don’t think there was ever another option. I absolutely loved my time in the local Catholic education system, K-6 at St Joseph’s Charlestown, Years 7–10 at St Mary’s, Gateshead and Years 11–12 at St Francis Xavier, Hamilton. I really wanted to go to Whitebridge High for Years 11 and 12, but my parents were having none of it. They knew Catholic schools offered a high-quality education and they told me it would “look better on my resume” – and they were right. It’s for these reasons I have put my three kids through the Catholic school system and also the fact the schools focus on the

At the time of starting Eight Recruitment, I had been in recruitment for more than 11 years, working in Newcastle, the UK and Ireland and I knew the industry needed a bit of a shake-up. We had three kids under the age of three and when my eldest was about to start school, I had to get the balance right between being a mum to three small children and getting a buzz from my career at the same time. Back then, there just wasn’t an option for part-time work in recruitment so I created my own business where I could work the flexible hours I needed whilst challenging the status quo in the recruitment industry. f An integral part of your business philosophy lies in giving back to the community through sponsorship and participation. Why is this important to you? Catholic schools promote service as an essential component of their curriculum, and really promote that community is at the heart of who we are. We have been really lucky in life and I feel that it is our obligation to give back and support the community. We have been heavily involved in supporting a number of rugby teams, the kids’ schools and have worked very closely with our favourite charity, Got Your Back Sista.

f Eight Recruitment recently sponsored the Mick “Whale” Curry Memorial Rugby Sevens. What drew you to support women’s sport? I was blown away that the prize money was significantly higher in the men’s competition than it was in the concurrent women’s comp. I remember thinking that shouldn’t be happening in 2020. I wanted our two daughters to see and know that women in sport and women in general are deserving of equal pay. f What are the benefits in organisations partnering together to deliver programs and support community initiatives?  It’s a huge win-win for everyone. A great example is the most recent rugby team we are sponsoring, the Newcastle Wildfires. Newcastle haven’t had a team in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition for 18 years and the rugby community are so passionate they have completely supported the team. Given how many of these businesses are hurting right now, the NHRU still managed to bring 11 businesses on board, at very short notice, to support the cause. There is no hiding the fact that benefits for the businesses is exposure to a certain demographic, but it’s also knowing that you are doing something for the community, you are giving back and are surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are doing the same.

f How did your ambassadorship come about for Inspiring Rare Birds (empowering more women entrepreneurs)? What advice do you have for women looking to entrepreneurship? I met Jo Burston when I first started Eight Recruitment more than nine years ago. I kept coming across her profile in business publications, so I reached out to her to thank her for inspiring young women in business. She invited me out for lunch and our friendship has kept growing. When she asked me to be Newcastle’s Ambassador for Inspiring Rare Birds I absolutely jumped at the opportunity. I’ve met so many women, of all ages, who are more than capable of starting their own business but don’t back themselves. I tend to laugh and tell them “if I can do it anyone can do it”. That’s why Inspiring Rare Birds mantra of “If She Can I Can” really resonates with me. I have made quite a few mistakes along the way, but I will never die wondering “what if?” f Is faith a big part of your life? If yes, how has it helped? Faith is still a huge part of my life. One thing I have really taken from my Catholic upbringing is the whole believing is something that you can’t see, having faith that someone or something bigger than yourself is looking over you, whether you call it God, Energy, the Universe, whatever it may be, this belief has been a huge part of my life and has really helped me get through the past couple of months in particular.

Photo: Lizzie Snedden

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IGAs carry great range of reading BROOKE ROBINSON

When COVID-19 struck, the usual channels for sharing Aurora were suddenly blocked. School populations dwindled to 5 per cent, many local newspapers that carried Aurora each month ceased being printed, and churches were closed. The Diocese sought to find a way to get Aurora to our readers, particularly those who could not access it online. IGA supermarkets throughout the Diocese happily agreed to fill that gap. The need to purchase essential items ensured that

Photo: Sub Editor of Aurora Brooke Robinson, with Produce Manager, Jenny Ritchie and Front end Manager, Tim Donnelly at IGA New Lambton.

supermarkets stayed open, and therefore were the perfect location to make Aurora available. Well-known for their community support, IGA supermarkets donate to local organisations, charities and other worthwhile causes. IGA Community Chest raises funds that are used for everything from a response to major events such as floods or bushfires, to new soccer balls for the local under-8s. IGA’s support of our Diocese was evident

when it agreed to showcase Aurora in its outlets.

audiences are now reading the good news of the Diocese.

