Issue 20
DECEMBER 2019
8 THE EIGHTH BISHOP OF SANDHURST
10 LANGUAGES FILM FESTIVAL 12 EDUCARÉ Celebrating the craft of teaching IN A NAME 16 WHAT’S St Anne’s College Kialla
INSIDE: History of the Bishops of Sandhurst - past and present
Catholic Education Sandhurst
Editor Email Layout & Design Proof Reader Front Cover Photo Inside Cover Photo Inside Back Cover Photo Back Cover Photo
Jenni Kennedy jkennedy@ceosand.catholic.edu.au Catherine Barianos Mary Pianta Jake & Ruby: St Joseph’s College Echuca Chloe: St Mary’s Primary Cohuna Ebony: Doxa School Bendigo Courtesy of Press1 Photography
© Catholic Education Office Sandhurst 2019 Licenced under NEALS Printed by Espress Printers Epsom
Contents
4 5 10 12 14 16 18
From the Director
Mr Paul Desmond
The Eighth Bishop of Sandhurst
Sandhurst Languages Film Festival
Celebrating the craft of teaching Educaré Excellence in Teaching Award
Investing in education Funding for Catholic schools
What’s in a name?
St Anne’s College Kialla
Safe on Social
Social media tips for parents
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Director’s Reflection A great educator once told me that people without hope are people without a future. I now accept this to be true. Hope is one of the greatest gifts we can share. The experts will remind us that HOPE is incredibly important in life for health, purpose, happiness, goal setting and success. The research shows that optimistic people are more likely to live fulfilling and enjoyable lives. Hope is not just an emotion founded on a ‘feel-good’ psychology. Hope is a belief in the future, a reason, a stimulus, a lifeline. An educator was ordained as the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst in late October. In an age-old ceremony, representatives from every corner of the diocese and from various Faiths and entities welcomed our new Bishop, Shane Mackinlay. The response to all was one of gratitude, warmth and enthusiasm. Back in our schools, students watched the ceremony via live streaming, knowing that they too, were in the hearts and minds of all present. In his address to the people of Sandhurst, Bishop Mackinlay spoke of hope and his belief in the future and all that it may hold. For days afterwards, the ordination was the main point of talk in our offices and schools. Many spoke of the power of his words. Others reflected upon the beauty of the tradition, while others celebrated the ceremony as one that was genuinely Catholic. For most of us in education, a high point came when three young boys from a local primary school came forward with their parents to greet the new Bishop. Without any hesitation, Bishop Mackinlay dropped to one knee, allowing himself a moment at eye level with the children. Only those in the immediate vicinity know what words were exchanged. However, a crucial message was conveyed to all; a message of respect for the young; the importance of children in our Faith; the authentic love of the Shepherd for his flock, regardless of age or experience; a belief in the future. Our young are not only the future of the nation; they are also the future of the Church. They are our hope.
“Hope trusts in the promises of God. Hope seeks the action of God that brings forth a new reality. Optimism stands in the current reality, wishing to make the best of each individual experience. But hope stands knee deep in the history of this reality by yearning for the action of God to bring forth a new reality in which everything in this reality is reconciled and redeemed.” Andrew Root Unlocking Mission and Eschatology in Youth Ministry
Mr Paul Desmond
Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst
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Bishops past and present looking forward, looking back
In a rich history spanning 145 years, there have been only eight Bishops charged with leading the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Sandhurst. Bishop Martin Crane was the first, an Augustinian Bishop who travelled from Ireland to take up the charge. In 2019, the diocese has a new spiritual leader, Bishop Shane Mackinlay’s Episcopal Ordination took place at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Wednesday, October 16. With relics from past Bishops incorporated into the service, the contribution of those who have gone before was acknowledged; a Ring from Bishop Noel Daly, the Crosier of Bishop Crane and the Pectoral Cross of Bishop Stephen Reville. The seventh Bishop of Sandhurst, Leslie Tomlinson took part in the joyous occasion, giving a blessing to his successor. With the future of the Sandhurst Diocese in good hands, it is time to look forward but also to reflect on the service of the past seven Bishops of Sandhurst who have all left their mark on the diocese in a remarkable way.
