And so began a unique leadership challenge and partnership between PLC Armidale and the School of St Jude in Arusha, Tanzania.  Under the guidance of the Peaks Foundation, the girls will climb to the summit of Mt Meru, Tanzania’s second highest mountain, as a combined team of young women.

The girls from the School of St Jude have grown up at the base of this mountain, yet poverty meant that climbing its jagged peak seemed a dream. Together, the young women will unite as a team to reach the summit of their potential. We talked to the two leaders of the project, Catherine Pegg and Anna Caldwell, both teachers at PLC Armidale, to find out more.

What is the purpose of the project?

The expedition is designed to maximise collaboration, leadership skills, cultural diversity and educational opportunity. The 12-day expedition includes time with the students and staff from the School of St Jude in Tanzania, working within the school in a variety of areas, followed by a 4-day hike with a team of young women from the School of St Jude to the summit of Mt Meru.

After the trek to the peak of Mt Meru, the students from PLC Armidale will spend time interacting with and gaining an understanding of the East African community and an appreciation of the ecosystems and the need for environmental conservation in this area. This is an opportunity for all involved to become active participants in positive social change.

Tell us about the Peaks Foundation …

PLC Old Girl, Chloe Chick, is a director of The Peaks Foundation. Chloe has recently established the Peaks Foundation – a registered US non-profit and UK Charity.  They have plans to expand to Australia.  They organise mountain based challenges for women who seek adventure, a sense of personal achievement and an opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. Peaks Foundation supports and empowers women and girls in communities where the challenges take place, through initiatives such as education, maternal healthcare and community-led conservation.

Why did you decide to climb with the School of St Jude?

Chloe Chick approached our Head of School, Debra Kelliher, with the idea to involve PLC Armidale in the Peaks Foundation. Chloe suggested we might like to be involved in one idea in the Peaks Foundation Girl Challenge.

The idea is that the program would see girls in locations such as Australia raise money to fund the cost for girls in regions where Peaks Foundation challenges are held, to undertake a mountain based expedition. Chloe suggested that students from PLC Armidale would raise the expenses associated with sending a team of girls from the School of St Jude in Tanzania to the summit of their local peak – Mt Meru.

The PLC girls could then, through digital media, follow the progress of the expedition – learning about the ecosystem, environment, as well as the physical and mental challenge of the climbing team and the importance of team work.

Debra decided to take the idea one step further. “Our girls love a challenge. I think they would enjoy climbing as well”. So here we are, each PLC girl funds her own trip, and we are raising the money for the girls from the School of St Jude, as Chloe suggested.

The School of St Jude is an independent, sponsorship-supported school that provides education for Tanzanian children from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds. The school demonstrates leadership, promotes critical thinking and expects high moral values from its students, staff and the school community. The philosophy of both schools is similar, and PLC Armidale as a school of leadership is constantly seeking opportunities to challenge and engage students in leadership opportunities. It is an exciting partnership.

What training are you doing to prepare your team?

There are psychological and physical challenges ahead of us on the trip, so we need to develop fitness in both areas. From the psychological angle, we are working on skills to mentally push ourselves to make the summit – there are roughly 17 false summits so when you think you are nearly there, you get to that peak and realise there is a long way to go further!

We are learning to be prepared for the disappointment if we don’t make the summit for whatever reason and to be strong enough that once we have made the top and had the adrenalin rush and sense of achievement, that we have to get all the way back down again! Physically, we are doing weekly circuit training, local walks that involve steep climbs, such as Mount Duval and Salisbury Waters and lots of other challenging endeavours. Training together is strengthening our teamwork, and we are building skills to support each other.

How are you raising funds for the project?

We have a lot of initiatives underway – the largest of which is our Global Community Challenge Ball. That is on 16 June at the Servies. Tickets are on sale on at the end of April at the Servies. We are looking toward the Armidale Community to support this event, and we have a very exciting night planned.

We have a series of cake stalls, sausage sizzles and guessing competitions which are contributing to our target – we still have a long way to go. Anyone interested in donating or finding out more about what we are doing can visit www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Thank you Anna and Catherine.

Thanks to Simon Scott for the photograph.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

How long have you lived in this region?

Nearly 26 years; all my life.

The premature birth of your daughter necessitated  your transfer from Armidale Hospital to John Hunter in Newcastle. How did you find that experience?

There really are no words for it! It was the most terrifying night of my life, except for the night I gave birth! I was in utter shock; I didn’t have any idea this was going to happen, that anything was even wrong, and I honestly thought I was going to lose my daughter.

How early did your baby Jasmine come?

Fourteen weeks.

We hear John Hunter’s neonatal ward is fantastic?

It is. We call the neonatal intensive care unit NICU for short! The nurses and the doctors are worth their weight in gold! They do a fantastic job around the clock tirelessly to save these tiny babies. NICU is a whole different world – really daunting. You see some real miracles like my daughter, but you also see tragedies all around you! It’s extremely hard being a NICU mum; you never forget it!

How did you feel when you saw your baby daughter for the first time?

