Term 3 Issue 14.pub - Caroline Chisholm College

CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
NEWSLETTER
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Caroline Chisholm College,
Today our college community celebrated the Eucharist together at Holy
Family Church, Luddenham. Father Kevin Lee presided at the liturgy
which was prepared by Ms Jacqui Morley and Mrs Jeanette Cocks with
the help of many people including our talented musicians, band and
dramatists who were coordinated by Ms O’Brien, Mr Caws, Mr
Stevenson and Ms Felton.
The special purpose of this gathering was to ask God’s blessing on our new Student
Leadership Council, our House Leaders and our graduating Year 12 students who have all
been leaders of our college for the past year.
Congratulations to all our incoming leaders. In their first time together last Friday, they
showed that they have a strong desire to serve all members of our community. They clearly
understand the responsibilities and opportunities that the next year will bring and are keen
to do their best to try to follow the type of leadership shown by Jesus. Thank you to Ms
Ross and Ms Jacka who prepared this Leadership Training Day, assisted with today’s
celebrations and will continue to work with our leaders in the future.
I congratulate our 2008/2009 Leaders on their commissioning as Leaders and hope that all
members of our community will support them in their roles:
Year 12 - 2009
Dawne Amaya – College Leader
Rachel Ellis – College Deputy Leader
Rachel Heaslip – College Deputy Leader
Stephanie Borg – Liturgy Committee Chair
Martha Boulos – Social Justice Committee Chair
Sarah Jones – Environment Committee Chair
Lisa Morgan – School Spirit Committee Chair
House Leaders
Alahna Allison - Kenny
Laura Kelly - Gilmore
Cory Sciberras - Jackson
Stephanie Valle - Macarthur
Courtney Gerion - MacKillop
Katherine Hyland - Wright
Year 11 - 2009
Bianca Azzopardi
Clare Decena
Rachel Mall
Charlene Rahme
Vicki Stanojevic
Madeleine Vella
Year 10 - 2009
Emma Brocklehurst
Anupriyaa Prasad
Nicole Tamer
Maxilene Moutsouras
Year 9 - 2009
Cheri Watts-Sands
Laura Patterson
Erin Mifsud
Carli Heald
Year 8 - 2009
Gemma Buchanan
Madeline Smith
Alison Ruse
Mary-Anne Leonardo
TERM 3 WEEK 8
ISSUE 14
9 September 2008
Caroline Chisholm College
90 - 98 The Lakes Drive
Glenmore Park , NSW 2745
College
Phone Numbers:
Student Absences
Ph: 4737 5555
School Fees
Ph: 4737 5520
Enrolment Enquiries
Ph: 4737 5506
Uniform Shop
Ph: 4737 5522
General Information
Ph: 4737 5500
Fax: (02) 4733 1054
Email:
carolinechisholm@
parra.catholic.edu.au
LOG ON TO OUR WEBSITE
www.carolinechisholm.
nsw.edu.au
TO VIEW THE
FOLLOWING ARTICLES:
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
1/2
AWARDS
3
CAREERS
4
STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVE
COUNCIL
4
PREMIERS READING
CHALLENGE
5
NSWCCC
6
NSWTAP
6
NATIONAL LITERACY
6
LEADERS’
INDUCTION MASS
7
Penrith Show
This year the work of our students was acknowledged with the awarding of a large number PASS CAMP
of prizes and ribbons covering the areas of agriculture, art, technology, sewing and
MEDIEVAL DAY
cooking. A full list will appear in the next newsletter and a selection of the award winners’
works will shortly be on display at the college. Congratulations to all those who entered PARENT LINE TIPS
samples of their work and to the staff who facilitated these entries.
Thank you particularly to Mr Clerke and Ms Baldwin who spent the three days (Friday, NOTICES
Saturday and Sunday) looking after our exhibits and animals with the help of many
DIARY DATES
members of the Agriculture classes.
