2009 annual conference sydney - 27/28 august 2009this is the third and final issue of netlink for...

2009 / Issue 3 November 2009

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2009 Annual ConferenceSydney - 27/28 August 2009Sydney - 27/28 August 2009

Contact Details for SASSPAMembership forms to:SASSPA, Post Office Box 51, Leeton, 2705

Email to:[email protected]

Website:www.sasspa.org.au

Phone calls to:0449 575 734

NetLink articles to:[email protected]

Accreditation information to:[email protected]

Membership enquiries to:[email protected]

Inside this issue:

Contact Details and Contents .............................................2

SASS Recognition Week ...................................................3

Welcome to the SASSPA Team .........................................4

Tribute to Joy Lattin ...........................................................5

Annual Conference Report ............................................ 6-8

Reports from the Annual General Meeting:

Chairperson’s Report 2009 ................................................9

Treasurer’s Report ............................................................10

Distance Education!! What an effective and

easy way to learn! ..........................................................11

The Journey to Lifelong Learning ...................................11

Leading Educators Across the Planet ...............................12

Goulburn Community of Public Schools .........................13

Stewart House ............................................................ 14-17

Adopt an Angel ................................................................18

On the Kokoda Track .......................................................19

Road Safety – a Practical Solution ...................................20

The Singing SAO .............................................................21

2009 Youth Olympics.......................................................22

A Memorable RSRG Conference at Broken Hill .............23

Season’s Greetings ...........................................Back cover

v NetLink is the official newsletter of School Administrative & Support Staff Professional Association (NSW) Inc. (SASSPA)

v Opinions expressed in NetLink are not necessarily those of SASSPA or the NSW Department of Education and Training, unless otherwise specified.

v Articles from members for publication in NetLink welcome. Material should be type written.

v SASSPA reserves the right to make literary corrections and to withhold from publication all or any part of material submitted.

SASSPA State Team:

Executive:Sally Ann Copp, Chairperson (Lucas Heights Community School)Debra Ward, Vice Chairperson (Cudgen Primary School)Rozanne Patane, Secretary (Orchard Hills Public School)Marge Amery, Treasurer (Narrandera East Infants School)

Team MembersHelen Ross (Mullion Creek Public School)Leesma McKeown (Tharrawal Public School)Jill Montgomery (Cronulla High School)Julie-Anne Sando (Penshurst West Public School)Mary Monaghan (Rossmore Public School)

From your Editor:This is the third and final issue of NetLink for 2009. Although we endeavour to publish 4 issues each year (one each term) unfortunately, there were not enough articles to make publication worthwhile for Term 3 .... so we have a great issue for Term 4.

Please consider writing an article for publication – there must be lots of things happening in schools that our readers would be interested in.

We trust that you enjoy this NetLink, Thank you, Helen Ross.

Dear Colleagues,

School Administrative and Support Staff RecognitionWeek (2-6 November)

At Wilson Park school for special purposes in Lismore there’s a young fellow in year 12 doing a plumbing pre-apprenticeship. A big part of this young man’s success at school, and in life, is the guidance, friendship and support he receives from Richard Hopkins, the school’s general assistant. This isn’t part of Mr Hopkins’ job description. He does it because he cares about the children in the school and wants to play a constructive part in their lives. Recently I was at a public meeting in the south west of Sydney, where members of the community were telling politicians and senior public servants what they liked about government services and what needed improving. Everyone in my group had positive things to say about public schools. One woman, a mother of five, said she loved her local school. Why, I asked her? “Because the staff in the front office know my name. They know my children, even the youngest two who haven’t started school yet,” she said. Another woman at the table had a little boy with autism. Again, she said she loved her school, this time because of the relationship she had with her son’s learning support officer. These are just a few examples of leadership in public schools by school administrative and support staff - acts of kindness and good judgement that help families and provide life-long examples for children of how to behave to one another with respect and decency. This week is a special chance to recognise the vital contribution that school administrative and support staff make to schools, not just to their smooth running and presentation, but to the mighty job of preparing children to make their way in world and influence it for good. With my best regards on behalf of all my executive colleagues, Michael Coutts-TrotterDIRECTOR-GENERAL OF EDUCATION AND TRAININGMANAGING DIRECTOR OF TAFE NSW3 November 2009

From our Director General ...... SASS Recognition Week

Something to ponder…

It is the little things in life

that make the difference.

My name is Mary Monaghan and after attending a fantastic SASSPA conference over the last two days I have been elected to the SASSPA team for 2009/2010.

I started working for DET in 2001 at Cecil Hills High School as a casual. I was fortunate enough at that school to gain a wide range of experience and training from the wonderful SAS staff and at the end of 2001 was successful in gaining a permanent position at Macquarie Fields High School. I spent the next 31/2 years at Macquarie Fields and added to my experience and skills and again worked with a great team.

From there I went to Lucas Heights Community School a K-12 school, and worked in the TAS area and also helped out in the office. I hadn’t worked in TAS before and really enjoyed this especially when we purchased a coffee machine. I even had some barista

training! While I loved working at Lucas Heights a position came up at Holsworthy High which is two minutes from home so I transferred there. I started in the Library, another area I hadn’t worked in before and again enjoyed the experience. I then moved back up to the front office and had the opportunity to do finance while a staff member was on long service leave.

Following that I was offered the relieving SAMs position at Rossmore Public School and when the job was advertised I applied and was successful. I have been at Rossmore, a small primary school, since the beginning of the year and I am really enjoying it. It’s different to high school, still very busy and as I only have a SAO two days a week, I have to know how to do absolutely everything. I do enjoy the variety though and the contact with the kids, addressing envelopes to the tooth fairy and dealing out bandaids and ice packs usually with a good dose of attention. I have also now accepted that the in tray will never be empty and what can’t be done today will have to wait till tomorrow.

On the home front, I have four children - a son and three daughters. My son is in his last year at University, my eldest daughter is working and my younger two are in year 7 and 10 at one of our wonderful public schools, Holsworthy High. My husband is a teacher working in Special Education as an Itinerant Support Teacher Behaviour. In between running to soccer, physie, girl guides and sailing I am studying a Diploma in Administrative Leadership at the University of New England. We love camping, kayaking and the Swans winning, and I am grateful I get the holidays so we have a chance to get away and enjoy the outdoors.

So I am looking forward to the year ahead working with Sally Ann and the SASSPA team and learning from them. They certainly know how to organise a conference, we just had a wonderful couple of days.

Mary MonaghanSAM, Rossmore PS

Welcome to the SASSPA Team ......