Overwhelmed. It was love at first sight, but it broke my heart too at the same time! She only weighed 840 g and was 27 cm long. I was faced with the proposition that my daughter could either live or die. I couldn’t hold her; I had to touch her through a humidicrib and wasn’t even able to comfort her when she cried. I felt so helpless, and there was a real sense of grief around the whole situation.

Tell us about your move to Ronald McDonald House?

Yeah, I got transferred from the hospital to Ronald McDonald house 9 days after Jasmine was born. They are fantastic down there; it was my home away from home until Jasmine was well enough to get transferred back to Armidale hospital! It was really good to meet others either in the same or similar circumstances who understood my pain.

We all walk each other’s journeys every day. The staff and volunteers are the most gorgeous people and are always available for a chat.

The fact that Ronald McDonald house is on the hospital grounds and that I could walk back and forth whenever I pleased was priceless. They even have different organisations come in once or twice a week to cook dinner for the house.

When were you transferred back to Armidale Hospital, and how does it feel to be home?

We were flown back to Armidale Hospital exactly 8 weeks to the day that I was flown to John Hunter! I just can’t believe I’m back in Armidale. I’ve never been so glad to see the walls of the Armidale Hospital as I was that day! It’s one step closer to being finally able to take my daughter home!

Where is Jasmine at medically today?

She is 8 and a half weeks old at the moment and only 35 weeks gestation; she is doing really well! She is 1.99 kg but is gaining weight all the time, taking to breastfeeding quickly and no longer in a humidicrib; plus, she has oxygen nasal cannulas, as she just needs that little bit extra to help her breathe on her own.

We’re still at Armidale Hospital for an unknown amount of time, as she needs to get bigger, be breastfeeding, instead of tube fed and hopefully weaned off her oxygen!

We have to go back to John Hunter Hospital every 3 to 4 months for two or three years to see the growth and development specialists, as she was so premature. We will be able to stay at Ronald McDonald house when we go down there though.

How has this special experience changed you?

Nothing can describe what I have been through since the 31st of January! I love motherhood and my little girl means the world to me, but it was the most traumatising thing I’ve ever been through at the same time. The only thing I could do really was love her and express milk for her to be fed through a tube. I absolutely hated seeing her having cannulas put in her arm and getting jabbed with needles all the time.

She had tubes coming out of her everywhere, and she was hooked up to all these monitors just so she could survive. The worst part of all, however, was that she was in a humidicrib 24/7, and I couldn’t pick her up whenever I felt like it and some days not even touch her. I just had to watch her lying there with plastic between us! I was very lucky to have a mother who had experienced very similar circumstances with me as a baby, so could completely understand what I was going through; it has brought us a lot closer! It’s brought my whole family closer together.

I’ll always cherish the fact that Jasmine’s alive and that she’s healthy. I savour every moment of it and will never take that for granted! Being a NICU mum has definitely changed my perspective on life and everything in it; I’ll always be grateful for what I do have in my life, regardless of how small, because some people don’t receive the gifts I’ve got!

I could not have coped through this experience had it not been for my family and friends who would come visit and call constantly! The other residents of NICU and Ronald McDonald house have been essential in maintaining my sanity! I’m just in awe of the medical profession that they have the capability to save these little people. I mean, I witnessed such things as babies under a kilo having heart surgery and 23 week old babies surviving! Having been through it, I know I can get through anything!

The midwives and nurses in the maternity at Armidale are just angels as well. Even though she is still monitored, it’s a lot more relaxed, and I feel really comfortable here.The philosophy is more about getting to know my baby while she gets ready to come home. I’ve really been able to bond with and have some quality time with my daughter for the first time since she was born.

Thanks Jess.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

How old is Milly and what are her disabilities?

Milly is 9 years old and in Year 4 at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Armidale. In 2007, while in preschool, she was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder and moderate to severe intellectual delay. This basically means she finds everyday tasks such as communicating with others, reading and writing difficult. We have found no known cause for her disability and no effective treatment.

When did Milly first become interested in horse riding?

Milly first became interested in riding in 2010 after a friend sent us a flyer for the Riding for the Disabled (RDA), thinking we may be interested. After Milly’s first visit, she fell in love with horses and riding. She has attended the RDA every third Sunday of the month ever since.

In 2011, we went a step further and bought Beau, an 18 year old pony. Milly adores Beau, and he adores her back! The connection she has with him is beautiful.

Describe the special relationship you and Milly share with horses?

I was fortunate to learn to ride at a very young age growing up in Central Western NSW. However, my family moved to Sydney when I was in primary school, and my riding stopped. It wasn’t until we moved to Armidale in 2008 and became involved with the RDA that my love for horses re-emerged.

Before we became involved with the RDA, Milly’s and my time together was largely spent visiting doctors, doing treatment therapies and following a strict diet, all of which put a strain on our relationship. Now riding provides an enjoyment we share together. For the first year after getting Beau, I would take Milly out on long trail rides, with me running beside her! This kept me fit; however, late last year I was able to purchase my own horse, and now we are able to ride alongside each other.           Describe a typical visit for Milly at Riding for the Disabled.