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1870 1900 1910 1950 Bishop Martin Crane OSA
Bishop Stephen Reville OSA
Martin Crane was consecrated Bishop in Dublin on 21 September, 1874. Shortly afterwards he left his native country for Australia, arriving early in 1875, having arranged for a community of Sisters of Mercy to follow him later that year. He brought two priests with him to Australia, one of them being his cousin, Fr Stephen Reville who would become his right hand and his ultimate successor. Bishop Crane suffered poor health during the last 16 years of life, causing him to rely heavily on Fr Stephen Reville who had been appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Sandhurst. Bishop Crane celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his episcopate in 1899 ‌ he was in very frail health at the time. Bishop Martin Crane died on 21 October, 1901.
Stephen Reville was born in 1844 in Wexford, Ireland. In 1867 he was ordained a priest of the Order of St Augustine. Fr Reville travelled to Australia with his cousin Bishop Martin Crane who had been appointed the first Bishop of Sandhurst. On 27 January, 1885, at the age of 40, he was appointed both Coadjutor Bishop of Sandhurst, Australia and the Titular Bishop of Ceramus. On 21 October, 1901 he succeeded as Bishop of Sandhurst following the death of Bishop Crane. At the age of 72, on 19 September, 1916 Bishop Reville died from pneumonia while still in office. He was the last Augustinian Bishop of Victoria.
1874 - 1901
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1901 - 1916
Bishop John McCarthy
1917 - 1950
John McCarthy was born in County Clare, Ireland in 1858. He studied first at Ballyvaughan and later at the Irish College in Paris. He was ordained in 1882 and began a service to the Catholic Church which would take him across the world and last for 67 years. Father McCarthy arrived in Melbourne in 1890 and served in the Woodend and St Kilda parishes before becoming Private Secretary to Archbishop Carr in Melbourne. On 7 June, 1917 in succession to the late Bishop Stephen Reville, Dr McCarthy was consecrated Bishop of Sandhurst. For more than three decades, Bishop McCarthy served the Diocese of Sandhurst until 1950, when he died in office at the grand age of 91.
Bishop Bernard Stewart
1950 - 1979
Bernard Stewart was born in Essendon in 1900. He was a good sportsman, he excelled at tennis, swimming and played football for Prahran in the VFL. He graduated Melbourne University in Arts and Law and, in 1923, he was admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria where he continued until 1926. He was ordained in 1929 and gained his Doctor of Divinity degree in 1930. Bernard Stewart was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Sandhurst and Titular Bishop of Ucres in 1946, and was consecrated as Bishop in the Sacred Heart Cathedral in 1947. He retired as the fourth Bishop of Sandhurst in 1979 and was succeeded by Bishop Daly, who included him in many celebrations up until his death in 1988.
1970 2000 Bishop Noel Daly
1979 - 2001
Noel Desmond Daly was born in Gippsland, Victoria on 10 February, 1929. Ordained a priest for the Sale Diocese in 1952, Fr Noel Daly would remain in the diocese, eventually becoming Prelate of Honour and Vicar General. In 1974, he became Diocesan Secretary. At the age of 50 he was appointed Bishop of Sandhurst and was ordained on 11 July, 1979. Bishop Daly served the Diocese of Sandhurst for more than two decades before ill health forced him to retire in July, 2001. During that time he was the spiritual leader of more than 86,000 Catholics throughout Central and Northern Victoria. On 14 January, 2004, Bishop Daly died suddenly just a few weeks prior to his 75th birthday.
