Catholic schools are enriching the lives of Kenyan students with Global School Partners (GSP), providing life changing resources, a broader understanding of cultural differences and crucial long term assistance.

After extensive fundraising through school events, Holy Trinity Primary School in Curtin provided their partner school, Evaland Hekima Academy, with drinkable water this month through the installation of water tanks.

Holy Trinity Principal, Philippa Brearley was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Kenya with the school’s Religious Education Coordinator, Kristy Everding, in July to work with over 16 schools and an orphanage supported by individual donors.

“It was an amazing experience to go to three of our schools that I had helped partner with, including Evaland, and to meet students and their families that are being sponsored by students and families here,” said Philippa.

“The greatest experience was seeing the face of Jesus in all the children we visited and how happy they were, regardless of their conditions.”

This term, St Michael’s Kaleen and Holy Spirit Primary School Nicholls joined nine Catholic schools in the program allowing students to form close bonds with their global partners and provide much needed support for poverty stricken Kenyan schools.

St Michael’s Primary School Principal, Patrick Ellis said that St Michael’s aims to find practical ways to support Jariah Education Centre through an ongoing positive relationship between schools.

“We envision sharing of ideas and nurturing student understanding of the wide differences in levels of affluence in different communities, and how they can reach out to support others in our world,” he said.

Collectively, Good Shepherd Primary School Amaroo and St Jude’s Holder have funded 11 brick classrooms for their partner schools, and St Joseph’s Primary School O’Connor effectively built a library for Riamabana, funding over 100 books.

Global School Partners CEO, Simon Carroll said that the program has been extremely beneficial for both Australian and Kenyan students who quickly learn that children all over the world deserve a sound learning environment.

“Australian students learn of the culture, environment and way of life of children in Kenya and realise that while life is very different in many ways, the children in Africa are just like them,” he said.

Philippa hopes that Holy Trinity’s commitment to support the school’s current needs will eventually enable Evaland to be self-sustainable, reach their full potential and ultimately escape poverty regardless of circumstance.

The dance and drama spectacular was based on a destination where children’s favourite book characters live together and watch number one morning show, ‘Wake Up Booktoria!’

Students from years 5 to 10 were invited to audition for 45 roles including morning show hosts Ron Weasley and Cinderella, newsreader Matilda, sports reporter Katniss Everdeen and weather man Eeyore.

McAuley Principal, Rodney Little was full of praise for the students involved and the overall concept that highlighted student talent to the wider community outside traditional academic and sporting pursuits.

“The smiles on the children’s faces, the pride in the parents’ eyes and the joy it brings to the teachers and organisers make all the hours of work worthwhile,” he said.

“Those who took on a major role did a stunning job portraying their characters and it’s a credit to them for remembering and delivering their lines.”

Classroom teachers designed and choreographed nine individual classes dance routines from Kindergarten to Year 6. These were performed between scenes. The performance committee worked tirelessly to run rehearsals, organise props and costumes. 

St Mary’s Principal Christine Baron extended a big thank you for the invitation to attend McAuley’s performance.

“St Mary's had a wonderful day out and the children were wowed by the costumes, music and acting,” she said.

Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) has enabled four students from St John Paul II College, Nicholls and Carroll College, Broulee to immerse themselves into a deep cultural exchange with Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.

This is the seventh year that students have been invited to Daly River and the Tiwi Islands for Youth Ministry. The unique experience was initiated with a moving welcoming ritual in the Daly River to awaken inner spirit and form an immediate bond with the people and the land.

Year 10 Carroll College student Jorja Scott said that sharing in the wisdom of Daly River Aboriginal elder Miriam Rose was an unforgettable highlight from the trip.

“Miriam has inspired me to continue journeying through faith and has made me aspire to have a deeper connection with the Indigenous people of my local community,” she said.

“This experience as a whole has showed me how to talk to God and to understand that he is always there and loves me no matter what.”

Jorja’s classmate Liarna Miller said that it was a life changing journey filled with meaningful conversation and new perspective intensified by the joy from serving others.

“One of my best memories was camping at Daly River where we lay under the stars immersed in rich culture and faith, praying, laughing and sharing stories together,” she said.

“Since then I want to better understand my own faith, aspire to be a better person, and take on the attitude of those I met on the trip,” she said.

Catholic Education Project Officer Nathan Galea said that the students were outstanding in their leadership and ability to share their faith through the Youth Ministry retreat.

“It was truly inspiring to watch the youth from our Archdiocese be true witnesses of faith,” he said.

“Pope Francis encouraged young people to ‘build bridges not walls’, to be ‘courageous and free’, and that is exactly what these fine young people did for the entire time,”

“They were open to their faith, to each other and to all those they met.”

The Youth Ministry trip empowered the students to grow personally and spiritually, participate in the life of the Church through mission and be able to express hope for a better future for all.