RDA New England meet at 10am every third Sunday of the month at the Kennedy St Equestrian Centre. The coaches go through every process relating to looking after a horse and learning to ride. Once the horse is saddled up, Milly is taught how to ride through co-ordination and balance.

For Milly, directions as simple as turning left and right, halting and collecting the ‘yellow’ flag are all techniques that help her concentrate, learn and improve her motor skills.

Fondest memories of Milly on a horse?

We have many memories of Milly on the horses, but two of the fondest that come to mind are the first day she mounted ‘Dusty’, the RDA horse, and the happiness and sense of achievement on her face was lovely. The second is every weekend when she gets on her pony Beau, gives him a hug and rides around the paddock singing with joy.

Are you a volunteer? 

Yes, this year I have been elected Secretary of RDA New England. The whole centre is run by volunteers, including our qualified coaches and riding assistants.

Is the Riding For Disabled Association only operational in our region?

No, the RDA (NSW) is a volunteer organisation whose primary objective is to provide most people with a disability the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding, with approximately 40 centres all over NSW. To quote an Athens Paralympian: “Alone I stagger – together we glide”.

How many local members do you have, and how can our readers become involved?

RDA New England is a relatively young centre, with currently 3 full-time riders and ten volunteers. We always welcome new riders and of course, more volunteers to assist our riders. We would also love any donations, either monetary, food or equipment for our horses. It is very easy to donate a few hours a month to a fantastic organisation, where you are surrounded by passionate people who assist the development of others.

For more information on RDA (NSW), visit their website at www.rdansw.org.au or email us at newengland@rdansw.org.au

Thanks Ariane.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

                                                                                      Tanya: how long have you lived in Armidale? And why did you move here?

We moved to Armidale almost twelve months ago for my husband, Joe’s, work; he works as an Agribusiness manager for NAB. We moved here with our two young children, Riley (3) and Sophia (now 17 months). It was a big change for the four of us to move here in the middle of winter from Far North Queensland, where the average temperature is 32 degrees.

But we have settled in well and met some lovely people. Everyone has been so welcoming; there are a lot of activities to do in the region, so we are rarely home! We really didn’t think we would live in Armidale again the day we left in 2003 after finishing university here, but we really love it here now.

Lucy: you left Armidale for a while. When and why did you return?

I returned to Armidale in January 2010, after living in Sydney and London for the previous 11 years. We were looking to get out of Sydney and relocate to a regional area and it was by chance that my husband, Trent, took up the Head of Sport position at my old school, PLC.

We wanted to relocate to a regional area like Armidale to start a family and not long after we arrived, I found out that I was pregnant with my first daughter, Lily, who is now 18 months old – and I am due with number two in just 2 weeks’ time! Although we miss our friends in Sydney, we have some wonderful friends here in Armidale, and I couldn’t imagine bringing up a family in the hustle and bustle of Sydney! I see it now as a great place to visit, but we are always happy to get home.

Tanya: how did you team up in business with Lucy?

I’ve really wanted to have my own business for a long time now. When I spoke to Kate Stephen, who founded Red Ribbon Gifts about her business, I thought this could be the opportunity I was looking for. However, I wanted to have someone else involved to be my business partner. I knew Lucy was looking to have her own business and work from home also.

I liked her attention to detail, and she has very similar goals and ambitions to me. So, it was a perfect match! We started talking about the business around July of 2011; we liked how the business was set up and really believed that Kate had done a fantastic job building a great reputation and name for the business. In February 2012, we took over the business – and here we are now!

Lucy: tell us about Red Ribbon Gifts …

Red Ribbon Gifts is an online boutique that specialises in well designed and high quality gifts for men, women and the corporate sector. We offer a total gift solution, so you get the right gift for your recipient with the least amount of hassle. Our gifts are chosen according to strict standards of quality. Although we are an online business, we are still a local business to the New England community. We have just added a baby range to our website and have some great new products on their way, which we are very excited about.

Our hampers are very popular; I guess they are a very versatile gift, as they are filled with delicious delicacies to suit all taste buds. We realise the need for flexibility and are only too happy to suggest different gift ideas to suit any budget.

Tanya: what are the benefits to you running your business from home?

I am at home for my children all day, so if I need to drop what I am doing, I can. Also, the flexibility of being able to work when the little ones are asleep. Because Red Ribbon Gifts is an online business, we can work on it at any time and really anywhere, as long as we have access to the internet. It gives me the flexibility of being able to be with my kids and also work.

Lucy: what is your advice to local businesses that are yet to go online?

Being online gives any business the opportunity to reach out to potential buyers from all over the world as well as their local community, therefore increasing their sales potential.

Tanya: Aae you accepting new stock lines?

Yes … we are so excited about new lines from Alimrose Designs, Pretty Little Things and Arbonne skin care products, which are free from harmful ingredients. We are also looking at stocking IT WAS ME, beautiful individual, unique handmade jewellery made in Sydney.

We are putting the final touches to a ‘Regional Hamper’ full of goodies, including olives, jams, wines, and more! We wanted to showcase what this wonderful region has to offer, and we are always looking to support Australian made products.