2010
Bishop Joseph Grech
Bishop Leslie Tomlinson
Bishop Shane Mackinlay
Joseph Angelo Grech was born in Balzan, Malta in 1948, where he attended local schools before commencing studies at the seminary. He left Malta in 1971 for Melbourne, where he continued his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1974 in his home town and returned to Melbourne to take up parish appointments. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop in Melbourne and Titular Bishop of Belesasa in 1999. He served in the western suburbs of the Archdiocese prior to his appointment as Bishop of Sandhurst in 2001. Bishop Joseph Angelo Grech was installed as the sixth Bishop of Sandhurst on 27 April, 2001. A popular Bishop with the youth of the diocese, there was an outpouring of grief when he passed away suddenly, following a short illness in December, 2010.
Leslie Tomlinson was born in 1943 at Mildura, Victoria. He completed his schooling in Mildura before moving to Melbourne to take up a clerical position. In 1968 he commenced studies for the priesthood and was ordained in 1972. Following ordination, he was Assistant Priest at Mitcham for three years before being loaned to the Archdiocese of Hobart for three years. Returning to Melbourne, he served several parishes prior to his appointment as Vicar-General and Moderator of the Curia in 2003. In 2009 he was appointed Titular Bishop of Siniti and Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne. In February, 2012 he was appointed Bishop of Sandhurst and was installed on 1 March, 2012. For the next eight years, Bishop Leslie served the Sandhurst Diocese prior to his retirement in September, 2019.
Shane Mackinlay was born in Melbourne in 1965 where he lived until his family moved to Ballarat in 1975. He graduated from St Patrick’s College in 1982 as College Dux. Shane commenced studies for the priesthood and was ordained in 1991, serving in the parishes of the Ballarat Diocese until his appointment as Bishop in 2019. Over the years, he continued with his studies, undertaking graduate studies in Philosophy, completing a Master’s degree and a Doctorate. For several years, he taught Philosophy at Australian Catholic Universities in Ballarat and Melbourne. From 2012 to 2014, he was the spokesperson for the Catholic Church during the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious Organisations. He was appointed the Bishop of Sandhurst in July, 2019 and his Episcopal Ordination took place on 16 October, 2019.
2001 - 2010
2012 - 2019
2019 -
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Bishop Shane Mackinlay The eighth Bishop of Sandhurst Bishop Shane Mackinlay, the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst is the pastoral leader of more than ninetythree thousand Sandhurst Catholics. He is assisted by thirty-five working priests and 14 retired priests, who minister in forty parishes. The Sandhurst Diocese is home to 180 preschool students, 10,081 primary school students, 8512 secondary students, 27 religious sisters and 6 religious brothers. The Diocese supports St John of God Hospital, four Catholic Aged Care Facilities and employs over 2150 people. The geographic area is over forty-five thousand square kilometres which borders the Murray River to the north and east, the Loddon River to the west and the Great Divide to the south. The vision of the diocese is ‘that every person’s heart be inflamed by the love of God’.
Coat of Arms
In the language of heraldry, Bishop Shane Mackinlay’s personal arms are: • On a red field, two gold pickaxes in saltire, blades upwards and, in the top part of the shield, an open silver book bound in gold with the Greek letter Α on the left page and the Greek letter Ω on the right page. • His motto is taken from John 10:10 “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full“ • The crossed pickaxes are the tools of goldmining, which was integral to the founding of both Ballarat and Bendigo. The bible comes from the arms of Catholic Theological College and reflects its motto, Tolle lege, the admonition that prompted St Augustine to take up and read the bible, which led to his baptism. • As is traditional for the coat of arms of a bishop, the arms are placed before an episcopal cross and are ensigned with a green galero (Roman hat) with six fiocchi (tassels) on each side. • Bishop Shane’s personal arms have been combined with those of the Diocese of Sandhurst by impalement, a traditional way of denoting a bishop’s union with his diocese. The Arms were designed by Richard d’Apice AM KCSG and Fr. Guy Selvester and illustrated by Sandy Turnbull.
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A New Bishop for Sandhurst Almost 2000 people gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Wednesday, 16 October, 2019 for the Episcopal Ordination of Father Shane Mackinlay. The installation of the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst marks the beginning of a new era in the history of the Sandhurst Diocese.