Front end Manager of IGA New Lambton, Tim Donnelly said, "IGA supermarkets are proud to support their local communities, and we are happy to have Aurora available at our store."

You can now pick up a copy of Aurora from your local IGA in Blackalls Park, Boolaroo, Bulahdelah, Cameron Park, Caves Beach, Dungog, Gloucester, Karuah, New Lambton, Paterson, Rathmines, Shoal Bay, Stockton, Taree, Wangi Wangi, West Wallsend, Windale, and Woodrising.

The relationship between IGA and Aurora has also enabled the Diocese to reach people who may not have otherwise bought the newspapers in which it was published, or picked it up at church. New

Community Noticeboard For your diary

For more events please visit mn.catholic.org.au Explore Alpha Online Explore Alpha Online is a one-hour session on Thursday 13 August at 7pm for those who may have not run Alpha, or have not run one recently. Specifically for the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, your questions will be answered, such as: what is Alpha? how can I use it, especially online? The Diocesan Formation and Education team will show updated resources for the Catholic context and their application for ministry inside your church and into your community. Pre-register to attend at bit.ly/38XW8J2. Sharing our story Everyone has a story. No matter how ordinary it may seem, we all have a story to tell and you never know what it can mean to someone until you share it. In this fallow period, we have been given the gift

of time. A time to reflect on our life, a life of being faithful people. We invite you to share your story.

Marriage and relationship education courses 2020

You could use the following questions as a guide.

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, temporarily online. It also offers a Bringing Baby Home workshop, which assists couples transition to parenthood. For further information on CatholicCare’s relationship and parenting courses, including costs, please contact Robyn Donnelly, 4979 1370, or rdonnelly@catholiccare.org.au or visit www.catholiccare.org.au

Who are the people who guided your faith journey? How did they do that? Describe some defining moments of your faith journey? What made them significant? How has your faith been reflected in your work, your hobbies, your values, your choices, and your priorities at various times in your life? In what ways has your faith guided and supported you over your lifetime? How has your church/faith community guided and supported you? We hope to use these stories as part of a Diocesan Formation and Education project. Please send your story to: shareourstory@mn.catholic.org.au

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

August 6 – Hiroshima Remembrance 9 – International Day of the World's Indigenous People Nagasaki Remembrance 12 – International Youth Day 13 – Explore Alpha Online 23 – International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade & Its Abolition

Book Talk

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Food Talk

NATASHA BROTHERTON

Rebecca Manley Pippert dares to ask: do you have the courage to evangelise for the sake of Jesus, or have you conveniently and safely convinced yourself that evangelism is a job for somebody else? Stay Salt is a wonderful read for those of us who understand the great commission that Jesus so clearly asks of all Christians, “… go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt 28:19) but have no idea how to make this a reality. Stay Salt is written as a “how to” manual for evangelising, but mixes reflective and practical Bible study. Easy to read and providing the step-by-step guide we all need to evangelise effectively, it is conveniently divided into three main sections: The Means, The Message and The Method. These three chapters walk the reader through the history of evangelism and the importance of this practice in the modern era. Pippert invites us to acknowledge the special gifts God has given us and to trust that God will work through us and make good use of these gifts. They are given so we can share His message with the world. Yes, it takes prayer and genuine time spent with God to discern how we might do this, but evangelism is for all of us, and can reveal itself in many ways. Stay Salt reminds us that sometimes all it takes is to “show up”, believe in the calling we have been given, and do it.

saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Stay Salt shines light on the truth of this Gospel verse and passionately urges us to not lose the courage to bring the Gospel alive and evangelise with authentic gusto. And don’t we all need some of that? Pippert also asks her readers: by not evangelising and witnessing, are we actively participating in keeping God’s word a secret from those who desperately need to hear it? As a race, we cannot afford to live another day without this salt. God’s salt. We need to be brave, bold, and open to look at the concept of evangelism and our part in using God’s word to flavour the world – the people we live, work, and play with each day. Let’s encourage each other and “stay salt”.