Lucy: what would be your ideal Mother’s Day?

Spending the day with my beautiful family. This Mother’s Day I will be the mother of two – well, I hope number 2 has appeared by then! I love to eat out, and I love presents, so a delicious lunch somewhere with my husband and 2 children and of course, my lovely Mum and Dad too, who live just out of town – with a few little pressies thrown in would see me a very happy mum!

Thanks Tanya and Lucy.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

Directed by George Torbay with musical direction by Bruce Menzies, The Hatpin is based on the true story of Amber Murray, a young single-mother living in Sydney in 1892, who advertised for someone to care for her baby to save his life and became embroiled in one of Australia’s most notorious criminal trials. At a time when the rights and welfare of women were largely non- existent and the right to vote still some ten years away, The Hatpin is dramatic musical theatre that revolves almost entirely around women. Poverty, vulnerability, fear, anger and ultimately compassion, friendship and justice are just some of the complex emotions and themes portrayed in The Hatpin, with bonds of motherhood and sisterhood underlying the story.

The depth of talent in the Armidale community is again on show in this production. The downtrodden but courageous Amber Murray is played by Caroline King, in her second major role for the ADMS. Having completed her HSC at PLC in 2011, Caroline is undertaking a gap year and working as a medical receptionist to build towards her future study in voice and musical theatre.

“Amber’s strength and perseverance to bring to light the injustice of her situation I found compelling and intriguing,” said Caroline.

In her first major character performance with the ADMS, fans of local bands The BobCatz and Al Heeney R&B Band would be familiar with the vocals of Carol Elder, who establishes the character of the free spirited Harriet Piper.

Harriet befriends and supports Amber in the impending court case, but this relationship also underlies the emotional needs of Harriet herself. “Harriet is pretty tough on the outside, but soft on the inside. A lot of us have to be a bit like that at one time or another,” said Carol.

Amber’s plight was shared by others, and the roles of three such mothers are played by Mollie Galvin, Jodie Perry and Anita Brown.

Mollie is in Year 11 at NEGS and recently performed at Opera in the Paddock. Mollie said she feels “for the sense of protection and desire to give a child the best you can” that her character Rebecca uses as the rationale for her actions.

A newcomer to Armidale and with young children of her own, Jodie Perry also feels for the anguish and guilt experienced by so many single mothers in those times unable to care for their infants. The Hatpin is the first musical role for Anita Brown, an accomplished stage actor who plays Marianne Leonard and said: “My character’s recollection of her child’s birth and the stigma of being an unmarried mother still moves me to tears.”

The Hatpin also introduces ADMS newcomers, Emily Stocker and Emily Roberts, playing respectively Agatha Makin and her daughter Clara.

“Agatha is truly evil – a deeply manipulative woman who views others only in terms of what she can extract for her own benefit,” said Emily, who added, “I would like all audience members to know that I am actually really quite lovely!”

For Emily Roberts, who also completed her HSC last year, this is by far her most challenging role. She said: “Trying to understand the emotions and then the amazing moment of revelation in the final court scene is just one of my many favourite moments in this incredible show.”

Don’t miss these amazing women in The Hatpin. This acclaimed musical drama will leave you breathless.

Opens 11 May to 26 May at the Michael Hoskins Centre, TAS.

Tickets at Dymocks (Ph 6771 4558) or online from www.trybooking.com/ZVX

Story – Warren Bartik.            Photography – Terry Cooke.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

How long have you lived in Armidale?

In December 2000, I moved to Armidale with my husband, Matt, as he gained a promotion within the NSW Police Force. It was a good change from the Sydney way of life. We love Armidale and intend to stay here for a long time.

Tell us about your family?

Well as previously mentioned, my husband Matt continues to work in the Police Force. We have two beautiful children, Jacob (9 years old) and Sara (7 years old). They both attend Martin’s Gully Public School. I grew up on a farm at Valla, near Nambucca Heads. My pop, who is now 94 years young, still runs cattle on the property. He still drives the tractor and occasionally saddles up on his horse to attend to his farming chores. He is truly an amazing man.

Why have you decided to join the New England FOCUS team?

Honestly, I have mixed emotions about starting with FOCUS. Although I am very excited to be joining their team, at the same time, I am sad to leave my good mates at Uphill and Schaefer Real estate.

I got to know the FOCUS team while working at Uphill & Schaefer, because we often placed real estate adverts in the publication.

While dealing with Tracy from FOCUS, I discovered that her motto is ‘we love where we live’, and that FOCUS’ sole motive is to showcase the great people who live and work throughout the New England region.

I am passionate about this area too. I love to get involved in community events, and I can’t wait to start sourcing great community stories.

I have worked in advertising sales for a newspaper before, but FOCUS is different, because they welcome stories from just about anyone.

I used to watch people walk into the newspaper office with great community stories, and often they would be knocked back.

I’ll be selling advertising for the magazine of course, but I am pleased to know that the editor, Sue, has also employed me to keep my ears and eyes open for interesting interviews.

I’ve been at FOCUS for a week now, and already my excitement is growing.

