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Annual Reports
Pallottine Spirituality Groups
St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers
Pastoral Care Support Team
Companions on the Journey - Life Enhancement Group
Godstart
St Christopher's Tennis Club
Charismatic Prayer Group
Antioch
Parish Financial Statements
School Principal's Report
Parish Website Committee
Report of the Parish Ministry Team 2003
The Parish Ministry Team includes:
| Parish priest: | Fr Pat Jackson SAC; | |
| Emeritus and Assistant Priest: | Fr John Hennessy SAC; | |
| Group & Fam. Faith Formation: | Sr Joy Shelley FDCC; | |
| Parish Secretary: | Pauline Hulsen. |
Together with our Parish Pastoral Council and Finance and Administration Committee, our role is service and oversight of the many teams and ministries that operate out of love.
Under the two emphases on Community and Liturgy, are many wonderful initiatives that have developed in 2003. The dynamic of our Christian community is evident in Fellowship, Service, Proclamation of the Good News and Eucharistic worship. We reach out to one another and to the wider community. As a sacramental church. We had 23 Baptisms, 9 Funerals and 5 Weddings; St Christopher's school children received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Community
- Fellowship (Koinonia):
With the appointment of Br Kevin to Kew, three Mass Preparation teams were set up for the Eucharist each weekend; Welcomers are the face of our community to new arrivals. The Playgroup caters for young mothers and pre-school children; Godstart links parents and children who have been baptised. 6 Anointing Masses and luncheons and 2 Senior's Events, Home Masses in the geographical Quadrants of the parish, Morning tea after the 10:30AM Mass, connects members of our parish family. The Italian Club lunches, the Parish Golf Day, Parish Picnic, Family Dances, Youth Group, Yadym, Netball and Tennis teams cater for a variety of ages and present a vibrant community. The school is very much part of our parish family bringing creativity and rich diversity to our community. - Service (Diakonia):
St Vincent de Paul, the astoral Care and Support Group (Bereavement), the Anointing Masses, Syndal Community Helpers, the weekly Ministry of the Sick and monthly Masses and Anointing at Waverley Aged Care and now Wahroonga Friendship Village, and care of the sick at home, bring the compassion of Christ to others. The F & A Committee planned the renewal of the Thanksgiving Programme.
The Works and Services committee:
- secured a window screen for the Data projector;
- steam cleaned the church carpet;
- repaired roof and ceiling of the youth house;
- polished pews; repainted and carpeted the youth house;
- repaired the audio loop and rewiring in church.
- ground-keeping
- and the cleaning of the church
Liturgy
- Proclamation (Kerygma):
Faith Education: Alpha (Nicky Gumbel) and Catholics Listening to God (Bp Mark Coleridge) were well attended. A great team organised input, groups and supper. The Charismatic Prayer Group's Lenten and yearly programmes and parish retreat at Millgrove, RCIA and Sunday School draw new people into our community. The Website is a tool of evangelisation still unfolding. The Advent work shop and the children's drama bring faith alive at their level. Antioch is a faith and communal programme for secondary students and young adults. Like the youth group, its longevity stems from the dedications of the adult leaders. Two young adults did the Rotary Youth Leadership Award programme and gained from it. We hope to see the fruit of it for our parish.
- Eucharist (Eucharistia):
Eucharistic worship: Our celebrations of Christmas and Easter (including 3 baptisms) were beautifully done; the welcoming of families for Baptism, the farewell given to our parishioners at funerals and the care that goes into booklets, flowers and refreshments; the Eucharist celebrated daily and on weekends, and the Eucharists of the school children and teachers are at the heart of our community. The work of the sacristan, the flower and cleaning teams are ongoing and hidden. The Data Projector and the work done by the power point teams; the Lenten Vigil (March 21st); the Choir, Singing Mums, Brian's Group, Sonny's group the Family of God, and the Contemporary Music group, have enhanced our liturgy; Children's Liturgy of the Word; Liturgies for specific age groups - children and school-parish children (one per term); Monash Chorale and the Carols Night; the Adoration Vigil, Candles for Peace, the Rosary group, and the Cenacles cater for different age groups and spiritualities.
Finally, as a member of the Pallottine community (which we all share in), I thank you for your generosity and collaboration. If I have missed people, it is unintentional, forgive me. We are the Church together in mission. Your generous contribution to the various appeals, to Noadih Mission and to the Pallottines in India, are great indeed. May we continue to grow in faith and reach out in love. We are Christ-bearers in faith and love.