“I am very aware that I come into a story that began long before I arrived, and I’m honoured that the various signs of my ministry with which I have been invested today, belong to that history. I am also aware that the story of this diocese into which I have been called is one that will go on long after my time here as Bishop.”
There are few occasions more splendid than the ordination of a Bishop, and this was no exception. More than thirty Bishops and 300 Clergy processed into the Bendigo Cathedral as Father Shane’s proud parents, Malcolm and Helen Mackinlay watched on. The procession included the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana and Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli DD, who was the Principal Consecrator. Bishop Emeritus of Sandhurst, Most Rev Leslie Tomlinson DD and Bishop of Ballarat, Most Rev Paul Bird DD were co-consecrators. Respected Jaara Elder and Chief Executive Officer of Dja Dja Wurrung Clan Aboriginal Corporation, Rodney Carter provided the ‘Welcome to Country’ as the traditional sound of the didgeridoo filled the Cathedral, played by Jason Kerr. The smoking ceremony took place on the stairs of the Cathedral by fellow Dja Dja Wurrung man, Michael Bourke, where Father Shane paused to let the smoke wash over him as he entered the Cathedral.
“We are called on the day of our baptism to live as disciples of Jesus, as part of God’s holy people, as a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We are entrusted with building up the reign of God that Jesus inaugurated, sharing with the world the fullness of life that he offers, through our service of others, and in our relationship with God and with one another,” he said. Bishop Shane Mackinlay was appointed Bishop of Sandhurst by his holiness, Pope Frances on 23 July, 2019. Immediately prior to his appointment, he held the positions of Parish Priest of Bungaree, Master of Catholic Theological College and Associate Professor of the University of Divinity. The people of Sandhurst look forward to the strong leadership and spiritual guidance that Bishop Shane Mackinlay will provide in his new role as the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral organ played as Bishop Mackinlay was vested with signs of his office. The Episcopal Ring of Bishop Noel Daly, the Crosier of Bishop Martin Crane and a Mitre, the gift of the Mackinlay family, brought forward by his brother Jason who had travelled from Hamburg, Germany to be present. Representatives from local community groups, Catholic Schools, organisations, faith groups and parishes of the deaneries of Sandhurst were presented to Bishop Mackinlay, along with local dignitaries. Bishop Shane Mackinlay smiled broadly as he greeted the procession of well-wishers. Bishop Mackinlay’s Ordination speech acknowledged those who had gone before while calling on people to place their trust in God and to share their gifts generously with others.
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SANDHURST
Languages
Film Festival
Competition When the lights go down at a cinema première, the excitement of seeing a film that you created is a privilege usually reserved for big Hollywood directors. However, language students and budding film-makers in the Sandhurst Diocese recently attended the première screening of their own films, created for the inaugural Languages Film Festival. The atmosphere was buzzing as the screen burst to light with the first of 21 short films written, directed and starring the students of the Sandhurst Diocese. Both primary and secondary schools took part in the Festival, which deliberately shines the spotlight on the benefits of learning a second language. The Catholic Education Sandhurst Languages Film Festival took place in October at the Village Cinema Complex in Shepparton. More than 20 schools took part in the competition, which encouraged students to explore the theme, ‘Why learn languages?’ through the medium of film. Languages Education Officer, Dolly Gerges said there was much excitement surrounding the Film Festival. “Schools put a lot of effort into producing their films and they thoroughly enjoyed seeing them on the big screen,” she said.
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“The schools were first introduced to the Languages Film Festival in Term 1 to explore the benefits of learning different languages and to have fun with their learning,” said Dolly. Participating schools were provided with a multimedia kit, which enabled them to explore film projects within their individual school settings. David Williams and Grant Fitzgerald from the Catholic Education Office provided initial training and supported schools throughout the process. Chairperson of the Diocesan Languages Working Party Julie Cobbledick from the Catholic Education Office said the Festival focused on the value of Languages communicated through the various target languages being taught in schools. “The integration of multimedia into the Languages classroom, whilst presenting challenges associated with new learning for students and teachers, has really enhanced approaches to language learning,” she said.