What is your involvement with Rotary, and why did you win the Paul Harris Award?

The stated purpose of Rotary is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

I joined Armidale Central Rotary about three years ago, as I was aware of all the good work they did for others. I had a particular interest in the humanitarian service side, due to my work for the School of St Jude in Tanzania. This year, I was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow award, which is an award that is given to a person in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given to the furtherance and better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world. This was in recognition for the fundraising activities in relation to the School of St Jude. I felt humble at the time accepting the award, as I did not expect any recognition for the work I was doing.

What is your connection to the School of St Jude? 

About six years ago, I went and saw Gemma Sisia give a talk on the School at the New England Girls’ School. I was inspired on what she had done and wanted to help in my own small way. I then had a friend approach me asking if I would like to go to Africa to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. After a bit of time and thinking as to what I was getting myself into, I thought I would go – particularly as it was right next to the School of St Jude. So that’s when MUMS ON A MISSION was formed, with our main focus being to raise awareness of the school and to assist in raising some well needed funds.

Six mothers then banded together and got cracking on the cause. In the end, we raised funds, trained hard, successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and raised awareness for the school, not only locally, but overseas while on our travels. We are very happy that the Armidale community has gotten right behind this cause. Since the formation of MUMS ON A MISSION, not only have we greatly financially assisted the school, but we have provided many needy items such as blankets, medical supplies and items taken for granted, such as soccer boots.

We hear you love horses?

I grew up around horses. Our kids began riding at the family farm at Valla. A very generous friend here in Armidale has allowed us the use of two of his horses and his property to ride. We now have four horses on his property, which my kids and other children benefit  from by receiving proper training and instruction from Diane Bourke.

Diane is wonderful, and she gives her time freely to help us all improve our riding skills. Meeting local people like Diane is the exact reason that we love where we live. It has been great fun setting up our own little riding school. We are looking to get further involved in local Pony Clubs soon. I’d love to get Matt involved, so if anyone out there has a spare draft horse … (giggle).

Final word …

I already have plenty of clients I can’t wait  to visit. I’m looking forward to helping them promote their business in what I believe is the best publication in town.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Gail and the team at Uphill & Schaefer Real Estate for giving me 6 great years with their company.

Thanks Lynda.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

First of all Dimity, what exactly is Transition?

Transition is a program we offer at St John’s for students who are four years old. The program is designed to allow the natural progression of informal learning to the more structured learning environment that formal education requires.

Children are provided with opportunities to use their limitless imaginations as well as developing skills required for the big step into ‘big school’.

A qualified early childhood teacher will guide the children through a personalised program that provides each student with the necessary pre literacy and numeracy skills, which will give them the foundations for successful learning in Kindergarten and the primary years. This also allows the opportunity for students to develop learning patterns sooner than those who have not attended programs such as the Transition program offered at St John’s Co-Educational School.

So how does Transition differ from preschool or early childhood day care?

The St John’s Transition classroom is located in the renovated St John’s Hostel building, designed by noted architect, Horbury Hunt, for St John’s Theological College. It is part of St John’s Co-educational Junior School, which is located on the one site within the greater campus of New England Girls’ School.

For children to learn, it is a known fact that they need to feel secure and comfortable in their learning environment.  We succeed in achieving this goal as the children in Transition are able to utilise the resources of the whole NEGS campus, including the library, a sensory gym, spacious playgrounds, an indoor gymnasium and many other areas within our grounds.

The children are also given a head start on learning as they are introduced to pre-numeracy and pre-literacy concepts not only through hands-on experiences, such as having the opportunity of using interactive whiteboards, but also being in a classroom that is rich in text. Play is a valuable part of our progam, as it provides the children with numerous learning opportunities.

We believe that our program offers the children formal learning advantages, without losing the wonder and magic that is part of early childhood.

How often has Transition been offered, and what are the planned changes?

From the commencement of Term 2, St John’s is offering a five day a week to cater for the needs of students. Current parents and the wider Armidale community will have the option to participate in either the three day program or take advantage of enrolling their child into the five day program for no extra cost.

The expansion of the program allows the Transition students to become exposed to all areas of formal education at St John’s Junior School, as well as becoming a more permanent part of our wonderful school.

It will allow the students to participate in fortnightly assemblies, providing them with the opportunity to gain confidence in performing in public. The children will also have the opportunity to partake in the school’s sporting activities, such as this term’s athletics carnival.

What sort of activities do children do?

The Transition teacher, Mrs Catherine McCann, has the students welcome each new day with songs to say good morning and a day of the week song. They share in discussions and tell news, and they are provided with multi-sensory, pre-literacy and numeracy experiences.

The students are exposed to ‘hands on’ learning, including science experiments, where they are encouraged to predict the outcome of the trial, observe change and discuss the cause and effect of the experiment. Their interests are valued and form part of weekly plans, and therefore it is vital for the classroom teacher to have a flexible approach to learning.

They have opportunities to develop buddies with some of the older children and are able to enhance their learning through shared supported games.

