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The Southern Cross : August 2011
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www.thesoutherncross.org.au The Southern Cross August 2011 Page 19 schools | Immersed in the Territory Students from Gleeson College immersed themselves in the indigenous culture, customs and general way of life during a visit to the Northern Territory recently. The group of 13 students and Mr David Finch, Assistant Principal -- Religious Identity and Mission, began their trip at O'Loughlin College in Darwin and then flew to Bathurst Island, part of the Tiwi Islands, to spend two days in the indigenous communities and schools. They also spent three days in Katherine and learnt about the Jawoyn people of the area, then drove to Beswick to see the community's newly built school. Mr Finch said he hoped the students took away with them a more informed Aboriginal perspective which would enable them to promote the concept of true reconciliation in Australia. "This inaugural trip has established a wonderful opportunity for Gleeson College to carry out its mission as a Catholic school in being of service to others in our world," he said. LEARNING THE ROPES: Blackfriars Priory School held its first ever Year 10 Mentor Day at the Scout Outdoor Centre at Woodhouse in the Adelaide Hills in June. The aim of this event was for Year 10 students to spend a school day working with someone who they see as a positive male role model in their life. Many of the boys invited their fathers, some brought stepfathers, older brothers, cousins and there was a sprinkling of old scholars and current Year 12 students. Current day research into boys' education in the 21st Century highlights more than ever that young adolescents need strong male role models in their lives exhibiting positive behaviour. Set in the pine forest of the Piccadilly Valley, the Year 10 students and the mentors participated in three separate 1½-hour sessions. Sessions ranged from problem solving, small group construction, and a physical challenge that tested the mental strength of all who took part. Many sacrificed work commitments to join the day and make a positive impact. One father even flew in from Whyalla just to be by his son's side. Fundraising is not only fun, but also very successful, at St Michael's College where students have raised $55,000 for the Lasallian Foundation this year. The significant amount was raised through the annual Mission Action Day and a quiz night. The Mission Action Day dates back to the 1960s when a walk-a-thon was held from Henley to Semaphore and back. Today it includes 21 activities designed to cater for the interests of all students. Since 2005 the funds raised have gone to the Lasallian Foundation (www.lasallianfoundation. org) established by the De La Salle brothers as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting the work of Lasallian educators working with the poor and disadvantaged across the Asia-Pacific region. Funds from the past few years have contributed to: • rebuilding schools and communities in Sri Lanka following the devastating tsunami; • purchasing wood heaters in Baphumelele Children's Home in South Africa, saving the lives of orphaned children otherwise exposed to the cold; • contributing to the curriculum and infrastructure needs of the 300 disadvantaged students from the Hohola Youth Development Centre in Papua New Guinea; • Contributing towards the position of a full- time nurse at Children's Hope in Action, which provides medical programs to poor children in central Vietnam. • Lasallian projects throughout the Asia- Pacific region providing poor children with an opportunity for a better future. This year's fundraising efforts were supplemented by a successful quiz night hosted by media personality Chris Dittmar. Year 12 college leaders organised the event -- from writing questions to seeking donations for prizes -- and dressed up as cartoon characters on the night. Mission action
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