The Film Festival Committee was thrilled with the quality of the all entries and St Joseph’s, Numurkah produced a stand-out film. The judges were impressed with the sophisticated special effects and the theme, which focused on the inner workings of the brain. Students used their imagination to highlight the school’s chosen language of Italian, using humour and drama to bring the film to life. Other major winners included St Mel’s Primary School, Shepparton; St Anne’s College, Kialla; Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta and Notre Dame College, Shepparton. Some students and teachers have said they are already thinking about next year’s entry and have started planning their film. “Based on the success of the 2019 Languages Film Festival, we can expect this festival to grow in popularity,” said Dolly Gerges. “We are delighted with the enthusiasm of the schools who took part this year and hope that lots of Sandhurst schools will take part in the Languages Film Festival next year.”
Feedback from schools has been extremely positive, saying that it has engaged students in a completely new way. Brandon from Notre Dame College said that it really helped with his Language studies. “I entered the Languages Film Festival because I thought it would be a great and fun learning experience and that definitely turned out to be true,” he said. “I learnt a lot about how important it can be to learn another language and I furthered my knowledge in Japanese as well,” Brandon said.
Junior Primary ~ 1st Prize St Mels Shepparton Senior Primary ~ 1st Prize St Joseph’s Numurkah Senior Primary ~ Runner Up St Mary’s Rutherglen & St Liborius’ Eaglehawk Junior Secondary ~ 1st Prize St Anne’s College Kialla
The Languages Film Festival Committee awarded prizes in all the film categories, including senior and junior sections in both primary and secondary settings.
Junior Secondary ~ Runner Up Galen Catholic College Wangaratta & St Mary of the Angels College Nathalia
Students from St Joseph’s, Numurkah were delighted when they were announced as the winners of the Senior Primary section. Languages teacher, Timothy Harber said the hardest part about the filming process was coming up with ideas.
Senior Secondary ~ Equal 1st Prize Notre Dame College Shepparton & Galen College Wangaratta
“Several drafts were written before we came up with the one we used. I was trying not to rush. The cast were great actors, so the hardest part was memorising the lines” said Timothy.
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Celebrating the craft of teaching Maree Timms Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient 2019
Maree Timms (centre) with her mother Josie (left) & sister Kelly Timms at the celebration dinner
2018 World Skills Sydney
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Most people will remember one teacher in their lifetime who had an impact on their life; the person who inspired them to take a certain career path or gave them that ‘light bulb’ moment where everything suddenly made sense. However, for many of us it was that one person who simply believed in our ability, even when we didn’t always share their confidence, that person who went the extra mile to make sure we had every opportunity to excel. The person who said we could achieve greatness and, over time, we believed them. The influence of a great educator cannot be underestimated and the Educaré Award, established in 2009 has been acknowledging high levels of teaching practice within Catholic schools in the Sandhurst Diocese for the past decade. Over the years, many worthy educators have been honoured for their outstanding contribution to classroom teaching and curriculum innovation. In 2019, the Educaré Award was presented to Maree Timms from Galen Catholic College in Wangaratta. Maree epitomises the selfless and giving profession of teaching. To say she has a positive impact on the students in her care is an understatement. In fact she’s had a far wider impact, influencing both her colleagues and her community; she is a champion for science and has brought the world of robotics to the Wangaratta region and beyond. Nominated by the parent community of Galen Catholic College, Maree is a highly respected and valued member of the College community. Colleagues, parents and students appreciate the dedication and energy Maree brings to her roles within Galen College, and her engagement in school life is simply exceptional. In 2016 Maree introduced students to robotics after hearing about the national competition. Fast forward three years and Galen Catholic College has not only hosted the regional Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) expo but been crowned National champions, travelling to America to represent Australia on the world stage … twice! It is no coincidence that the VEX Competition has grown immensely over the last two years - when Maree Timms sets her mind to something, it happens! She has a way of bringing people together; parents, students, community members and businesses who share her vision of ensuring that country students have the same opportunities as their city counterparts. In 2016, there were only three teams from the Wangaratta area competing in the Nationals, with twenty teams in total taking part in the Galen College hosted event. Twelve months later the total number of teams had doubled and the number of local teams had risen to seven! With key allies at Charles Sturt University Wangaratta Regional Study Centre, Education Advantage and local Learning and Employment Network, NE Tracks, Maree has friends in high places! If it takes a village to raise a child then it takes a whole community of committed people with the right connections to bring projects of this scope to fruition and to ensure that they continue.