The students are provided with physical education lessons and music lessons with specialist teachers, and they attend swimming lessons at the Rosemarie Glover Swim School.

They also have the opportunity to attend Chapel, which is held in the school’s own Chapel of St Michael and All Angels.

Special guests are also organised to visit the students, such as Helen Evans, who visits fortnightly for story-telling.

St John’s performed very well in the most recent NAPLAN results, didn’t it?

It most certainly did. St John’s was ranked 11th in the state for reading at Year 5 level and made it into the top 100 schools for Writing (20th), Grammar (23rd) and Spelling (97th). The school received an overall ranking of 145th in the state, which we believe is almost 30 places ahead of the next primary school in the region.

What do you put that down to?

St John’s is a unique school, as the staff, parents and students are like a family. The school community all works together to make the learning environment a safe and enjoyable place to learn. As a result, the students are prepared to challenge themselves by taking risks, hence developing the passion to learn.

The staff all work together to provide a high standard of education and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for the students.

Each year the teachers review the NAPLAN results and discuss how they can improve their own teaching in effort to provide an even more beneficial education for all students.

Thank you Dimity.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

How long have you been Principal at O’Connor, and what do love most about your job ?

I am in my fifth year at O’Connor. Before that, I was principal at Saint John’s College, Whyalla, South Australia, and before that I held a number of positions at McCarthy Catholic College in Tamworth.

What I love most about my job is seeing students learning and gaining knowledge and skills in all aspects of school life. I get great joy in seeing students take on responsibility and positions of leadership within the school.

I am inspired by the delight that passionate teachers show, as they teach and guide their students through life’s hurdles. However, most importantly, I look forward to seeing students pass through their school years and take their position as happy, confident, resilient members of society, with the values they have gained through their Catholic education.

Give us a quick review of term 1, 2012 at O’Connor ?

First term 2012 has been a very productive one at O’Connor. Staff returned to see that work had started on our Trade Training Centre. While we had been expecting this, it was wonderful to see that the work had started.

O’Connor students were heavily involved with the music and hospitality at Bishop Michael Kennedy’s ordination. Term 1 provided many opportunities for students to be involved in a range of sports and opportunities to progress to the next round of competition. This has occurred in swimming, hockey, touch football and rugby league.

Also in Term 1, we had a dance workshop over 3 days with Sydney choreographer, Jane Turner. Our music students have had an excursion to Sydney. This year we held our Open Day, O’Connorfest, in the warmer days of Term 1 and we held our first transition, Stage Three Enrichment Program day for current Year 6 students.

Year 7 have been to Nymboida for their annual 3-day camp. After Week 7, all families received a progress report on application and participation of students from Year 7 to Year 11. Year 12 students have just completed their half-yearly exams. On the last day of Term 1, Holy Thursday, we held an Easter paraliturgy focusing on the death and resurrection of Jesus. We also held an assembly to acknowledge the founding orders of O’Connor, the De La Salle brothers and the Ursuline sisters. The morning finished with our senior student leaders organising and running a concert, where students could perform and demonstrate their talents. The afternoon was devoted to the College’s cross country.

Tell us about your new Trade Training Centre and its progress.

Our Trade Training Centre facilities will allow us to offer Australian Qualified Framework courses in Commercial Cookery and Construction. These courses allow students to commence apprenticeships and traineeships up to Certificate 3 level. The status of these courses is recognised around Australia. As well, students are able to ‘count’ the work and learning obtained in these courses as part of their HSC studies. Along with these facilities, we will be adding a Food Technology classroom, building new student facilities, new change rooms, replacing and landscaping the main quadrangle, providing an upgrade to the electricity supply and constructing new car parking facilities for staff and students. The total cost of this project is $4.5 m. This includes a grant of almost $1.4m from the Australian government. The remainder of the cost will be met by the Catholic parish of Armidale, the College’s building fund and the Catholic Schools Office of Armidale.

The project is scheduled to be fully completed by the end of October. This will give us plenty of time to be ready to move into the new facilities at the beginning of 2013.

Describe the exciting relationship your College is developing with a school in Korea.

In 2009, Dr Myung Sook-Auh, from the school of education at UNE, asked if we would be interested in doing video conferences with a school in Korea. To give our students an opportunity to learn more about an Asian culture and to explore the opportunities of learning through new technologies, I agreed to the proposal. Dr. Auh organised for us to link up with Gyeseong Catholic Girls High School in Seoul. This is our third year of conducting classes via video-conferencing. In 2011, Mr Joon Khil from Gyeseong spent two weeks in Armidale to organise a Memorandum of Understanding between Gyeseong and O’Connor. The MOU states that we will continue to video-conference and that we will provide opportunities for students to visit each other. In February 2012,10 students from Gyeseong will be in Armidale for a week and will then spend another week sightseeing in other parts of Australia. Our aim is to provide the same opportunity for our students in 2014.

While we were organising a class this term, Dr. Auh was contacted by the Prime Minister’s Office to say that the Prime Minister would be visiting Gyeseong on 26 March and asked if we would be interested in having the Prime Minister join the video-conference. Not only was this offer accepted, but other schools in Armidale who video-conference with other Korean schools were invited to join the class.