Fr Pat on behalf of the ministry team March 14th, 2004
Pallottine Spirituality Groups - Report for 2003
Pallottine Spirituality: 'All are Called to be Apostles' to spread God's Love
Of all parish groups expressing different aspects of the spirit of St Vincent Pallotti, a few operate specifically from a focus on different levels of learning of Pallottine Spirituality.
Kit's Group
a small yet strong faith community which met weekly on a Wednesday evening. As a stable group it offered camaraderie and support for varying periods of time during the year to people who were with the group and have since journeyed on in life.
The effectiveness of the group stemmed from the finesse of Kit's hospitality, the quality of scripture-reflection with retired professional women and the valued fellowship over a cuppa which was a highlight of the evening.
The materials used for the sessions were Pallottine Spirituality, Church documents, and readings of Liturgical seasons. The group also participated in talks and two courses offered by the Deanery.
Sacred Retreat Group
is predominately a Rosary group which retreated from its daily chores each week to the homes of members. Active nurses, together with committed middle aged and retired housewives, professionals, office workers, a doctor and a judge were part of the sixteen member group, an outreach of St Christopher's. Together the group generated a strong spirit of Pallotti's 'Cenacle of prayer' (the Upper Room where the Apostles gathered awaiting Pentecost).
Rosary, Song, the Sunday Gospel, and a comparable fragment from Pallotti, the mystic, was the core of the morning's retreat into contemplation. Intercessory prayers and the meal/cuppa added to the bonding, dedication and strength of this long standing group.
Claire's Pallottine-Spirituality Group
reflected the spirit of Vincent Pallotti's passionate 'Call of All to be Apostles' in several ways. Commitment to depth the Scriptures and to contemplate the life and words of Christ as a preparation for active apostolate were given high priority. Reaching out in service was expressed in meaningful and subtle ways in the neighbourhood, in offering services in other parishes to which some of the members belonged, and the support in prayer for two members who ran a monthly Pallotti Spirituality morning at a VDP nursing home.
A characteristic feature of the group was the support of the Cenacle Evenings of prayer and healing on the 22nd of each month in the Narthex.
The basic programme used for the weekly reflections was part of the eight volumes of 'Pallottine Spirituality'.
Gippsland Outreach
is a monthly apostolic outreach from St Christopher's to homes where our country Pallottine families meet in the diocese of Sale.
Parishioners together with other Pallottines from Melbourne set out in two or three cars each month to animate one another in the spirit of St Vincent Pallotti.
The journey into the country and the depth of sharing in the groups at Warragul has resulted in members of the group giving dedicated service as lay missionaries to Tardun and elsewhere.
Prayer Guides
met every second Saturday to meditate on the scriptures using the Lumko Method and to practice the ministry of the listening ear as they interacted as prayer guide and pilgrim. Input on spirituality, given by Sr Joy was an integral part of these meetings, from which participants gained a great deal. Prayer Guides is ecumenical with Catholic, Anglican and other denominations taking part. It is a truly enriching experience.
St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers
Report To Parish Pastoral Council
Annual Reporting Day Sunday 14th March 2004
The mission of St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers is to reach out and help those who are in need of emergency or ongoing support.
St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers has been in operation since December 1972. Over the years it has been supported by generous, dedicated parishioners who have enabled many good works to be done.
Services are provided by a team of approximately sixty volunteers coordinated by a committee.
Our work is of a strictly confidential nature, our code is kindness, to be non-judgmental and to show real Christian love and concern. For us it is opportunity to be a witness to the love that Christ has for us.
St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers operates in conjunction with other parish organisations. In the longer term this has mostly been with The St Vincent De Paul Society and more recently with the newly formed St Christopher's Pastoral Care Support Team.