8
9
10
11
11
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
Tournament of the Minds
Congratulations to the members of our three teams who competed in this competition:
Social Sciences challenge
Natasha Chandra
Madison Hamlin
Erin Mifsud
Shania Block
Madelaine Caruana
Jessica Hocking
Melissa Borg
Language/literature challenge
Caitlin Bailey
Katelyn Sultana
Jessica Preston
Dana Bourke
Christie Williamson
Madeline Smith
Applied technology challenge
Marissa Martin
Bianca Peacock
Stephanie Eggins
Tara McElduff
Angela Perez
Thank you to Mr Stevenson and Ms Baldwin who have supported the girls throughout the past two terms and to Ms
Wakeling who was very involved in the final stages of preparation.
Awards for VET students
Four students received awards at the “Schools Industry Partnership” serving Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith
Regions in recognition of their excellent progress in their VET course at a special ceremony attended by Ms Browning, Mrs
McKee and Mr Delany.
Congratulations to:
Jordan Elliott - Primary Industries
Katie Leigh Hatton - Entertainment
Zeina Madrajat - Business Services
Kaitlin Humphrey - Hospitality
The highlight of the evening was the depth and calibre of the recipients of the Awards. It demonstrated the impact that
vocational education has not only on students but also on employers. Vocational education in whatever form it takes,
whether it is delivered in schools or at TAFE, has significantly influenced the career paths of many students and will benefit
them greatly when they make the transition from school to the work force. It also highlighted the role that the SIP plays in
finding students quality workplacements as many indicated that the quality of these workplacements has directly contributed
to their ability to succeed in their chosen Industry Framework course.
College Religious Education Coordinator
I am very pleased to inform you that Ms Bernadette Murray has been appointed College Religious Education Coordinator.
Ms Murray currently holds this position at Catherine McAuley High School and previously was Religious Education
Coordinator at Delany College and prior to that Curriculum Coordinator. Ms Murray has both a Masters of Educational
Leadership and Masters of Education (R.E.), and so will bring both her own demonstrated commitment to learning and a
wide range of experiences to this position. I am looking forward to her joining our community in Week 5, Term 4.
Ms Morley and Mrs Cocks will continue in their acting roles until this time and I again thank them for their commitment and
support.
Prayers Requested
Please remember in your prayers Bob Wallin who died recently, his wife Katherine, daughter Amy-Kate O’Farrell (Year
12), other members of his family and their friends. We express our sympathy to them at this very sad time.
May eternal rest be granted unto him, O Lord
May unending light shine upon him
May he rest in peace. Amen
Year 12 Reports
These will be posted home on Thursday. They contain much important advice for our Year 12 students as they begin the
final six weeks of preparation for their HSC examinations. I encourage parents to discuss with their daughters their proposed
study plans for these weeks and the contents of my letter that accompanies this final report.
Professional Competence
Congratulations to Ms Suzy Agar the newest member of our staff to achieve the level of
Professional Competence. Ms Agar received her award at a ceremony last week at St Patrick’s
Cathedral Hall.
Yours sincerely
Ms Christine Howe
Principal
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
AWARDS
Year 12 Principal’s Awards - Semester 2
Ammara Akbar
Veena Alamade
Lillianna Al-Khouri
Sarah Archer
Jessica Azar
Rebecca Barker
Simone Bennett
Amy Bohan
Stevie-Lee Boardman
Charlene Borg
Jasleen Brar
Erin Burke
Sarah Cachia
Sarah Challita
Natalie Chehade
Lauren Clark
Siobhan Clark
Brianna Coleman
Kathleen Corliss
Jana Curry
Alison Cutajar