Joy had a long career with the Department in school administrative and support staff roles. She retired at the beginning of 2008 from her role as Senior Administrative Manager at Unanderra Public School.

Throughout her career Joy has given tireless service to students and has supported teachers and other school based staff.

As well as her service to students and staff, Joy has been passionate about and committed to the development of school administrative and support staff.

Joy has been a member of SASSPA since 1995. She served the association as the Chairperson for five years and Vice Chairperson for two years.

During these years she has been highly involved in promoting the work of school administrative and support staff and in organising many conferences and seminars to raise their profile.

Tribute to Joy Lattin(Presented to Annual Conference on 28th August 2009,

in closing address by Trish Kelly, General Manager, Human Resources)

In her executive roles in SASSPA, Joy lobbied the senior officers of the Department and through her work SASSPA is well known in the portals of Bridge Street – just look at the number of senior departmental officers, including the Director-General who have participated in this Conference!

Joy has also participated in a number of regional and departmental steering committees and working parties, and in these roles she made sure that the role of school administrative and support staff was taken into account when reviews were being undertaken or initiatives developed.

Joy, you had an outstanding career in public education, you made many achievements and you also had the energy, commitment and resilience to undertake key roles in SASSPA.

Today it is my pleasure on behalf of SASSPA to present you with your life membership of SASSPA. Congratulations Joy.

Unfortunately Joy was not well enough to attend the Conference to receive her life membership in person from Trish Kelly – we sincerely hope to see Joy attend our future seminars and Conference in August 2010.

Joy is the FIRST Life Member of SASSPA and it was with great pleasure that the Committee voted to acknowledge her contribution in this manner.

Thank you Joy from all team members – we really appreciate the hard work over many years that you contributed for the success of SASSPA. It is indisputable that you trained your team well, set very high standards for us to aspire to and made a great contribution to the professional learning of SASS, especially administrative staff, during your tenure as a member of the executive. You were always a team member with great leadership skills.

From your very good friends at SASSPA, best wishes for an enjoyable retirement with Richard and your family – you have certainly earned it!

(Helen Ross, Editor)

SASSPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT

Andrew Klein, our wonderful MC, provided a seamless transition between speakers and his humorous, informed introductions together with the pumped-up music, provided as much pleasure to the speakers as to the delegates! We’re sure Michael Coutts-Trotter has never before stepped up to the podium to open a conference accompanied by the music from Rocky!

Paul Hopkins, Chief Procurement Officer, introduced Brendon Morcom, Customer Manager Schools, who informed us of the latest developments in the Procurement Directorate and the focus on expanding and improving the system for schools. The delegates appreciated the introductory theme music of Mission Impossible!

Debbie Hockings, Director School and Regional Operations, was very well received giving us plenty to think about with general guidelines and new upcoming programs.

Ken Dixon, General Manager, Finance and Administration, a long time supporter of SASSPA and a regular at our conferences, lightened his talk with pictures of his recent trip to England to watch the cricket and updated photos of his lovely granddaughter. A reminder, perhaps, of the importance of the balancing our working lives with those activities which give us pleasure – time-out regardless of the role we play in the Department.

Explosive Minds, a team of three, kept the delegates enthralled and laughing with their improvisation sketches and up-beat performance demonstrating the importance of working as a team. A number of delegates were cajoled on to the stage to take part in different sketches which

With our theme of ‘Together Enhancing Administrative Management - Teamwork’ the speakers provided information, knowledge and skills to support and enhance our ever-changing and challenging roles.

Our presenters, their messages and the delivery of their messages were varied. From the down-to-earth, ‘here are the facts’ presentations from a number of the Department’s directorates – to the entertaining, comical, moving and inspiring presentations of our external speakers.

only added to the hilarity and reinforced the theme. Despite their initial reluctance, they stepped up to the challenge, immersed themselves in the roles and gained the admiration of their peers. They also received a rousing round of applause for their improvised performances with the Explosive Minds team.

Our first day concluded with Jim Breen, General Manager LMBR, who reflected on the importance of teamwork as his team works toward the new integrated finance and HR system. The complexity of the implementation has seen the LMBR directorate grow from 3 people in 2006, to a staff of 140 from DET and SAP. The SAP system is scheduled to go live in 2010, with Schools Finance scheduled for late 2010, following implementation in the Corporate and TAFE sectors.

Our first day wrapped up with drinks and canapés enjoyed by close to 100 delegates, at Jackson’s on George. The ladies from the country showed their style on the dance floor and some were happy to continue on to a number of local nightclubs with their city colleagues.

Father Chris Riley was a sobering start on the second day of our conference.

His promotional material portrays him as ‘….a maverick priest with an extraordinary mission: helping kids in desperate trouble who have no one else to turn to.”

Juan Antonio Samaranch proclaimed the 2000 Olympic Games as the “best ever”.

I am sure if he had been a regular delegate at SASSPA conferences his proclamation would be similar after this year’s State Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel!

SASSPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT…continued

As the founder of Youth off the Streets his presentation at our conference was emotive, humbling and inspiring as he told the stories of some of his kids.

As he conveyed one story after another, often involving young children being abused by family members or those close to the family, their leaving home and inevitable destiny on the streets, becoming drug addicts, committing crimes to support their habits, dying tragically - it was hard to comprehend.

When he described some of the suburbs of our beautiful city as third world with broken families, unemployment, violence, crime, poverty and hunger – it was hard to envisage.

As he listed those of his precious kids that he was able to help but ultimately unable to save – it was just hard to listen – everyone in the audience was very moved.

His absolute belief in the greatness of youth and society’s responsibility for this vulnerable and disadvantaged group was thought-provoking and inspiring. Perhaps he is best described by Mike Munro – ‘He’s the patron saint of kids, as tough as nails with a heart as big as Australia’.

The Committee was very pleased that Ann McIntyre, Director, Professional Learning and Leadership Development, was able to present a session and bring us up to date with latest developments in professional learning for SASS, the resources available and plans for the future.

We were then informed and entertained by Chris Will, Senior Analyst / Programmer, who brought us up to date with new developments and improvements in ERN. His tongue-in-cheek delivery kept us all attentive and smiling despite the many problems of the ERN software.

Chris must be admired, at the very least, for his courage in presenting to 280 SASS d e l e g a t e s and his willingness to field questions

from the floor and personally at the conclusion of his presentation!