What is your school’s connection with popular local band Maxwell Street?

Our connection with Maxwell Street is through one of our teachers, Mr Garry Osborne, who is the drummer in the band.

Maxwell Street played at our Blues on the Green at the Armidale Golf Club, and will again be providing the music for our event this year on 26 May.

When is your next Open Day, and who can attend?

We provide three open days or Stage Three Enrichment Days (STEP) each year for Year 6 students to gain an insight to what O’Connor has to offer for Year 7. Our next STEP Day will be held on Tuesday 22 May. This day will be open to all Year 6 students who would like to find out more about what O’Connor has to offer for Year 7.

Parents/carers wanting their Year 6 son or daughter to attend should contact the school on 6772 1666, to help us prepare and cater for the day. That evening at 7pm we will have an information evening for parents wanting to find out in more detail the various programs we have for students at O’Connor.

Thanks Charlie.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

Where did you grow up, and how do you know our Chamber’s CEO, Liz Egan?

I was born in Brisbane, and met Liz when we were five years old and starting school together in Year One at St Peter’s Lutheran College in Indooroopilly. Liz and I went through 12 years of school together and remain close today – one of those treasured ‘lifelong’ friends.

Why are you a self confessed ‘sports nut’?

Self confessed is because I admit to loving pretty much any sport. Why sport? Well, I grew up competing with my brother at any sport going.

He is two years older than me, and in cricket season I’d have to bowl while he practiced his batting; in winter I’d be goalkeeper to his striker, and so on.

In the athletics season, we would set up hurdles and high jump and so on in the back yard and like most Queensland kids, we spent the whole time outside.

I swam to a pretty decent level in my school days and in high school, netball took over. At uni that moved to basketball – I was a huge fan of Michael Jordan and all things NBA.

In Brisbane, it was pretty much Rugby League and then daylight, but with Dutch parents and a brother who played football, I followed that too. When I moved to SBS television, there was a lot more football, and that has stayed with me ever since. I’m married to a football commentator, so it makes for less fights over the remote control.

Do you remember your first major gig as a television sports presenter?

My very first gig on TV was at SBS doing a program called On the Ball, where I did the news updates. The first major gig was when I was asked to host their flagship sports program, Toyota World Sport – which was a fantastic experience.

Which of your sports presentations would you describe as your personal best?

I think looking back at all the different events I’ve done, I think being part of the hosting team for the 2006 FIFA World Cup is up there. It was such a huge event and Australia was part of it for the first time in more than 30 years, so there was a lot of excitement around it too.

How did you start in public speaking?

I started as part of my work with SBS. After hosting Toyota World Sport, I was asked to be the MC for the Australian Sports Awards, which are broadcast on the Network. I was terribly nervous, but since then, I have realised that it’s a lot of fun, because you can see and interact with your audience – which you can’t, of course, in television.

Since then, there have been many opportunities that have come up – and it provides an income stream, which means I have been able to choose more flexible media work. With three kids at home and one of those sitting his HSC this year, flexibility is very important to me.

Occasionally, such as this event, it has added benefits – with 5 kids between us and working lives, Liz and I don’t get as many chances to catch up as we would like, so there are bonuses too!

Describe some big events where you have been MC?

There have been events which have been big to me, though perhaps they have reflected the industry I’m in at the time.

Hosting the FIFA congress at the Sydney Opera House was a massive event – heaps of security, beautifully choreographed performances and lots of political protocol which was – at the time – a bit of an eye-opener.

At the beginning of this year I hosted the ‘Australian of the Year’ Awards outside Parliament House in Canberra. That was another incredible experience and involved all the preamble, such as the Garden Party at the Governor General’s residence and so on, which was fun.

Sharing the stage with the Prime Minister and Geoffrey Rush at the same time was a bit of a buzz, though I think the PM thought I was following her around, as the next day I was MC for the Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony in Canberra and was welcoming her back to the stage there.

Can you give us some inspiring words for our up and coming business women?

I’d love to think I could be inspiring, but my life is so ordinary. I finish making the school lunches, ship the kids off to school and head to work, where someone else does my makeup and I speak about sport, which is actually more like a hobby!

When I get home, I do two loads of washing, supervise homework, drive kids to football training, pour them into bed and start work on the computer, trying to catch up with the ever increasing ‘to do’ list. Doesn’t look terribly interesting in black and white …

From a female perspective though, I will say that I think, now, more than ever before, the opportunities for women to push the boundaries and shatter the ceiling are ever increasing.

Women are resourceful, persistent and tenacious; we are also the ultimate multi-taskers. My mum used to say to me, and still does: “If you need something done, ask a busy woman”. So true!

I’m also on about my 4th career, so while cliched, the other words that spring to mind are “if at first you don’t succeed, then try and try again”! There’s always a way to make your hopes, dreams and aspirations a reality.

Where to from here?

As I write, I am about to jump on a plane bound for Gallipoli. ABC broadcasts the Dawn Service from Anzac Cove on 25 April, and I’m thrilled to bits that they have asked me to be part of that.