Anne Cutajar
Siobhan Dyball
Kate Evans
Ashley Ferguson
Candice Frankson
Christine Ghali
Kirrily Hackenberg
Angela Haggarty
Katie Hatton
Jade Heeps
Alexandra Hill
Brooke Hollard
Jacinta Hoolahan
Kaitlin Humphrey
Sandra Issa
Courtney Jenkins
Leonie Jennings
Ashley Liubertas
Samantha Livings
Kristina Luniewski
Zeina Madrajat
Gold Awards
Bronze Awards
Year 8
Madison Hamlin
Year 7
Alanah Ellul
Anne Alimangohan
Bethany Dalton
Ciara Fletcher
Courtney Walker
Daniela Klinsic
Darcy Stott
Elesha Parkinson
Elle Wilson
Erinn Gallagher
Gabrielle Berimballi
Grace Piromalli
Janelle Bazouni
Lorrina Al-Khouri
Maddison Smith
Madelaine Caruana
Year 12
Natalie Maxwell
Sliver Awards
Year 7
Alyssa Strong
Lysandra Bonarius
Madelaine Caruana
Madeline Smith
Sarah Alimangohan
Year 8
Caitlin Bailey
Brooke Maguire
Ashleigh Markowski
Natalie Maxwell
Amy Meekings
Monika Mikhail
Ashley Monk
Bernadette Morabito
Andrea Morada
Hailey Morrison
Emma Norman
Amy-Kate O’Farrell
Krystal O’Sullivan
Kirsty Pascoe
Nikita Prasad
Elisa Pruss
Rita Rahme
Kimberley Reynolds
Cassandra Rice
Kimberlee Robinson
Lesia Rohozynsky
Melinda Roope
Madeleine Clark
Mary-Anne Leonardo
Rabia Gill
Riley Noble
Sarah Alimangohan
Sharlene Fenech
Sonali Kansal
Stephanie Mayers
Tegan Gray
Teigan Saunders
Year 8
Ashley Cassar
Brittany Atfield
Caitlin Bailey
Chantelle Rushton
Kiera Wards
Lauren Burke
Madison Hamlin
Jessica Rossiter
Danielle Rowe
Kristen Saab
Dahana Sands
Breanna Smith
Jacqueline Smith
Jessika Smith
Jennifer Staunton
Erin Stewart
Rebecca Tait
Kyra Thorncraft
Jessica Tso
Ebony Vail
Shauny Van Mullekom
Vanja Jukojevic
Amy Weissel
Kate Whiticker
Lauren Wiles
Sandra Youssef
Year 9
Amanda Schembri
Brittany Kenny
Natasha Lesch
Natasha Fordham
Year 11
Brooke Mackay
Katherine Hyland
Year 12
Krystal O’Sullivan
Samantha Livings
The Spring Working Bee scheduled for Saturday 13th September has been
postponed as it coincides with the council elections.
New date to be advised.
CAREERS
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
COUNCIL 2008-2009
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
Careers: School leavers special!
Student Representative Council 2008-2009
At this time of year and in the near future many students will
be entering the workforce part-time or permanently. All
people working in Australia should have a Tax File
Number and applications for these will be completed mid
term four at Caroline Chisholm. The documentation makes it
impractical to do Tax File Numbers singly or in small
numbers. Year 9 will be invited to complete the application
as a group while other students will be invited to complete
an application at that time if they so wish. Students may
work without a Tax File Number till that time.
On Friday 5th September, 32 students, along with Ms Ross
and Ms Jacka, took part in the annual College Leadership
Development Day. The students who participated were
elected by their peers and the College community, to
represent their year group as a College Leader for the
remainder of 2008 and 2009.
The Federal Government has two agencies to answer
questions from new employees about their rights and
entitlements.
The first of these is: The Workplace Authority 1300 363 264
or www.workplaceauthority.gov.au
The Workplace Ombudsman is the second agency and is
normally contacted after the Workplace Authority. WO
1300 724 200 or www.wo.gov.au
Leaving School at www.schools.nsw.edu.au also has
information for young workers on”Getting Paid”, Workplace
Agreements”, “Casual, Part-time and Full-time work” and
“What to do when Finishing Up”.
Remember that no person should be doing unpaid
probationary or trial period work!
Generally, the only time anyone is not paid, is approved
work experience programs organised by school or TAFE.
Other useful websites for school leavers includes:
http://want2know.com.au/documents/jobseekersguide.pdf a
large list of websites in the Penrith area for school leavers/
job/trainee/apprentice seekers.