Dianne Marshall, Program Director, DER, was very excited about the rollout of the laptops for teachers and students beginning this year and continuing over the

coming years. The Lenovo laptops have been loaded with the latest Microsoft and Adobe software, have Wireless, Ethernet and Bluetooth connectivity, and are lightweight and compact to easily fit into a school bag. This year’s Year 9 students will be issued with red laptops and subsequent years will be issued with different coloured laptops. Dianne’s passion for her work with the DER was apparent in her presentation as was her enthusiasm as a member of the dynamic DER team.

Jean Kittson, well-known writer, performer and comedian, amused us with her recollections and stories of the many

jobs she had undertaken, her successes and failures and the personal development that resulted from these experiences. Her amusing anecdotes of her role as a wife and mother were also appreciated by the audience who shared her laughter…. and her experiences.

Trish Kelly, General Manager, Human Resources, and another great supporter of SASSPA concluded our conference on the Friday afternoon. She expressed her gratitude for the work we do; our willingness to embrace the many and varied changes in our workplace; and the vital role we play in DET. She too, appreciated the importance of teamwork in our roles dealing with executive staff, teaching staff, parents and students.

The conference drew to a close with presentations from our sponsors and the announcement of winners for the ‘Name the Bear’ and jellybean guessing competition.

The feedback for the conference from delegates’ evaluation sheets was overwhelmingly positive. The Four Seasons were exemplary in providing us with a wonderful venue, fine food and great service over the two days.

The 2009 SASSPA State Conference was a wonderful opportunity for professional development, networking and re-energising. The SASSPA State Team hopes all the delegates took the opportunity to meet new colleagues and learnt from each other as well as from our guest speakers.

(Jill Montgomery, SASSPA Team)

“I attended my first SASSPA Conference last week and would like to thank you and your team for arranging such a wonderful event. I gained much from the experience and have come away feeling very enthusiastic regarding the importance of our roles as SAS staff.” (JennyKierath,MarksPointPublicSchool)

“My thanks goes to all of you for making this one of the best conference I have ever attended. Sally Ann you did a magnificent job, the only problem is you have set the bar so high that now you have to keep up that standard next year. Well done!” (MargeAmery,NarranderaEastInfantsSchool)

“Hi Sally-AnnNow that the dust has settled, just touching base to say thanks very much for having me last week. I genuinely enjoyed the conference and was really pleased with the reception given to me by the delegates – a great atmosphere, a very receptive crowd and lovely people – and you guys were all very easy to work with .... wish it was always that painless. As I mentioned to you, early last week I was with a very serious, conservative (and a little difficult) client so did not enjoy the MC work much. So it was SO refreshing to get back in front of a receptive, friendly, relaxed crowd on Thursday and Friday – and allowed me to do my job and have fun.The feedback many of the attendees gave me while I was there, was really positive and much appreciated. The whole thing seemed to flow very well and all the sessions I observed went off well. ...... Well done to you and your Team in Teale on a great event.” (AndrewKlein,MC)

“I want to congratulate you and your team for sponsoring such a brilliant brilliant conference. I am sure you are all still recovering from the stress and hard work but in spite of that ... you should take time out to bask in the glory of a job well done. I am really proud of you as I am sure every other conference participant would be”. (Janeece Richards, Senior Project Officer, Professional

LearningLeadershipDevelopmentDirectorate)

“I had to leave the conference at lunchtime on Friday as I was concerned that I would have trouble heading home to the North Coast after the huge accident on the F2. I just wanted to congratulate the SASSPA team on a wonderful conference. The guest speakers were great especially the ERN guy (sorry don’t have his name with me) and Father O’Reilly. Just wanted to apologise for leaving before the end. I am sure Jean Kitson would have been amazing.” (KerryPatterson,TheJunctionPublicSchool)

SOME CONFERENCE COMMENTS AND PICTURE GALLERY …

My first year as Chairperson has been a very busy year as well as a personal learning period and I would like to thank the rest of the SASSPA committee for all their support and encouragement.

In keeping with new technology, we have set up a brand new website with

access to membership forms, notification of upcoming events, links to presentations shown at previous seminars plus contact names and email links – now we just need to have someone keep it up to date for us!

Netlink has continued to be distributed to all members once per term with the introduction of emailing the magazine to members rather than printing and posting. This decision was taken after our auditor suggested that we could save valuable funds to enable SASSPA to keep conference and seminar costs down for our members. We hope that all members have been able to access this new format of Netlink.

Membership has grown significantly this year so instead of holding 2 smaller seminars on different dates such as SASSPA has in the past, the Committee decided to choose larger venues and hold just one seminar and continue the annual conference. This again has been cost-effective for our members and allows more to attend – thus trying to shorten our waiting lists.

Once again, as in the past years, members are notified of registration dates via personal DET emails at least one week prior to offering every school in NSW which obviously has a major effect on accommodating mostly members at our events.

The committee this year has also been saving funds by holding committee meetings at private houses, rather than hiring hotel or airport rooms, and we have succeeded in keeping travel costs to a minimum as committee members have collected others from the airport, or combined their trips with other commitments.

Another large undertaking has been to retype the old constitution and introduce changes which we hope to pass shortly, so that this can be brought into line with our members’ requirements and activities of SASSPA today. These changes were emailed as well as being posted to every member so that they had a chance to respond or comment before the AGM but as nobody has responded except to notify us of a spelling error, we are hoping that the adoption of the new constitution will be straight

forward. Then all current members and all new members will be issued with the revised and updated constitution.

The ‘Connecting Through Technology’ Seminar that was held at Penrith Panthers was highly informative, although not as technologically professional as it should have been! When the data projector did not work (despite suggestions from the committee that the AV people did not have the correct lead) and the lead was eventually replaced, the microphone decided to stop working altogether until the management finally brought in a portable one.

The straw that finally broke our backs was when the building renovations set off the ‘Evacuate Now’ warning not once, but twice – what could we do, but laugh – the other option would have been crying! Panther’s want us to return to show us how they can perform, but maybe we will wait a couple of years until they can get their act together completely! Certainly until the renovations have been completed and tested by others!

As for this conference, I hope that all those attending enjoyed the presentations and that you all felt it went off successfully. There is a lot of work involved in organising these events and with the whole committee working full time as well – no wonder Joy Lattin (the previous chairperson) retired early!! It would have been so much easier working from home!

Ideas for 2010 have already been forthcoming and we are planning on having two professional development days – one in Campbelltown and one on the Central Coast – as well as our annual conference in Sydney. So keep checking your emails for further information.