About two years ago, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle established St Nicholas OOSH, an extension of St Nicholas Early Education services. The impetus to develop St Nicholas OOSH stemmed from the Diocese’s commitment to serve and support families, providing care for primary school-aged children outside of school hours. As of July 2020, St Nicholas OOSH operates in 20 locations, and will eventually expand its footprint to encompass all Catholic schools in the Diocese that require the services. Many principals and parish priests are excited to work in partnership with St Nicholas OOSH, to deliver a service not previously available to families in their school community. Principal of Our Lady of Victories Primary School in Shortland, Gerry Vandermaat, said that since St Nicholas OOSH began operating from the school at the beginning of 2019, it had helped busy families enormously and boosted school enrolments. St Nicholas OOSH provides a welcoming environment where children and families are respected, and actively encouraged to contribute their ideas for activities and learning experiences. General Operations Manager, Tracey Sweetman, said this partnership approach with parents has resulted in the service going from strength to strength. To find out more about St Nicholas OOSH or to keep up to date with service programs, visit www. stnicholasoosh.org.au or, check it out on Facebook or Instagram.

“Jesus did not say, ‘Go therefore, all you extroverts, and make disciples. The rest of you, just hang out, sing some hymns and wait until I return.’” – Pippert 2020 Natasha Brotherton is Diocesan Education Officer – Pastoral Ministries, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Stay Salt – Rebecca Manley Pippert (the Good Book Company)

In Matthew’s Gospel we read: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its

After-school pizzas At St Nicholas OOSH, Taree, students were treated to their own individual pizzas as an after-school snack. OOSH Supervisor, Emma Cumberland, shares the process. Ingredients f Small individual pizza bases, enough for 1-2 for each person f 1 bottle pizza sauce f 1 packet pizza shredded cheese f Pizza toppings, amounts based on individual preferences pepperoni, diced bacon, shredded chicken, diced pineapple, cherry tomatoes Method 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Spray baking trays with non-stick cooking spray. 2 Take a pizza base, spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on it, then top with your chosen ingredients. Finish off with a sprinkle of cheese. 3 Place pizzas on the baking tray and put into oven. 4 Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

St Nicholas OOSH, here to support families St Nicholas OOSH is an out of school hours service providing high-quality education and care for children aged 5 - 12 years. Each St Nicholas OOSH service is staffed by a dedicated team of qualified childcare professionals. We have established services in Aberrmain, Branxton, Charlestown, East Maitland, Chisholm, Forster, Gateshead, Glendale, Kilaben Bay, Kotara South, Lochinvar, Maitland, Mayfield, The Junction, New Lambton, Rutherford, Shortland, Taree, Waratah and Warners Bay. Visit www.stnicholasoosh.org.au to make a booking for a personalised tour at any of our locations.

www.stnicholasoosh.org.au

Could you stay the distance? Become a foster carer and help a child to heal.

We are looking for people interested in providing a loving, supportive and predictable home for children. Through no fault of their own, many children are not able to live with their birth families. Our carers are crucial to providing children with the stability and nurturing when they need it most. There are various types of care you could provide that would make a difference: â&#x20AC;˘ Short term: such as providing regular weekend care â&#x20AC;˘ Medium term: typically six to twelve months while families work to have their children restored to them â&#x20AC;˘ Longer term: typically two to five years or longer Can you commit to helping a child? We invite you to join us for an information session to find out more, please go to bit.ly/CCfoster for dates and details. Or alternatively, call Di Walters on (02) 4944 0711.