Jobsites:
http://Jobsearch.gov.au
www.penrithonline.com.au/workline/
Job tips, resumes assistance and career information can also
be accessed through http://www.jobjuice.gov.au
A site for much advice for school leavers:
www.schoolsindustry.com.au
Traineeships and Apprenticeships:
Penrith City Council Website: www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
www.jobquest.org.au
+++++ Schools Industry Partnership expo Panthers pavilion
for traineeships and apprenticeships is on the 23rd Sept 2008,
5.30-8.30 pm
www.schoolsindustry.com.au
TAFE
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE: [email protected]
Mr Marc Petit
Careers Coordinator
The students participated in various activities which built on
their already strong leadership qualities, games which tested
their patience, time management and organisational skills as
well as reflection activities.
Despite the gloomy weather outside, the atmosphere inside
was electric and the students showed their enthusiasm to
implement changes, work collaboratively and be the voice
for other students.
This day forms part of the three Leadership days, in which
these students will continue to build on their skills and look
at ways of implementing ideas and values they feel are
important to the college.
Congratulations to all the students who were elected as part
of the SRC and House Leaders for 2009. It looks to be a
very exciting and dynamic year ahead.
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
PREMIERS READING
CHALLENGE
Premiers Reading
Challenge 2008
The Premier’s Reading
Challenge is a New South
Wales
government
initiative. It is the largest
book club for young people
in Australia. Students who
complete the Challenge receive a certificate signed by the
Premier of New South Wales. They will also be invited to a
Principal’s luncheon. The students need to read 20 books to
complete the Challenge. For every three books that the
students read, they earn a merit award.
There has been a tremendous response this year at Caroline
Chisholm College with 157 students from Year 7 and Year 8
having completed the challenge. The total number of books
read for the Premier’s Reading Challenge was 4,428.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in the
Challenge as it aims to encourage in students a love of
reading for leisure and pleasure, and to enable students to
experience quality literature.
www.schools.nsw.edu.au/premiersreadingchallenge
Mrs Rhonda Wickes - Teacher Librarian
YEAR 7
Marina
Bernice
Aboud
Agius
Alanah
Rachel
Ellul
Faauila
Stephanie
Mayers
Anna
Setiu
Stephanie
Mcdonald
Kristina
Shrestha
Erin
Meagher
Tavleen
Singh
Elise
Mifsud
Maddison
Smith
Lara
Mitchell
Palita
Somsri
Brooklyn
Morgan
Kelsey-Anne
Spaccavento
Antonia
Moutzouras
Kristy
Staunton
Tara
Mullen
Lauren
Steltenpool
Darian
Murphy
Darcy
Stott
Caitlin
KanchanPreet
Nadalini
Alyssa
Strong
Nagra
Stephanie
Swat
Riley
Noble
Sinead
O'Farrell
Jessica
O'Sullivan
Elesha
Parkinson
Amy
Pellegrom
Ashleigh
Peters
Nicola
Petricevic
Marisa
Piccirilli
Grace
Piromalli
Anne
Prcevich
Courtney
Roberson
Madeline
Robson
Alison
Ruse
Jessica
Ryan
Gemma
Saunders
Lorrina
Al-Khouri
Courtney
Fahey
Teigan
Saunders
Anne
Alimangohan
Mackenzie
Farmer
Danielle
Schafer
Sarah
Alimangohan
Laura
Fenech
Samantha
Sciberras
Rhiannon
Allison
Renae
Fenech
Brooke
Scott
Olivia
Antonelli
Sharlene
Fenech
Emily
Scott
Brooke
Armstrong
Tara
Finnegan
Zoe
Senior-Plachozki
Lauren
Austin
Ciara
Fletcher
Mikaliha
Bartolo
Rebecca
Forrester
Emily
Beltrame
Erinn
Gallagher
Amanda
Benham
Alexandria
Galvez
Montanna
Geyer
Danica
Bird
Elizabeth
Blazevic
Rabia
Gill
Emily
Bocking
Melissa
Gomes
Lysandra
Bonarius
Caitlin
Goodall
Sherine
Bonarius
Tegan
Gray
Crysta
Booth
Laura
Gumkowski
Sarah
Brombal
Samantha