”As many of you here know me well, you know I embrace change. The reason I find it easy to embrace change is that I have found a group of like-minded change makers; I have found my “tribe”. This award may have my name on it, but it really is ours,” said Maree. A champion for women in science, over the past three years Maree has encouraged girls to apply for the University of Melbourne Girl Power STEM program. The four-year program offers mentoring, hands on activities and work experience, contributing towards gender parity in STEM disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The VEX Robotics Competition now has a girl-powered event, sponsored by Ford Australia, because Maree Timms, together with student Maddalyn Beaumaris asked whether there was a girls’ event in the national competition. This enquiry led to the creation of a competition section especially for girls. In 2018, Maree was named VEX Robotics ‘Teacher of the Year’, together with colleague Brett Webber. The award recognised their contribution to the robotics discipline and the role they have played expanding interest and engagement in this science discipline. Maree’s passion for learning and teaching is legendary, as she goes about the business of education like she goes about life - hard-working, energetic, encouraging and organised! She is an inspirational and positive role model for all learners and continues to offer her knowledge, skills and abilities to the College community. Principal of Galen Catholic College, Mr Bernard Neal describes Maree as a true innovator who is able to lead students into new areas of learning. “Maree breaks down stereotypes and leads students into an area that is new and exciting, enabling them to reach their full potential,” he said. The Educaré Award gives the Catholic Education Sandhurst community the chance to celebrate our core work … teaching. The award challenges us to reflect deeply about the essence of teaching, of empowering individual learners to develop confidence in their own ability and the insight to recognize how they can contribute to their own future and the community in which they live. The drawing out of the talent and ability from within is central to the tradition of Catholic Education. Our beliefs in the giftedness of all provides us with the inspiration to strive for, and to reach the ideals of what Educaré stands for. Maree Timms is a very worthy winner of the 2019 Educaré Award for excellence in education. For leading the way in STEM and Robotics curriculum in the Wangaratta region. For inspiring and empowering young people, particularly females to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Congratulations Maree!
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Investing in
Holy Rosary Primary Heathcote Photo courtesy of ‘Dogs Connect. Bringing life to learning’
education Victorian schools will benefit from an unprecedented State Government funding commitment that will see the construction of new schools and valuable upgrades for existing schools across all sectors, including Catholic schools. The 2019-2020 Victorian Budget will invest a record $2.8 billion in Victorian schools, as part of a sweeping $4 billion investment in education – from early childhood education and schools through to higher education and TAFE. This record investment also provides significant funds for school infrastructure in non-government schools.
“With approximately 37 per cent of Victorian students enrolled in non-government schools, it is important that all children across Victoria have access to first class educational facilities”
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Education Minister, Mr James Merlino, announced the Capital Funding Program in May this year, pledging $402 million for Catholic and Independent schools over the next four years. Mr Merlino said the funding is an investment in education. “We pledge to give every young Victorian the best start in life. Whether, it’s new schools for growing communities, better classrooms or basic but vital support so kids can be their best – we’re investing in what matters to students, teachers and parents,” he said. Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Mr Paul Desmond welcomed the announcement, saying that the State Government had delivered on their election promise to support all Victorian schools.