In the meantime, the SASSPA committee hope that you have enjoyed the last year as much as we have and that you will renew your membership for 2010 before the end of this year.

Being part of a great team (the SASSPA Committee) has been enjoyable, although time consuming, but well worth the final result and giving SAS staff from around the state an opportunity to get together, network and develop their skills.

Thank you again to all the team, and thank you to our members for your support.

Sally Ann CoppChairperson

Chairperson’s Report 2009

Treasurer’s Report presented to Annual General Meeting

The past 12 months have been exciting for me. I have managed to juggle full time work between 2 schools, my family of 3 children (20, 18 and 14) and a busy hubby with a new job, plus distance

education for Certificate 3 Education Support Admin/IT.

At the beginning of the course I must admit I thought to myself “What am I doing? How I am going to do this? I don’t think I can do this? My self confidence was low, but with lots of encouragement from everyone around me, I started the course.

The first unit of work was e-mails. How hard could that be? I certainly learnt new things in that workshop. There were lots I did not know about e-mailing. Next were PowerPoint presentations. We were on our own with this one. I had absolutely no idea how to do PowerPoint. After carefully following the course outline in my Evidence guides I spent hours “playing” with PowerPoint. I think I drove my kids crazy by the end of it. I really got into it and experimented with different animations and sounds. Kerry was impressed when I was finally satisfied with what I had done. By now my confidence was growing. I continued on with the rest of the course with more enthusiasm.

Most of the course I have done at work (when work was not too busy) and the support and ideas and suggestions

My name is Kerry Cirson and I have been delivering training for TAFE NSW for the past 15 years. For the majority of this time, I have been involved with workplace training and assessing in the school system.

Over this period, I have witnessed hundreds of SAS trainees complete their chosen course and gain a Certificate III in Education Support qualification. Majority of these trainees are distant learners and come from regional areas such as Orange, Taree, Newcastle and the Riverina.

When these trainees decided to enrol in their traineeship, it was a journey that the trainee and myself, the trainer, would take together. Some of my trainees experienced many hardships and have broken through several barriers along their learning journey. Through dedication, hard work and

From A Trainers Point of View

from my SAM and co-workers were fantastic. My work place supervisor Kerry has been wonderful. Kerry is so full of encouragement and help. When Kerry would phone me regarding my next units of work, you could always hear a “smile” in her voice. This course is designed to be done at work in works time, but I found it just as easy to do a lot of it at home. My family thought it was just fantastic that Mum was using the “old grey matter”. I would gather most of my information at work and complete the units at home. My SAM would check my work and sign off on it, and then I would put it all together in a display folder with title pages etc and post it to Kerry.

How much have I learnt in the past 12 months? Absolute bucket loads. My self confidence has grown so much. I feel confident now to tackle anything in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Internet, Intranet, OH&S issues and have learnt more about the Policies and Procedures of the Department of Education and Training. I cannot believe how far I have come since the very first unit of work – e-mailing.

My family, work colleagues and Kerry (work place supervisor) have been wonderful and supportive. Having almost finished this TAFE course I am now eager to tackle Certificate 4. I would highly recommend anyone to do a Distance Education training course. I have not found it difficult and have managed my job and family life quite easily. Time management and being organised is the key to being successful in doing a Distance Education TAFE course.

Charmaine WildCardiff Public School

sheer determination they finally reached their ultimate goal of completing their studies and gaining a Certificate III in Education Support qualification.

I am proud and have the utmost respect for each and every one of you.

Congratulations to you all!

Kerry CirsonTeacher/Workplace Assessor Business Technology & Administration St George TAFE, Sydney Institute

Distance Education!! What an effective and easy way to learn!

THE JOURNEY TO LIFELONG LEARNING

This year I was given the opportunity to participate in the inaugural LEAP (Leading Educators Across the Planet) Leadership exchange program. The value of this program has been remarkable and has exceeded my expectations. In July, fourteen principals and school leaders from Ontario arrived in Sydney and were hosted by principals and school education directors from the Illawarra, Hunter and Sydney areas.

I was matched with Karen Vandermeer, Principal of Beatrice Strong Primary School in Port Hope, a town one hour east of Toronto. Principals were matched based on areas of academic interest.

During her visit to Rossmore Public school we were able to provide Karen with a lot of excellent information on early childhood education, primarily Best Start and Transition to School that was beyond what is happening in Ontario. Given the opportunity to discuss and teach someone about strategies and programs implemented here at Rossmore has helped my staff consolidate their own understanding and recognise the value of the great things they are doing.

A key benefit to both Karen and I was the opportunity for professional dialogue. During her two week stay with me and then my two weeks with her in Port Hope during the October school break we were usually found deep in discussion.

The NSW contingent that visited Ontario during the October school break consisted of eight principals. Whilst in Ontario I visited three different schools and whilst our education systems are very similar I believe we do so many things much better. Our expectation for student achievement is higher, we share greater collegiality between teachers and executives and as much as we sometimes complain we have more control over our budgets. I was impressed with how Ontario schools use data to assess, predict and monitor students. Their data walls would be an ideal strategy to adopt within our schools.

I would highly recommend that if ever the opportunity arises for a professional exchange that you jump at the opportunity.

Anne Webb

Principal, Rossmore Public School

LEADING EDUCATORS ACROSS THE PLANET

The Goulburn Community of Public Schools (GCOPS) was formed seven years ago and last year received funding to formally become a Learning Community culminating in an official launch in Education Week 2008. This has involved developing brochures, flyers, banners and advocate statements which showcase our local public schools. This is a true learning community with network groups meeting regularly in the areas of ICT, Curriculum, Leadership and Performing Arts. Our most recent school development day involved staff from across all the GCOPS (including Admin, Support Staff and GA’s) who spent the day at Mulwaree High School participating in Boys Education workshops facilitated by renowned speaker and author, Celia Lashlie. This typifies the unity and benefits that come from a learning community.

A recent local newspaper article highlights the increase in our public secondary school enrolments, demonstrating the trend away from private education. This is in no small way attributable to the cooperation between the four public high schools in and around Goulburn and their ability to offer a wider range of subject and elective choices through interactive classrooms and up to the minute technology.

On Monday 25th May 2009 two of our school leaders had the pleasure of making their first radio broadcast on 103.3FM Community radio. This included a short school report and pre-recorded songs performed by the Goulburn Community of Public Schools Choir. This initiative was the brainchild of our Assistant Principal Danny Scott with the assistance and support of Bill Young from the local Community Radio Station. This ongoing weekly segment will be hosted by students from each of the Goulburn Community of Public Schools (GCOPS). The aim of the 10 minute segment is to highlight the great things happening in our public schools to a wide audience and keep the local community informed.