Ha
Ebony
Hallinan-Page
Ashleigh
Carr
Madeline
Caruana
Alison
Hartley
Natasha
Chandra
Samantha
Holmes
Kahla
Cini
Sonali
Kansal
Madeleine
Clark
Georgia
Katene-Moana
Brittany
Kerr
Ashleigh
Clerke
Courtney
Clay
Brooke
Kirk
Lauren
Crosbie
Sarah
Large
Rachel
Curmi
Emerald
Luke
Aimee
Davies
Jessica
Maciante
Molly
Ellena
Deal
Drossos
Susan
Katelyn
Maimoun
Main
Amar
El-Dahoud
Nicole
Manley
Boushra
El-Dahoud
Brianna
Margetts
Gaitee-Ara
Taseer
Tanisha
Tavae
Sarah
Thornton
Chelsea
Tinapay
Alexandra
Valades
Natalia
Valle
Cassidy
Van Mullekom
Christine
Vazquez
Caitlin
Vella
Rebecca
Vella
Renee
Vingerhoed
Courtney
Walker
Anastasia
Wang
Brianan
Webb
Bridget
Weissel
Brittany
Wilkinson
Jessica
Williams
Elle
Wilson
Melissa
Xerri
Quinn
YEAR 8
Madeline
Arnold
Natalie
Brittany
Atfield
Karlee
Rance
Caitlin
Bailey
Linda
Rance
Jessica
Beriottto
Jordyn
Riley
Alexandria
Borg
Vanessa
Rodger
Ashley
Cassar
Rachel
Sims
Chane
Chalice
Amanda
Spicer
Kristen
Collins
Rebecca
Collins
Abbey Rose Connell
Angela
Dorakay
Vanessa
Fayad
Tori
Gray
Madison
Hamlin
Ashley
Harkin
Georgia
Hitchins
Guraneet
Kaur
Monisha
Kumar
Brianna
Law
Amber
Lee
Alisar
Madrajat
Jessica
McBroom
NSW CCC
NSWTAP
NATIONAL LITERACY DAY
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
NSW CCC
National Literacy Day
On 19th and 20th of August, Caroline Chisholm College
intermediate basketball team participated in the NSW
Combined Catholic Colleges competition at Penrith Sports
Stadium. This is the first time our school has entered this
event and to make the final ten teams in the state was quite
an achievement. On both days, the girls played with great
enthusiasm and were competitive against each of the teams.
Unfortunately the ball did not bounce our way and we did
not win a game, being defeated in each game by only a few
of goals. Here are the results listed below:
Xavier H.S.,Albury 29
Caroline Chisholm College 23
St Joseph’s Port Macquarie36 Caroline Chisholm College 26
Xavier, Llandilo 34
Caroline Chisholm College 27
St.Peter’s Maitland 36
Caroline Chisholm College 35
The team members were Corinne Bonetta, Stephanie
Eggins, Danica Hartley, Marlette Le Feuvre, Kate
Pozoglou, Alison Rice, Georgia Stellios and Jenna
Weekes. A special thanks needs to be made to Mr Bonnetta
for his invaluable assistance in preparing for the event,
Marissa Martins and Clare Decena for their dedicated
service on the scoring bench, Ally Borg for refereeing
throughout the carnival and the enthusiastic support from
family and friends.
There were five Year 9 and Year 10 classes who participated
in the National Literacy Day activities at Caroline Chisholm
College on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd September 2008.
The activity combined literacy, technology and collaborative
learning. The students used wikispaces to write a book.
Some of the students comments are as follows;
NSWTAP
Congratulations to Alison Hartley from Year 7 who after a
series of trials has been selected in the NSWTAP - Talented
Athletes Program for Basketball hosted by NSW Basketball
in conjunction with the Institute of Sport in NSW. The camp
will be held in Term 4 week 2 at Narrabeen.
We wish Alison all the best and look forward to hearing
from her when she returns.
Miss Laura Connelly
Australian Road Walking Championships
On Sunday 24th August I competed in the Australian road
walking championships in Melbourne. I achieved an
extremely pleasing result of 1st place in the under 16 women
5km event with a satisfying time of 24.24. This achievement
was the result of a long and demanding journey I have been
on. In January last year I had an operation on my legs which
prevented me from all exercise for six months. My recovery
was both physically and mentally challenging.