Catholic and wider community with a high quality education system that focuses on the development of the whole person and their contribution to the common good. Catholic schools are characterised by a diverse range of settings in terms of size, type and educational need, serving families from across the socioeconomic spectrum and therefore warrant the support of the State and Federal Governments. Some critics believe that Catholic and Independent schools are a drain on the public purse and do not deserve financial support. The reality is that ‘private’ school parents pay taxes for a public school system they don’t use, plus school fees. The fact is that the significant number of students around Australia who are enrolled in Catholic and Independent schools saves state, territory and Commonwealth governments billions of dollars every year. More than one in five Victorian students are educated in a Catholic school and when you add the Independent sector to the equation, the statistics increase to more than one in three. Catholic and Independent schools are funded by a combination of government and parental income with approximately 75 per cent of funding received for recurrent purposes from government sources. The Victorian Budget funding commitment recognises the important role that Catholic and Independent schools play in the Victorian education system. Funding will be allocated over four grant rounds with approximately $100 million per round to be shared between the Catholic and independent sectors.
“This unprecedented funding commitment will support our sectors well in to the future, creating opportunities for Sandhurst schools to share in this grant which will secure building projects and upgrades within our Diocese,” he said. “With approximately 37 per cent of Victorian students enrolled in non-government schools, it is important that all children across Victoria have access to first-class educational facilities,” said Paul. This is the most significant funding announcement since the ’Building the Education Revolution’ (BER) funding in 2010, which saw the construction of Science and Language Centres in secondary schools and provided new and refurbished halls, libraries and classrooms in primary settings, all in the name of 21st century learning. There was also money for outdoor learning areas, shade structures, sporting facilities and environmental programs.
The Victorian Government has identified the need for schools experiencing increased enrolment demands to expand to meet the population growth of the region. Several schools in the Sandhurst Diocese are located in high population growth corridors. Funding will also be available for schools that require refurbishment to bring facilities up to a recognised standard, while the project will address asbestos and cladding issues that are part of a planned removal process. Round one of the State Government grant applications are currently being processed and successful schools will be notified before the end of the year. “These are exciting times,” said Paul Desmond. “As the Director of Catholic Education in the Sandhurst Diocese I look forward to seeing our schools benefit from a funding program which recognizes the importance of Catholic education throughout the State of Victoria.”
While the BER funding received negative feedback from critics of the government for alleged misappropriation of public funds, the Catholic system was primarily well regarded for delivering valuefor-money outcomes. The various projects delivered during this time have greatly benefited many Catholic school communities. Victorian Catholic schools are committed to providing the
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What’s in a name?
When a new Catholic school or college is established, the important task of choosing a name begins! The name enables a school community to celebrate the virtues and character of its namesake, establishing the beliefs and values of the school. This year, the newest school in the Sandhurst Diocese opened its door as St Anne’s College Kialla. This is the first time that a Sandhurst school has been named after the mother of Mary, and St Anne’s College is proudly celebrating this significant Saint, the maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ.
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Sophie: St Anne’s College Kialla
Our dream is the dream of parents who want their children to grow up with their potential fully developed and enjoy life to the full! Dom Poppa (Principal)
On July 26, 2018, before the school was officially opened, Lorraine Walker, member of St Anne’s College Board shared her reflections of St Anne with community members, foundation students, parents and guests on the Feast Day of St Anne. The custom of choosing a patron saint is of very long standing, emanating from the simple idea that the saint is interested in our efforts and situation, always ready and willing to be helpful. Many would have a personal favourite among the saints to whom they might appeal in particular circumstances. It used to be customary, even mandatory, to choose at least one saint’s name for Baptism. Much of this is based on a comparison between the saint’s earthly experience and the current experience of the person praying, or the one for whom we are praying. Often we choose a saint who is some kind of hero … one who did something inspiring, out of the ordinary … maybe an example to motivate children to pursue the goal of being the best of which they are capable of. Very few biographical facts are available to us about St Anne. However, early Christian tradition, specifically in the apocryphal Gospel of James, held that Mary, the mother of Jesus had parents known as Joachim and Anne. This dates back to the 2nd century.