The following information can be obtained from the following DET website:

http://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/adminandmanage/infoman/schpromotions/communities/index.htm

WHAT ARE LEARNING COMMUNITIES?• Learning communities comprise high schools, their feeder primary schools, central and other schools that serve the same broad

local community.

• They can range from a small group of three or four schools to a large group of 20 or more depending on location.

• Geographically dispersed schools, especially in country areas, can also form a learning community.

• Learning communities can include state government preschools in the area to help promote transition-to-school programs.

• They can also include local TAFE colleges to help promote transition to further vocational study and work placements.

Learning communitiesSTRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Public schools are benefiting from working together as a strong collegial group, or learning community, that offers outstanding learning opportunities and is committed to its local community.

Schools can benefit by delivering joint programs, sharing educational opportunities, and participating in collective professional development activities. Beyond these core educational benefits is the opportunity to further showcase themselves and the education they offer.

Goulburn Community of Public Schools

When asked by Rozanne, one of SASSPA’s committee members, to write an overview of Stewart House and its operation, I said I would be delighted to do so. She may regret ever asking me the question!!

HISTORY

I grew up on the headland at North Curl Curl overlooking Stewart House. I frequented South Curl Curl beach and Stewart House had always been there. As a young child, I perceived that this was a bit of a sinister place where disabled, disturbed or naughty children were ‘kept in captivity’. Fortunately, during my early school years, I was given a much clearer understanding of what Stewart House was all about. (Yes, even in primary school, I was donating to its cause!!)

My first professional experience at Stewart House started

about twenty years ago when I was invited to relieve as the “Senior” for a term. I was then offered a part-time position as secretary to the then Department-funded schools’ liaison officer. My main duty was to liaise with schools throughout NSW for visits by that officer. His role included addressing school assemblies and staff meetings to explain how Stewart House operated and the impact of schools’ support upon its operation. I have been the SAM at Stewart House for the past four and a half years.

Stewart House is located directly opposite South Curl Curl beach. It comprises three levels; the original lower building housing the junior dormitories with the school located on the middle level and the offices of the charity (known as the Preventorium) together with the senior dormitories, dining room and conference rooms are located on the upper level.

Stewart House has been in operation for over 75 years and is unique in its concept but within its uniqueness lies some complexities. It is governed under the auspices of both the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Health. Perhaps it is appropriate here to dissect the organisation into its integral parts so that novices may have a clearer understanding of how it operates.

Stewart House Preventorium (known as the “Charity”)

The Preventorium is a non-Government funded charity which autonomously raises revenue to fund salaries for residential supervisors, cooking, cleaning and office staff. Over $2M needs to be raised to cover these costs. The Charity has, in the past applied for and received financial support from the Department of Training and Education which has funded some major capital works programs and which has supported the Charity through other financial commitments. The Preventorium conducts its business under the direction of a Board of Directors, whose constituents offer representation from members of the Department of Education and the Department of Health. The Preventorium also has the support of some corporate sponsorship, both in a financial way and for goods in kind.

Your school’s contribution by means of the purchase of dolphins, keyrings, Christmas cards and the annual envelope drive, substantially assists in the sustainment of the Preventorium’s outgoing and spiraling costs. These costs, apart from the obvious salaries bill, include excursions, utilities, food and costs associated with the maintenance of a fleet of four buses and a mini-van.

The approximate cost of a child’s visit to Stewart House is $1500.00. There are no oncosts to the families of the students who attend. District Coordinators normally arrange the costs for transporting students to and from Stewart House.

The primary source of income for the Preventorium is raised from the generous support of teachers, SAS staff, police and fire brigade personnel who have committed to a fortnightly tax-deductible salary contribution. However, with the “ageing” teacher population who have committed to this practice, there is a real danger that as teachers, principals and SASS retire, a serious impact on the financial status of the Preventorium will occur. Beginning teachers conferences are targeted to inform the next “wave” of teachers and to encourage them to participate in the salary deduction scheme.

As Stewart House is the Department’s nominated charity for all public schools, the extraordinary efforts that schools make to raise funds for Stewart House are recognised at the Annual General Meeting through the award of plaques and certificates. Some fundraising activities held in schools include “mufti days”, gold coin donations or “funny hair or hat” days.

Another ongoing source of income for the Preventorium is the annual Smith Family bag appeal (I can palpably feel your groans at the very thought of those infamous white bags cluttering up your bike sheds, offices and breezeways). Please be assured that your efforts once or twice a year DO help. The Smith Family donate profits from this endeavour directly to the Preventorium and they are always on hand to provide us with crisis clothing, when requested.

A group called the Friends of Stewart House (mainly comprising wives of and/or past Department employees) unrelentingly support Stewart House by sewing, knitting and generally fulfilling requests from staff.

(Footnote: Stewart House Preventorium has recently become a company but will conduct its business as per the above guidelines).

THE SCHOOL

The school does receive funding from the Department of Education and Training. However, because of our static student enrolment (approximately 2,000 students per year), our global allocation is not subject to any variation. The school is committed to share the costs of utilities, the running of the bus fleet and other communal costs each month with the Preventorium and this does severely impact on available funds. The school also pays for excursions, performances and teacher resources.

The school is staffed by the Principal, a non-teaching Assistant Principal, an Assistant Principal and five teachers. Assisting are a full-time SAM, a part-time SAO, three teachers’ aides, an Aboriginal Education Officer, a part-time general assistant and a data operator (funded from a tied grant) who

is responsible for collating all data from schools and parents and making some sense of it all!! The Principal and teaching staff have a three-year tenure.

The school also gratefully acknowledges the services of a handful of volunteers who assist in the classrooms, attend the excursions and who provide support where required.

STUDENTS

People often ask me about the type of students who attend Stewart House School. The reasons for student nominations would historically have been aligned with issues of neglect, financial circumstances and isolation. Whilst student nominations today may still fall into those categories, it can only be expected that with the voracity of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and the ever- increasing and alarming rise in single parent families through divorce or perhaps death, that many of our referrals are made for these reasons. Children may come from large families where the eldest may be emotionally and physically responsible for their siblings at a very young age. Some referrals could involve DOCS intervention or an immediate family crisis.

Primarily, the students must attend a public school in NSW or the ACT and be nominated by their Principals. Children from Years 1 to Year 10 are catered for. Our aim is to accommodate approximately 90 students for a fortnightly stay and we also cater for Special Education groups (accompanied by teachers and/or aides for two separate weekly visits per year).