My
improvement was a gradual process which I found very
frustrating at times however I am grateful for all the work I
put in and appreciate all the support I received at home and
at school.
When I returned to training I was only able to race walk
300m at a time, but a year later I am now walking up to
10km per day. My present goal is making the Australian
world junior team next year where I will hopefully represent
Australia in Italy for under 18 women 5km race walk at the
World Junior championships. It is my wish that my
recuperation will inspire others to overcome pain and
obstacles they may encounter whilst pursuing their dreams.
Shannon Jennings - Year 10
Today was fun and a new way to enjoy English. In just two
periods we learnt how to write a book and it was very
enjoyable. Saira Khan
I have never done something like this before and it was great
fun. It was interesting to see how the story turned out from
so many different co-authors. Amanda
Overall, students gained a lot from this experience,
developing the concept of building on ideas. It was a fun
activity that helped develop literacy skills in recognition of
National Literacy Day.
Mrs Rhonda Wickes
Teacher Librarian
LEADERS’ INDUCTION MASS
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
PASS CAMP
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
Year 10 Physical Activity and Sports Science Camp, 2008!
On Wednesday morning, 15th August, 19 eager and enthusiastic sport science students
loaded the trailer with our massive rucksacks and boarded the bus for an exciting, fun-filled camping experience to
Yarramundi.
Upon arrival, after the exhausting trek up the trail to the campsite, we all managed to pitch our homes for the next 3 days.
After lunch we sat down as a group and participated in a variety of day activities and with breaks in-between playing Mr
Mac’s favourite game... charades!
As the sun started to set we all frantically started to prepare dinner. As we only had the facilities of a portable gas stove
between each tent group, most people went with simply noddles and pastas, while others went for the full gourmet meals!
After dinner we all gathered around the campfire for our night activities. Most of the night was spent singing, playing
games and watching Ms Connolly dance!
After a freezing cold night we managed to get up, have breakfast and get dressed by 8.00am for what was supposed to be a
30 minute walk to the Yarramundi YMCA. Once we got there and met our instructors we did 3 challenging activities
throughout the day: alpine rescue, high ropes and rock climbing.
Upon arriving back to our camp site, we cooked our dinner making sure we ate as much as possible so we wouldn’t have to
carry it with us the next day. We settled for our last night there and participated in the last of our activities. After the
activities were done we all joined in singing and dancing to the Spice Girls!!!
It was a struggle the next morning as we had to be at the YMCA half an hour earlier than the day before. We all were
packed and set to go by 8.00am as Ms Connolly announced the night before that the first 5 tent groups packed up wouldn’t
have to carry their rucksacks. When everyone was packed and ready to go, we realised a truck had come up to take our
gear down for us! The trek down was mostly a power walk as we were running far behind schedule. When we arrived we
went straight to abseiling with girls conquering their fear of heights. After that was archery and the giant swing!
By this time all of the girls were exhausted and ready to go home and have a shower and some real food! We were all
excited that we were going home and celebrating in style by breaking out in song!
We would like to thank Ms Field and Ms Connolly for sharing this interesting yet enjoyable experience with us. We would
especially like to thank Mr Mac for all his hard work and efforts put into organising this camp for us!!! This camp is one
experience we will never forget! We learnt new things, we cooperated as a class and bonded with new people. Mr Mac even
made a new friend, Ben (the dog).
MEDIEVAL DAY
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
The Medieval Day experience was a great success for Year 8 on
Friday August 29. Students thoroughly enjoyed a presentation by James Adams of Medieval Armour
and weaponry as well as a range of women’s clothing that was popular throughout the medieval
period. James’ sense of humour and comprehensive knowledge of medieval life provided a
fascinating insight for our students who were able to appreciate more fully the advantages of living in
the twenty-first century – particularly in regard to the development of women’s underwear! They
discovered just how back breaking the stocks would be, and how heavy the chain mail is to wear for
fighting. In other ‘hands on’ activities students tried typical medieval games including tug of war and
even jousting. Activities in hair grooming for medieval women and the designing a coat of arms were
also enjoyed. The students’ great efforts in their own costumes and their participation in all activities
added to the success of the day. Many thanks to the HSIE teachers
who were able to provide this effective learning experience for Year 8.