does not have to be alive to have become influential. Some of our memories turn into legends over the years but, in that way, preserve powerful ideas for the family. Certain attitudes and outlooks are emphasised and remembered about how to live a good life, even if we might not think of them as saints, exactly. We say things like “As Grandma always said …” Pope Francis has called the elderly “custodians of memory.” St Anne is a saint to whom children can warm - as to the grandma or grandpa in their own families ideally. However, we think of St Anne as a patron, not just for students in our College, but also for all those who live a large part of their lives in the place of parents, as we say “in loco parentis.” This would certainly include the staff of a school. Both teachers and grandparents are living out for children a version of that wisdom figure in Leonardo de Vinci’s picture; they are vitally engaged with children, but in a different way from parents. We observe how children can often accept from Nonna what is resisted from parents; grandparents can often be tolerant, patient, have time to listen appreciatively, be a less severe disciplinarian perhaps. We all have our stories of grandparents who, when we were young were strict with us, but who seem to have lowered the standard for their grandchildren! And children often, even mostly, tend to look up to grandparents and teachers and endow them with star quality [not always deserved]! To be admired by a child gives the in loco parentis person a special responsibility.
A famous work of Leonardo da Vinci titled The Virgin Child and St Anne shows Mary seated on her mother’s knee with Jesus in the foreground. The details are different in the work of other artists, In educating children in loco but the main theme is repeated, parentis, all are sharing and playing namely the grand, or great parent their part in the dream of parents at the back, enfolding the domestic who want their children to grow up world of Mary and her child. This is L-R: Avaya, Amaya, Ella & Jemma with their potential fully developed more than a beautiful picture; it has and enjoy life to the full. St Luke’s gospel [Luke 3:52] tells of deeper meanings and a long history. The image comes down to the time when Jesus, after being found in the temple by his us from the Middle Eastern civilisation that preceded Abraham, frantic parents who had thought him lost, (that he) went back and is believed to be an attempt to show wisdom as background, to Nazareth .. ”and was obedient to them, … and progressed a presiding presence, pervading and enfolding ordinary life. steadily in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.” We know that St Anne was definitely a grandparent, but was So we appeal to St Anne, as our patron, the mother of Mary, she still alive in the childhood of Jesus? This fact is unknown. We the grandmother of Jesus, to help us all travel this same path, can imagine a lovely grandparent as we think of the woman who bringing our children and young people to see Jesus, our Lord educated her daughter, Mary, chosen to be the Mother of Jesus. and saviour, and to grow like Him, in wisdom, and age and grace. However, even if she was not a physical presence, we know from our own experiences and observations that a grandparent
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Safe on Social W: safeonsocial.com E: wecanhelp@safeonsocial.com
Social Media - Top Tips for Parents •
Talk to children about online privacy issues, making sure they know to never to identify personal information such as their full name, address, age, school and don't ever post photos in school uniform.
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Teach your children to respect people’s privacy and don’t share anyone else’s personal information online without permission.
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Don’t tag photos of your children at their school if your accounts are not set to completely private. This is a child safety issue as anyone driving past can search the school on Instagram and see all of the photos that have been tagged at the school, often by parents who have not set their account to private on Instagram. If your account is not completely private, anyone can see your photos of your child, their name, the name of the cat ,where you go on holiday, what your family does on weekends, when birthdays were and other information about your family and your life. Therefore a complete stranger could make up a story that could be very convincing to your child by using the information you have shared in a public forum of more than 500million users.
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If you are going to post anything with a significant fact, check it first.
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Teach your children to understand the importance of passwords, keeping them private and changing regularly.
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Make sure the apps you allow your children to use are age appropriate.
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Don’t be patronising or insulting to anyone. This kind of behaviour validates bad behaviour in children as they often see it if you are connected to young people on social media.
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Ban devices from the bedroom from as young as possible. Set boundaries around use.
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Stay positive. If you see something you disagree with – don’t engage.
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Remember that even an emoji can be taken out of context by someone reading it.
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