We hold approximately 21 two-week stays per year. Each region/district has an appointed Coordinator who is informed of the dates for their visit. The coordinator then invites nominations from all Principals within the districts. A committee led by the District Coordinator prioritises these nominations and the process begins. Generally, each group comprises students from two different regions, for example a

country and city group, the blend of which can be insightful and valuable for both groups of students.

All Stewart House staff aim collectively to provide these children with a safe, nurturing and carefree environment where they may have some respite and fun from their often onerous responsibilities and allow them just to be “kids” for a fortnight. The confidentiality for the student’s reason for nomination is closely protected at all times.

THE PROGRAM

Through the services of the Health Department, all children undergo hearing, eye and dental checks with ongoing referrals organised, if necessary. The children enjoy a balanced nutritional diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, milk and juice. Children are divided into six class groups and are allocated into segregated dormitory accommodation.

The school program does not have a formalised structure but does follow curriculum-based programs such as Creative and Practical Arts, Pottery and Sport and Fitness and Quality Teaching Programs. A strong emphasis is placed on activities which build the children’s self-esteem.

Each class enjoys visits to points of interest in and around Sydney, which include Taronga Park Zoo, The Sydney Olympic Swimming Centre and the Powerhouse Museum. The students and teachers also avail themselves of our beautiful local parks and beaches to enjoy relaxed barbecues, picnics and swimming activities. Classes alternate by having an in-school day and an excursion out day. Students participate in a surf awareness program, attend a local dance studio and fitness centre (all of which donate their services for free).

The students, as happens in their enrolled schools, participate in a structured awards system that enhances their self-

esteem and worth. This was an initiative of the Assistant Principal whereby students receive “Dolphin Dollars” that accumulate throughout their visit and which are cashed in at the “Dolphin Shop” just prior to their departure. Students actively participate in this activity by acting as bankers, shop assistants, security guards and packers. It is delightful to see the students pick a special “treasure” for themselves or more commonly, for a family member.

Whilst in residence, students have access to computers to correspond with their families and schools and may also avail themselves of our postcards to send messages home.

The Residential Supervisors, who are responsible for caring for the children after-hours conduct night-time programs where the children have the opportunity to experience the Sydney Aquarium, TV shoot sites, the Australian Museum, bridge walks and other exciting activities that may not be afforded to them in the normal course of their lives.

The supervisors also hold a “talent quest” on the last Wednesday evening of the group and this generates a great level of competitiveness, positivity and enjoyment.

ANECDOTES

1. Many of the children who participate in the program at Stewart House have not ever seen the ocean. It is often reported that the children squeal with delight and awe as they round the corner nearest to Stewart House and literally see this amazing expanse of water for the first time. A quotable quote from a former Assistant Principal was that one student from the far west of NSW said, after having tested the waters of the local pool, told her: “Miss, although the ocean is a bit bigger than the river at home, it tastes “FUNNY”.

2. A young lady (aged 32) walked across our assembly area last year and by the time she had reached the school office, was in tears. Not wanting to judge her too quickly (there is a rehabilitation facility not far from us!!), we investigated her concern. She finally pulled herself together enough to relate that she and her twin sister had attended Stewart House School when they were 12. She had no recollection of the reason as to why they were invited but elaborated that they had both had an “awesome” time. This girl currently lives in Adelaide and was visiting Manly for a family wedding. She decided to walk north until she found the swimming pool that she remembered well from her visit so many years before. We were able to provide her with her attendance records and memorabilia but what will be etched in my memory

was her phone call to her twin sister (who resides in Brisbane) as she yelled from our balcony:

“You’ll never ever guess where I am standing!!” “It is exactly the same”.

One of the longest-serving members of the Preventorium staff took her for a tour of the dormitory where she immediately pointed out her bed!! She remembered the ladies who had served her meals and co-incidentally, one of them happened to be her tour guide’s mother! Obviously, her visit to Stewart House all those years ago had a positive and long-lasting impact.

3. The most recent addition to our volunteer/SLSO staff is a 22 year old male who attended Stewart House from the North Coast area when he was 11. He remembers how passionately homesick he was and told how he threatened all staff with the possibility that he was going home, whether they cared or not!!.

He relates he had no idea just how he was going to achieve this. Through the coaxing of staff at the time, he was coerced into staying and he says that it was a turning point in his life. He wanted to put back into Stewart House what was given as a gift to him, in his impressionable youth. He is now employed as a permanent SLSO staff member

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

I am passionate about the work done by the experienced and caring staff at Stewart House. (This has little to do with the wonderful view I enjoy every day whilst scouting the horizon for any telltale signs of migrating whales and dolphins).

Those of us who have a purported “normal”, healthy and happy life CAN make a difference to children who often do not enjoy the privileges and fundamental rights that a child should have.

• Please continue to support the annual fundraising activities. Information is forwarded to schools.

• Encourage your school’s charity co-ordinator to actively engage students to participate in these fundraisers.

• Perhaps consider a personal salary deduction. A deduction of only $5.00 per fortnight could ensure the continuity and sustainability of the wonderful place that is Stewart House. Salary Deduction Forms may be downloaded from the Stewart House website and these are tax-deductible. (www.stewarthouse.gov.org) OR telephone: 99383100.

Please forgive me for the verbosity of this report but I, for one, cannot and will not envisage Stewart House becoming a white elephant and I encourage all SASS personnel to be proactive in your support so that Stewart House may continue to provide services to needy students from our Public Education Schools.

Ruth HarrisSchool Administrative Manager

Adopt an AngelThe Kokoda Track Foundation has been working in the villages that live along and in the catchment area of the Kokoda Track since 2003. The Foundation works in three main areas - education, health, and community development, and we raise money from the Australian public that goes directly to the ground in these areas. Education is our biggest priority as we believe that education is the key to Papua New Guinea’s future. Currently, only 1.5% of Papua New Guinea children who begin Grade 1 have the opportunity to go all the way to Grade 12. Literacy and numeracy rates in PNG are some of the lowest in the entire Pacific region and families, who rely solely on subsistence farming to survive, struggle to afford to send their children to school. School fees in PNG are very expensive, ranging in the hundreds of dollars for primary education and in the thousands of dollars for secondary education.