PARENT LINE TIPS
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
Parent Line Tips
Building Resilience - Communication
As part of our 6 month building resilience parent education program, we are focussing on how to help families communicate
better. Last month we looked at how family meetings are one of the simple but powerful ways of beginning the process for
helping family members to develop and practice effective communication, negotiation and conflict management skill as well as
model to children, planning and organisational skills.
This month we continue our exploration of Family Meetings as a forum for communication.
CHALLENGES FOR PARENTS IN RUNNING FAMILY MEETINGS
•
•
•
Helping children to speak up in a respectful way
Resisting the urge to dominate the meeting by speaking too much.
Modelling good communication skills is a powerful learning tool for children. That means making sure your using good
communication skills as well.
•
•
Less talk more listening is always a good place to start.
Family members not wanting to attend family meetings. If this happens, hold the meetings anyway. Ideally everyone
should take part, but one person should not stop this important family ritual. Usually the person will eventually realise that
they are missing out on something important and enjoyable and start coming again.
Don’t expect family meetings to run without any problems. Family meetings are about learning the skills to get on with other
people. These take time to develop and none of us ever become perfect at them. When problems arise try to see them as an
opportunity where, with your support, children can grow and mature. But always remember that growing up is a lifelong
journey made up of many small steps.
WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN AT A FAMILY MEETING
Meetings should not go for more than 30 minutes. Keep them even shorter for very young children. Most families prefer to
have them weekly, but for some fortnightly meetings are best.
You need to create your own ways of spending this time together, but here are some ideas of things you might want to
include:
• Opening / Closing Ritual – some families like to have a symbolic way of beginning or ending meetings. This could be
something like lighting a candle, saying a prayer, or greeting one another in a special way.
•
Compliments – each family member talks about something positive they noticed happening in the family. This can start a
habit of everyone looking for things that are going right rather than wrong with the family. This is also a good opportunity to
teach family members to accept compliments with a simple ‘thank you’.
•
•
Jokes – just for fun, some families include a time to share jokes.
Best Thing – one strategy is for each person to explain the “best thing” that has happened to them that week. It’s a
good way to celebrate and focus on positive aspects of the week.
• Organisational Issues – on a calendar list upcoming events, commitments, activities, homework that is due, etc. This
activity can help the family manage all of its commitments more easily and with less stress. An organisational white board
might be useful here.
•
Decisions – Some families might discuss decisions to be made in areas such as meals for the week, chores to be done
around the house, holiday destinations, what TV shows to watch, or plan for celebrations like birthday parties etc.
Problem Solving – everyone can be asked if they have noticed something that could be improved in the way the family is
working. These might be around areas such as family co-operation, household jobs, respecting each other, computer /TV use,
etc. Any issue at all. Some families use a white board or a book for family members to list in advance anything they would like
to suggest for discussion. It is best not to discuss individuals. Try and make a limit of discussing one or two problems per
meeting.
When a complaint, or a question, or a dispute comes up during the week, we always have the option of saying ‘let’s
discuss that at our next family meeting’. This can give you some time to think about how best to handle an important
issue. It can also stop a dispute from getting out of control and allows family members to discuss problems when they
are calmer.
It is sometimes best not to make individual’s problems a topic for discussion, as it can be embarrassing for them. For
example, you might not make your adolescent son’s rudeness towards you a topic for family discussion. This might
best be talked about privately. However you could have a general discussion about how it would be best for everyone
in the family to treat each other.
•
Personal Problem Solving - Any family member who feels comfortable can bring up a personal problem e.g. being
bullied at school. By doing this they can have the problem solving power and support of the whole family working for them.
Fun Activities – it is very important to end family meetings in a positive way. A nice, simple, tasty dessert and a family game
or a DVD are all good ways to end this special time together. This is one essential ingredient of successful meetings.
