Taking a risk with play: building resilience in children
As a new school year begins, Associate Professor Paul Tranter counters some prevailing wisdom around risk aversion. Parents and school principals take note!
The Church and The Herald
Relatively early in my time here, I met with the editor of the Newcastle Herald and journalist Joanne McCarthy. They were at pains to let me know that, despite what I might have heard, they are not anti-church but pro- the victims of child sexual abuse.
Music teaching spans Hunter and Manning
Melissa Wattus of St Francis Xavier’s College reports on an exciting initiative making advanced music studies accessible to secondary students across the diocese.
Putting Compassion Into Action
“Without food, the rest of life is impossible to contemplate. How can you plan for the future or educate your children when you fear you will be hungry?”
It's going to sound phenomenal
Regular contributor Siobhan McAlary reports on a Lochinvar teacher who’s won a coveted theatrical role.
‘Schoolies’ alternative leads to new lessons
After the 2014 HSC, St Mary’s Campus, All Saints College, Maitland, sent a group of 10 students and three teachers to Cambodia in the Cambodia Alternate to Schoolies Program (CASP). Two participants share an experience that was confronting and eye-opening.
TWO BY TWO: It’s all about ‘we time’
Couples that have been happily married for many years are often described as ‘finishing each other’s sentences’. Ron and Mavis Pirola, both 78, don’t do this. They probably could, but they are careful to preserve the space belonging to the other, while happily admitting they remain very much in love after 55 years of marriage.
Take the leap of faith and say Geronimo!
When I lost it,
Yeah you held my hand,
But I tossed it,
Didn't understand...
L'Arche: Come as you are
Kumar Rasiah is Chairperson of the Board of L’Arche, Sydney. The community is about to launch a unique Fellowship program and is seeking interested applicants.
CARE TALK: Tell me about your friend
CARE TALK is a monthly advice column in Aurora Magazine where a registered psychologist offers answers to common questions around mental health and counselling.
Bringing light to the darkness
The Taizé style of prayer is often promoted in Aurora. Organiser Anna Hill explains her commitment to this practice.
Honouring your life by committing it to paper
Kate Scholl shares her appreciation of the value of keeping a journal.
The CATHOLIC THING: What ‘on earth’ are Catholics doing at Sunday Mass?
I am what people call a ‘cradle Catholic’. Twelve days after I was born, my parents took me to St Columba’s, Adamstown, where I was baptised by Fr Doran. Since then, Sunday Mass has been a regular part of my life.
OPINION: Hooked on a feeling?
Regular contributor Michael O’Connor offers a richer understanding of ‘true love’ than that provoked by the heart-fest that is St Valentine’s Day.
Newcastle lights up for a good cause
An initiative by Newcastle Rotary Clubs will celebrate Chinese New Year and benefit the ecumenical Mission to Seafarers.
Five Generations at St Brigid's
This year is a special one for the parish of St Brigid's as it celebrates 165 years of education in Raymond Terrace. For the extended Hughes family, it’s extra special as Zac Hughes begins his schooling at St Brigid’s Primary, the fifth generation to be educated there.
BISHOP BILL WRIGHT: Le temps perdu or 'the lost time'
Something about New Year encourages nostalgia, or perhaps it was just driving past St Michael’s recently on my way to a funeral. Either way, I’ve been reminiscing about my first appointment as a priest, 37 years ago, and the way a priest’s life has changed in that time.