The Kokoda Track Foundation is attempting to help the local people along the Kokoda Track gain access to a quality and affordable education. Our Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel scholarship program is supporting 124 primary and secondary students to go to school in 2009 and their scholarship covers their tuition fees, boarding costs, food, uniform, and school resources. Students are selected on the basis of family need, academic merit, and gender equity and in 2010, with the generous support from the Australian public, we hope to give out even more scholarships. We support our students to go all the way through the Grade 12.

You can support the Foundation through our Adopt an Angel program. By Adopting an Angel you are giving an opportunity to a child to go to school who otherwise would not be able to afford to get an education. Adopting a primary aged child costs $300 per year and adopting a secondary aged child costs $1,000 per year. Please check out our 2009 Angels on our website:www.kokodatrackfoundation.org - and find out how you can help to keep the Kokoda spirit alive.

Dr Genevieve Nelson Executive Director Kokoda Track Foundation Ltd www.kokodatrackfoundation.org

Drinking from the Saucer

I have never made a fortune

And I’ll never make one now.

But it really doesn’t matter

Because I’m happy anyhow.

As I go along my journey

Reaping better than I sowed

I am drinking from the saucer

Because my cup has overflowed!

I don’t have heaps of riches,

And sometimes the going’s tough

But with friends around who loves me

I know I’m rich enough

So I thank God for the blessings

That His mercy has bestowed

For I’m drinking from the saucer


(Author Unknown)

As God gives me strength and courage

When the way grows steep and tough,

I’ll not ask for other blessings,

I’m richly blessed enough.

May I never be too busy

To help bear another’s load

For I’m drinking from the saucer


On The Kokoda Track…I joined 7 other volunteers in July to walk the Kokoda Track with the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF). The KTF is a charity organisation that works in the areas of education, health and community development along the Kokoda Track to give much needed assistance to the villages that gave so much to the Australian Diggers during WWII.

Along the very difficult walk, we, the volunteer group, visited several village schools, health centres, built two eco-friendly toilets and taught cooking classes in eight villages. The villages were shown how to make corn fritters, banana bread, pumpkin soup and pikelets in a hope that a small micro business can be established selling these items to the trekkers.

I was stunned by the poverty and third world conditions that I saw along the track. It is obvious that we have failed to give sufficient help to our ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel’ friends who gave so much, including their lives, to help our Australian troops. Despite over 7000 trekkers passing through the villages per year, little benefit comes to the local villages. There is a levy that is paid by each trekker who undertakes the trek, but the costs of education must be paid by parents. The cost of a primary school education is around $100 pa and $400 pa for a secondary education. For most secondary students, this also involves the costs of boarding. The KTF in 2009 provided educational scholarships for 126 students.

Most children receive little education beyond year 3. I saw schools without teachers and a Trade School, teaching courses such as carpentry that had not had a nail or screw for over 3 months.

In one village, I saw a young boy with a major leg injury who had been in extreme pain for 2 days with no medical help. In another village, the health care worker

had completed a 2 day first aid course in 1972. It is not surprising child birth is the main cause of death.

The trek was extremely difficult and despite a heavy training schedule, I felt unprepared for the sometimes almost vertical steep slopes but survived with no more than a few bruised toe nails. Ten days without a shower, wearing the one set of clothes was quite a new experience for me who had never even slept in a tent before the trek and describe myself as a “5 star girl”.

My trek was sponsored per kilometre by the SRC and staff of my school, local Sutherland Shire Principals and my family with over $2000 being donated to the KTF to help with teacher training and purchase of resources for the schools.

I am fairly sure I won’t do the trek again but will continue to support the great work of the Foundation.

Deidrei BedwellPrincipal of Lucas Heights Community School

ROAD SAFETY - A PRACTICAL SOLUTION!

Imagine the childrens’ delight at Burraneer Bay Public School (Port Hacking District) when the K-2 COLA was transformed into a scaled model of the surrounding road system of the school.

Spanning 300 square metres the school had a rubberised surface laid down under the COLA in order to provide safe ‘softfall’ area for the schools 330 students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2. Supported through a grant from the NRMA and P & C funds this rubberised area was designed to replicate the Burraneer Bay & Gannons Road road system, its pedestrian crossings, bus zone and roundabouts!

Road safety is now taught in the school without the need to venture out on the busy roads surrounding the school. Designed by the principal Adrian Mort in response to two ‘close calls’ involving two bike riding students hit by vehicles on the way home from school, the softfall area aims at decreasing ‘scraped knees’ and at the same time reinforcing road safety messages to all students.

When students at Burraneer Bay are told to ‘go play on the road’ at recess, we mean under the COLA of course!

Article submitted by staff at Burraneer Bay Public School

The Singing SAO…The Cronulla High School Community choir consists of students from Year 7 through to Year 12, staff and parents. Fortunately, it wasn’t a pre-requisite to have a good voice to join the choir…but being enthusiastic was mandatory! As the choir leader, Lee-Anne Harrison, says, “SING! If you don’t sing I can’t hear you and then I can’t fix it.” So I joined the choir 2 years ago and it is amazing how enjoyable it can be to belt out a tune at weekly choir practice and at our many performances.

Being a member of the choir and helping with their fundraising gave me the idea to join them when they travelled to Rotorua, New Zealand to participate in the International Schools Music Festival in early July. So along with 30 students, 4 teachers and 2 parents, I packed my bags for the week-long tour with the choir and band.

The trip started at 5:00am Monday morning at Sydney Airport. We all managed to get there and were set to clear customs when one of the students realised that in the space of 3 meters she had lost her passport! After many searches of her bag and all the students checking their passports it was found tucked in with another students – a small hiccough to start our journey!

On our arrival in New Zealand, a customs officer asked my reason for coming to New Zealand. When I responded that I was singing at a music festival she replied with a wry smile, “So you Aussies are going to teach us to sing, ha!”

Rotorua on the North Island is known for its geothermal activity, and it is surprising to see steam vents all over the place. Along with the steam there was the strong odour of sulphur, which prompted a few jokes, but after a while we didn’t notice the smell and consequently the jokes dried up.

Over the course of the week we attended various venues for performances, including the Rotorua Old Bath House Museum, Mokoia International School and Ngongotaha Primary School.

It was interesting to see that school shoes were an option, so many of the students ran around bare foot. After the students performed a Hakka for us, which was very impressive and demonstrated their singing abilities, I began to understand the remark by the customs official!

Between performances we visited some of the many attractions found in Rotorua. A tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village which explained Maori culture and traditions and how to cook your whole dinner in a steam hole. We enjoyed the juicy, flavoursome food at a Hangi at the Tamaki Maori Village. I also donned my swimming costume and joined the students in the Polynesian Spa. I decided that, despite being four times older than the kids, the ‘office lady’ could have fun too! From the top of the Gondola ride I sent the school a photo of myself, just to make sure they knew where I was!