You do not have to include all the ideas listed, but try to have the meeting at the same time each week. Try and use a format
that you can keep to and that suits your family.
Families may record the ideas and problems discussed, as well as the compliments that were given to keep a record of the
meeting. These notes can be kept in a workbook
Talk to one of the counsellors at Parent Line for the cost of a local call about any parenting issue that is concerning you on
1300 1300 52. Parent Line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is run by a team of experienced, professional
counsellors. Parent Line is funded by NSW Department of Community Services and Managed by Centacare (Sydney).
NOTICES
DIARY DATES
CAROLINE CHISHOLM
COLLEGE
GLENMORE PARK YOUTH CENTRE BIGGER
AND BETTER IN TERM 3
This term make sure all you 11 to 16 year olds get over to the centre to hang
with Laura and the Spynx crew for these timetabled activities:
Tuesday: Open 3 – 5:30pm
Drumming lessons 4 – 4:30pm & 4:30 – 5pm
Make sure you book for these FREE drumming lessons.
You will be rocking out like ….. before you know it!
Jamming Sessions 5 – 5:30
If you are not keen on a structured lesson but love to mix
it up in a jamming session with mates than this is the
activity for you!
Wednesday:
Opening 3 – 5:30pm Art Expression
Get creative and involved at our art expression session.
Thursday: Opening times2:45 – 5:30pm Boot Camp + Healthy Eating
Ensure you have your runners and work out clothes to get
hot and sweaty to kick start your healthy afternoon!
Even if the activities are not your thing the centre is a fun and social place for
gals and guys like yourselves to spend your afternoons. The centre is located
right near Woolworths and provides food, fun, and place to hang with friends
which is definitely the best way to spend any afternoon. The centre has a TV,
ping pong table, video games and basketball court for you to “chalax” with
mates!
Can’t wait to see you there soon,
Laura and the team!
For bookings and enquiries call Laura on 4733 4955
Glenmore Park You Centre
For more information please contact:
Brooke Devereux – University Western Sydney
0449 013 151 // [email protected]
Penrith PCYC Activities:
Futsal, Shalolin Martial, Wargaming, Kickboxing,
boxing, weights, band/music, taekwondo,
gymnastics, cardio boxercise, dancing, karate and
band nights.
For information phone 02 4732 1755, mobile
0437 302 822, fax 02 4731 2196
Boxing fundraiser 14th November at St Mary’s
Leagues Club.
DIARY DATES
ST DOMINICS COLLEGE
FETE
Sunday 14th Sept 2008
All welcome!
Join in the fun all day
Sunday 14th September 2008
RIDES all day! Dodgem cars, Mechanical Bull,
Gladiator Challenge, Top Gun, Slides, Boats,
Jumping Castle. Pre paid unlimited rides $27.00.
On the day $30.00. Great value!
Books & CD’s, BBQ, Hot Dog, Noodles,
Slushies, Cakes/Coffee.
Plants, Trash & Treasure, All Things Kids,
Memorabilia Room, Displays.
Painting Classes $20.00. Booking essential.
All enquiries call Greg on 0413 936 309
12 Sept
18-26 Sept
24 Sept
25 Sept
26 Sept
13 Oct
13-14 Oct
13-15 Oct
14 Oct
15 Oct
15-17 Oct
16 Oct
17 Oct
24 Oct
Combined Catholic Colleges Athletics Carnival
Preliminary Final Examinations
Year 10 Examinations - English & Science
Year 12 Graduation Rehearsal Afternoon
Year 12 Graduation Day & Liturgy
Year 10 Examinations - HSIE
Year 10 Examinations - Maths
Talent Quest
End of Term 3 - school breaks for holidays
Term 4 commences for Students & Staff
English Media Incursion Year 10
Senior Retreat Group A
Year 10 Examinations
Studies of Religion Excursion Group B
Senior Retreat Groups A & B
Year 9 Trip to Canberra
Senior Retreat Group B
Studies of Religion Excursion Group A
HSC Examinations commence
Senior Retreat Group B
English Media Incursion Group A
College Assembly
CGSSSA Aquathon