A number of Indigenous leaders will be running and participating in a stream of Youth Ministry for Indigenous leaders within our Archdiocese at the Youth Ministry Equipping School in February and March 2019.

A short film created by a group of Lumen Christi College students has been selected from hundreds of entries across Australia as a top ten finalist in national film competition Videos for Change.

Year 10 students Annalise Piotrowski, Julia Cullenward, Phillipa Keogh and Ambrosia Kleber chose to inspire change and raise awareness of women’s safety in today’s society, bringing attention to the devastating statistics of sexual assault and violence towards women. 

“As country students we are so grateful that our voice is being heard,” said Ambrosia. 

“On average one woman per week is killed by her current or former partner and one out of five women are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes.” “We as the next generation need to work towards creating safe environments for all women because enough is enough.”

The girls’ teacher, Emma Hibbert said that she extremely proud of the group for creating the film ‘Enough is Enough’ on such an important issue facing women today.

“The girls have reminded us that we all have the right to live safely and without fear,” she said.

“I am very proud that they have conveyed this important message in such a creative and engaging way.”

“Let’s get behind our students and show them that their voices do matter and can have an impact on the social issues that affect them most!”

Winning videos will be announced at the end of November and will be broadcast on Network Ten’s ‘The Project’.

Year 6 St Clare of Assisi Conder students are utilising Green Screen and iMovie technology to provide the school community with high-quality weekly online news segments.

The 'SCA News' enables students to further develop writing, editing and collaborative skills using the latest Apps to regularly create polished segments that wrap up each week with interviews and photos.

Small groups of students go to air twice a year and are expected to independently write the script, film and edit their SCA News production from behind an imaginative Green Screen news desk during their own time. 

St Clare of Assisi Principal, Matthew Egan said that over the past two years students’ writing, filming and editing skills have improved dramatically and it is all thanks to SCA News.

“The students constantly ‘wow’ us with their creativity and originality,” he said.

“They have completed workshops on interviewing techniques, camera angles and creating their own music through the use of GarageBand, using expert knowledge and working extremely well as a team to produce an impressive end product.”

Year 6 teaching team Priscilla Caragh, Annie McArthur and Anita Ramirez initiated the SCA News program last year with the support of an Apple Specialist and the results speak for themselves.

Students agree that it is a ‘must try experience’ and that SCA News provides them with skills for the future through fun, hands on learning with technology in action.

St Clare’s students Keely Small (Year 11) and Abbey Webb (Year 12) represented Australia at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires from 6 - 18 October, both successfully contributing to Australia’s medal count.

Keely Small had the honour of being the Australian team’s flag-bearer at the opening of the Youth Olympic Games after representing Australia on the world stage for the second time this year, earlier competing at the Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast.

Australia’s Chef de Mission Evelyn Halls said that Keely demonstrated the ideals of excellence, respect and sportsmanship vital to lead Australia at the Youth Olympic level.

Keely was a favourite going into the 800m race and dominated the final to win Australia’s fourth gold of the Games with a time of 2:04:76.

Keely said that being announced flagbearer and seeing the Australian flag raised from on top of the podium with a gold medal was an incredible feeling.

“It’s been a big year with Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics, but the big goal now is Tokyo 2020,” she said.

“I’ll get back into training when I’m home and have a good season to keep working towards Tokyo.”

Abbey Webb attended the 2018 Georgina Hope Foundation Australian Age Championships in late April and as a result qualified for the 2018 Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships and the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Abbey placed fifth in the 100m Freestyle and received a silver medal for Australia in the Women’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay. She also represented Australia in the Women’s 50m and 200m Freestyle, and the Mixed 4 x 100m Freestyle relay.

“It was such a good experience especially to win a medal in a relay, as everyone gets to experience the same thing,” she said.

Best thing about being a Principal: Working with wonderful staff and students where every day is a different adventure.

If you weren’t a Principal, what would you be doing? I love flowers – so probably a florist!

A proud moment at school: Winning the Western Region Choir competition this year.

What you love about your community: I love our small and close knit community, where everyone pitches in to get things done and looks out for one another.

A memorable or funny moment at school: One Melbourne Cup day I took a class outside to do some fun maths activities and was interrupted by a brown snake!

Your nickname as a child and why: Kirk – my brother couldn’t say Kirsty.

Best thing about your school: Our happy and enthusiastic children.

Favourite food: Pad Thai chicken.

Favourite activity outside of school: Being with my family (usually on a basketball court somewhere!).

Year 6 Sts Peter and Paul Primary School Garran student Georgia Andrighetto has been awarded the Fred Hollows Humanitarian Award for consistently demonstrating the values of integrity, compassion and kindness towards all members of the school community.