During the Festival various tutorial groups were held for vocal groups and bands and a few other interesting ones like the one I attended - teaching me how to stick out my tongue and roll my eyes. I thought it would be a skill I could share with my work colleagues on my return…

There were over 700 students from many Australian and New Zealand schools who participated at the festival and many schools provided very professional choirs and band performances.

At the conclusion of the festival we were proud to receive a Bronze Award for our Community Choir and a Silver Award for our School Band.

It was a great experience and I appreciate the fact that the school and my colleagues had to work a bit harder to cover my absence.

Thank you. Kia Ora.

Jennifer Foston, SAOCronulla High School

In January 2009, 20 dancers from Kingswood High school participated in the opening ceremony at the Youth Olympics at Homebush. This was an amazing opportunity to perform before a large international crowd. The Youth Olympics had an Olympic flame and competitors from many other countries.

The atmosphere was ecstatic and all participants were full of energy. There were thousands of other people there and our students met and mixed with many Olympians of the future and the many other participants in the opening ceremony. Paulini was part of the opening ceremony.

Kingswood High dancers participated in the Ancient Greece segment where they were the dance captains. They were also part of the pot belles routine and danced in the finale which consisted of dance, rhythmic gymnastics and aerialists.

Students in the routine gave up their time during the holidays to practice and be part of this great event.

The bus trip home was fantastic as everyone was on a high after this amazing experience.

The students would like to thank Miss Cass for driving the bus, Miss Douglass and Miss Bird for being with them for all the rehearsals and the whole day and night of the opening ceremony, and Miss Waddell for helping with the dance routines.

Kingswood High would like to thank all involved in this event and the students and staff who gave up part of the holidays to be involved. This was a great opportunity for a group of talented students to perform at an international event.

The uniqueness of Broken Hill is always a bonus for the presenters and this year was no exception. The history making weather conditions will stay with many of us for years to come! The wonderful accepting spirit of the local population was very impressive. I am sure that no one missed the TV coverage of the red dust that covered most of the State - there was no shortage of footage on the Sydney effects. Well, those of us who attended the Broken Hill conference had ringside seats and what a show – very sobering for the visitors from the east!

The Western NSW Region RSRG Broken Hill two day conference was held on 21st and 22nd September and was very successful with the highest number of SAS staff attending since our first Conference in 2005. The theme was “Communicating .... Getting it Right!” with many of the presenters and topics the same as for the Orange Conference held in May.

Day one was a training day “How to Become a Better Communicator” presented by SkillPath On-site Trainer Victoria Rose and all the evaluations indicated her sessions were very well received.

The day concluded with a special SCAS session presented by Ivy Green, Disability Programs Directorate, for schools with support classes and students enrolled in a behaviour or ED setting.

Day two was split into workshops and training sessions following the Keynote Speaker, Peter Seligman, Regional Manager, Human Resources, TAFE & Community Education, who presented “Communication & Conflict – How to Respond to complaints, aggression, harassment”. This session was filled with practical suggestions for communication skills, how to create a better work environment, manage change and how to respond to conflicts, complaints, aggression, bullying and harassment.

“smartbuy, Smartlink (OASIS), new e-Catalogue Office Products and the payment process”: Judy Thompson and Raelene Rowe, from the smartbuy team, presented a training day as well as answering questions and hearing from SASS about the difficulties experienced by schools using this system in the far western area ie distances, delivery.

Chemical Use/Application – Risk Management: was presented by Anne Clarke, Author and Teacher for General Assistants and SAO’s who use chemicals.

“Audits – Tips and Tricks”: Keith Eldridge, Principal Business Risk Analyst, presented this session and answered questions on auditing and cash flow budgeting.

“ERN Update”: Chris Will, Systems Architect/Technical Team Leader, Information Technology, informed SASS of the latest ERN developments and sneak preview at the future, as well as tips and tricks for using ERN, how to access information for school needs.

Two sessions were presented for LSO’s - “Managing Difficult Behaviour”: William Lockton, Behaviour Team, presented practical strategies for the classroom and “Supporting Students with Autism”: Katie Pratt, Autism Outreach, showed participants how to put together useful tools for maintaining routines with practical strategies and interventions for accommodating students with autism.

The Conference Dinner was a fun evening with lots of laughter. Chris Will was our MC for a knowledge quiz and Ying Li handed out prizes to the winners. Chris and Ying are not only valuable

presenters at our conferences but wonderful supporters of the RSRG. They and many others like them have continued to make our conferences interesting and fun to attend.

Wendy Hurry, Vice-President of the PSA addressed the Conference and networked with those attending.

Having experienced the difficulties faced by our colleagues from the Far West for just one day, it should make us realise that schools and administrative staff and their families face difficulties that we in the east, can only imagine.

Helen RossSecretary, Western NSW RSRG

A MEMORABLE RSRG CONFERENCE AT BROKEN HILL…AN EVENT TO REMEMBER ..

Dust Storm at Broken Hill September 22, 2009: Visibility from 3:50 pm to 4:15 pm

see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrlD22HwPvI

Final Comment from Chris WillOne of the most, if not the most memorable RSRG’s we’ve been too. The combination of the ‘can do’ attitude bred by being ‘out there’, a dedicated and well run conference committee and a weather show this Northern Englishman had never imagined in his life, made it unforgettable.

Season’s Greetings

May love and laughter fill your life at Christmasand throughout the New Year

May you have a Christmas filled with the love of family and laughter of friends.We hope the New Year brings with it all that is good and peaceful.

From: Sally Ann, Rozanne, Marge, Debra, Helen, Julie-Anne, Leesma, Jill, and Mary

Wishing you Christmas happinessAnd Season’s greeting too,

And hope this year’s festivitiesBring Christmas joy to you

For though each year gets busierAnd time goes by so fast

Happy Christmas memoriesAre memories that last

And when this year is overAnd you welcome in the new

Remember that we wish you wellAnd send out best to you

YuletideGreetingsHope yourholidays

are happy.

Happy Holidays! Have a joyous Christmas and a festive New Year!

May the spirit

of Christmas

fill your home ….

long after the tree

and wrappings are gone

May you and your

family enjoy a great

holiday break.

Best Wishes for

Christmas and 2010.

2009 annual conference sydney - 27/28 august 2009this is the third and final issue of netlink for...

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