I will return to my ‘day job’ then, which at present is hosting the Shute Shield Rugby Coverage, before heading to London to host the Paralympic Coverage at the end of August.

Our women’s sport will then kick off in October, which will bring me full circle to about this time next year. In between times – I’ll be washing, cooking and packing school lunches … just the usual, I guess!

Thanks Stephanie.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus

The organisation’s innovative programs currently involve 54 young people in a range of activities that prepare them for work and re-engagement with the community.

The mood at the BackTrack workshop on Waterfall Way is upbeat. A team of young guns has just returned from the Royal Easter Show after performing skillfully as the youngest competitors in the Young Farmers Challenge. Twelve boys travelled to the Tocal College graduation day in Paterson to receive their Certificate II in Agriculture.

Another award win has been announced, this time in partnership: the prestigious NSW School’s Nanga Mai award for the successful community/school partnership with Armidale High School.

In the shed, sparks are flying, as boys in protective masks bend over welding machines. Outside, another group of boys are training the Paws Up Border Collies to jump as high as they can. The AgLads teams of farm workers leave for contracting work on nearby properties. Manager Bernie Shakeshaft and his youth workers conduct regular circle work, sometimes twice a day, where boys discuss their issues.

It’s a busy place already, but barely meets the demands from schools, parents and government agencies to take on kids who have lost their way in the mainstream and are creating trouble for the authorities. The BackTrack magic is largely due to Bernie’s conviction that young men require firm discipline, engagement in activities where they can succeed and that will lead to work, a stable background of unconditional and continuing support and some fun times.

BackTrack began six years ago with the Iron Man Welders Shed, a concept supported by Armidale Dumaresq Council, which provided the old shire workshop at a peppercorn rent, local businesses New England Mutual, The Armidale Bowling Club and Hillgrove Mine who donated funding to buy equipment and the support of local MP Richard Torbay and many other businesses in town that provided materials and funding for the new venture. Jobs Australia took on the management of the organisation.

The next step was the dog training, a skill Bernie passed on to the boys. The Paws Up team with its Border Collies stormed the local show circuit and then beat all comers in the national championships against Kelpies in Casterton, Victoria. The boys and dogs were guest performers to huge and appreciative crowds at last year’s Royal Easter Show in Sydney and are regular drawcards at events locally and across the state. The upshot has been positive. Boys learned discipline as they learned to control their dogs, at the shows they engaged with the community and learned to communicate with farmers and onlookers interested in their skills. Success has developed confidence and a certain chutzpah about performing in public.

Last year when farmers in Mingoola and Bonshaw on the Queensland border were struggling to repair fences and clean up debris after the devastating floods, a team of BackTrack boys and their supervisors volunteered to help. At first there was some scepticism that a group of young rookies could cut it in such a tough and demanding operation, especially in temperatures of above 40 degrees most days. However, the fencing skills the BackTrack boys had learned on training farms came into play. Farmers were deeply impressed, especially as one boy managed to install 70 star pickets in one day. They completed $60,000 worth of fencing and brought with them donations of wire, star pickets and equipment from well wishers in Armidale wanting to support the flood relief effort. The group won a Premier’s Award for their work and firm friendships between BackTrack and the Mingoola and Bonshaw communities continue to this day.

As a result of the flood relief work, the BackTrack AgLads program gained fresh momentum. The boys, more than half of them Aboriginal, had proved their stripes and their skills. Training on three local farms stepped up. They learned more about low stress stock handling and management, building yards, carting hay, using chain saws, driving tractors and handling heavy equipment. They have formed strong relationships with their farmer mentors and their families, stay overnight and develop a good work ethic, largely because they enjoy what they are doing. In October, Tocal College offered a week’s intensive residential course  for 12 boys to assess their existing skills and meet any gaps needed for them to acquire  Certificate II in Agriculture credentials.

All 12 graduated last month and are now undertaking commercial contracting work with AgLads teams on farms in the local district. Coordinator Dusty Fenn supervises the operations. They are called in to help farmers with drenching, mustering, fencing, hay carting, yard building, tractor work and other farm work. Fenn explains that many farmers no longer employ full-time labour, many also are ageing and like the convenience of calling in a team to help with the heavy duty jobs on their properties. The business is growing and acts as a training ground for the BackTrack boys, as well as being financially sustainable. Feedback from farmers has been positive, particularly on the standard of work and value for money.

If it all sounds euphoric – it’s not. Bernie and his team work with a broad spectrum of young people. When they join, the boys are required to follow a strict regime of behaviour and to continue with their education and training either at school or a formal training organisation. Over the last two years, four senior boys have been training as Youth Workers and are well on their way to gaining formal qualifications. They work with Bernie supervising the younger boys and conducting the circle work which is at the centre of the operation. Offering interest, success and prospects is one thing, but providing security, a family environment and continuing support is at the heart of the operation.

Many of the BackTrack kids regard the workshop campus as their home and the staff and other boys as their family. Money is always tight, behaviour issues arise and the budget is strained, but the results speak for themselves.

This story was published in issue 60 of New England Focus