Sts Peter and Paul Assistant Principal Sean Rutledge nominated Georgia for the award that recognises students following Fred’s example, who are striving to make a positive difference in their communities.

Georgia said that she would like to teach people how to be humanitarians by showing care and compassion for others regardless of race, gender or background.

“I felt honoured, surprised and proud of myself that others were able to see these qualities in me,” she said.   

School Principal Margaret Pollard said that Georgia is an excellent role model for the younger students at the school, constantly displaying compassion and concern for others.

“Georgia is mature and responsible in her interactions and has been a loyal and trusted friend for classmates experiencing personal challenges,” she said.

“She selflessly looks out for her peers and goes above and beyond to ensure their safety at school.”

Georgia said that she gains inspiration from ‘Wonder’ book character Summer Dawson who was able to look beyond differences and make friends without judgement. 

“This for me is the essence of care and compassion,” she said.

St John Paul II College Principal, Catherine Rey has received Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) Fellowship for her outstanding contribution to the improvement of student and organisational outcomes. 

Fellowship is a special category of ACEL membership awarded annually to celebrate members’ ongoing significant and influential involvement in education.

Catherine was one of eight members bestowed with Fellowship from around Australia this year at the 33^rd Annual National Awards Ceremony. Due to her due to being on sabbatical at that time, Catherine was presented with her award by Director Ross Fox in front of colleagues at the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn’s Director’s Day.

Ross praised the SJP Principal, “Catherine is an exemplary leader and her work at the College from its inception six years ago has been inspirational in creating a growing community of self-directed learners. The college’s approach embraces the challenges of the 21^st century while remaining grounded in the values of the Catholic tradition. The Fellowship is well deserved and I am delighted that Catherine has been acknowledged in this way.”

The SJP community also congratulated Catherine at a school assembly with a speech by Assistant Principal Stephanie O’Meara.

ACEL is the largest professional education association in the Australia and Asia-Pacific region that actively supports the development of education leadership, providing valuable conferences, workshops and resource opportunities.

Year 7 Carroll College students have initiated a penpal exchange with students in the same year leave at Radha Krishna School in Nepal through not-for-profit organisation the Asha Foundation. The Foundation is working to change the lives of disadvantaged children through education.

Former Carroll College student and representative of the Asha Foundation Bridie Young visited her former teacher’s year 7 humanities class to share the stories of children in rural Nepal and show the students where their letters would be sent.

Carroll College Acting Principal Nathan Mansfield said that the letter exchange is a wonderful opportunity for all students to understand each other’s culture, while reinforcing the values of communication, connection and education.

The Radha Krishna School in the Kavre District is one of three schools that the Asha Foundation has rebuilt since the 2015 Nepal earthquake. 

Asha Foundation President, Pauline Gleeson delivered the letters and drawings to Radha Kristna on her recent trip to visit the village.

The Nepali students were very honoured and touched to receive the letters and will now write back to the students at Carroll College.

St Bede’s Primary School in Red Hill has been highly successful in the Anglicare Pens Against Poverty Competition, winning the Overall School Award acknowledging outstanding student achievement this month.

Over 20 schools entered the short story and poetry divisions addressing the issue of poverty within Australia in an effort to raise awareness.

Year 3 student Arabella Krippner won Best Year 3/4 Short Story, and Timothy Minogue won multiple awards, including Highly Accomplished Year 3/4 Short Story, Best Year 3/4 Poem, Overall Junior Writer and Overall Winner in his division.

Congratulations to all students who participated in this important social justice campaign. 

St Joseph’s Primary School O’Connor are enhancing the learning of students who speak a language other than English at home with funding provided by the English Language Proficiency Program and the support of English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) consultant Jennifer Mayer. 

Since receiving the grant, Jennifer has been providing the school with an EAL/D specialist teacher to ensure continued support of staff and the 70 identified students to focus on learning progressions.

Through individualised collaborative programs, foundation students are engaged in creating an understanding of habitats with a focus on identifying plurals and conjunctions at a sentence level.

St Joseph’s Religious Education Coordinator Luke Donnolly said that self-directed learning has allowed the older students to learn research skills to define terms while focussing on the correct use of grammar in their writing.

“Students have engaged in cognitive conflict debate, they have held miscellaneous collections of notes from the office and a pile of paper from the copier to understand the word ‘miscellaneous’ and have been able to use a kaleidoscope for the first time,” he said.

Year 6 student Nishant said that the program has turned previously daunting English lessons into engaging classes where learning a vocabulary is fun and full of surprises.

Students have been able to collaborate with others and help them learn our language.

In addition to the EAL/D Program, St Joseph’s has initiated a weekly Homework Club with assistance from Merici College for St Joseph’s students, parents and teachers to engage in activities together to improve oral language.

Luke said that Homework Club has become a wonderful opportunity for building community for the school’s EAL/D families and their partnership with Merici College.