Services currently provided fall into the following categories:
- Driving
- Home help for disabled, elderly and hospitalised persons
- Provision of meals
- Assistance at funerals
- Visiting (home and hospital and nursing homes)
- Childcare
- Shopping
In the last twelve months the following assistance was given:
| Driving | 102 occasions (a number of these are ongoing on a weekly basis) | |
| Home/Hospital visits | 360 occasions (most of these being eight people per week providing daily support) | |
| Meals | 52 | |
| Funeral assistance | 11 funerals | |
| Visits to bereaved people | 5 | |
| Preparation of refreshments | 112 people involved in this activity | |
| Serving of refreshments | 50 people involved in this activity | |
| Assisting with preparation of liturgy | 1 instance |
Finances
St Christopher's Syndal community Helpers is a non-profit organisation. When donations are received it is a matter for the committee to offer reimbursement to volunteers to cover part of the cost of petrol, meat, etc. The parish meets expenses if there is a request for reimbursement and no cash is available. During 2003 operating expenses were met by donations.
St Christopher's Pastoral Care Support Team
St Christopher's Pastoral Care Support Team was established in September 2003. Since that time St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers and the St Christopher's Pastoral Care Support Team have acted co-operatively to support families faced with the passing away of loved ones. St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers volunteers have assisted at six funerals with the provision of and serving of refreshments.
Committee members and some volunteers from St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers have completed the Pastoral Care training course that was run to establish the Pastoral Care Support Team. This qualified them to be part of the Pastoral Care Support Team and in addition to enhancing their skills and personal development, it will enable both teams to provide integrated support services in the name of St Christophers.
Primary School Children
Once a year there is a morning we look forward to when St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers and various other parish groups meet with the children preparing for confirmation. We speak to small, informal groups about our work. The children ask questions and comment. Based on these discussions the teachers encourage the children to develop their thoughts and values in order that they may reach out to others as Jesus did. The morning is always a thought provoking time for each group representative and it is a pleasure to have this special connection with the teachers and children.
An Appeal
The existing Committee is currently stretched and would appreciate additional volunteers to support them in this role. All have been in their positions for many years and would appreciate the injection of new energy. New committee members would be most welcome. Would you like to know more? Please phone Cath Gavan on 9803 7302, Margaret Ferguson on 9802 6536 or Pauline Perrin on 9802 9743.
The Committee gratefully acknowledges the support of volunteer parishioners without whom the pastoral activities of St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers would not be possible. We also reflect on the enormous support given to the Committee and parish over the years.
How fortunate we are, as an active caring group, to have this opportunity to be given the gift of administering to our brothers and sisters for Jesus. The work is constant and sometimes the load is a little heavy. However the rewards are immeasurable.
We, as a Christian, loving community, have been blessed through having the wonderful opportunity to work together without reserve to support those who call. We become one in resolve and purpose and as such are indeed proud to be called St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers.
Many thanks to Fathers Pat Jackson and John Hennessy, Sister Joy, coordinators and volunteers for continuing loyalty and support. May God bless you always.
May we gather strength and harmony as we strive to do our work in Jesus' name throughout the coming year.
The St Christopher's Syndal Community Helpers' Committee 12th March 2004
Pastoral Care Support Team
Report To Parish Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Care Support team was formed mid 2003 after initial training for its members.
Its aims are:
- To work in conjunction with the parish priests to support the sick, dying and bereaved in our parish
- To provide a cohesive community of carers whereby those involved in this ministry can receive the ongoing support and training necessary to fulfil its aims.
Syndal Community Helpers is an important arm of the team in terms of catering for funerals and other practical needs - it is a Parish group in its own right.
Training
Earlier in 2003, over 25 parishioners from St. Christopher's and neighbouring parishes, attended three weekends of training in Introductory Pastoral Care, facilitated by Avril Regan, Anne Neville and Reverend Alan Niven, Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Studies at the Churches of Christ Theological College.
The course consisted of an Introduction to Pastoral Care; Basic Helping Skills; and an Introduction to Grief and Loss. It was designed to train and support anyone currently engaged or intending to be engaged in any kind of pastoral ministry in our parish - as such participants came from such groups as Ministers to the sick; Bereavement Support Group; St. Vincent de Paul; Syndal Community Helpers and other interested individuals.
The group meets monthly for debriefing, support and further pastoral formation within an environment which promotes confidentiality and sound pastoral ethical practice.
Companions On The Journey - Life Enhancement Group
This group has been formed for just over a year. It caters for those diagnosed with cancer (recently or long ago). Some of us are undergoing treatment, some are in remission, some consider ourselves cured.
Our focus is on an holistic approach to that which enhances life-physically, emotionally and spiritually. We share our ups and downs together, laugh together, pray together, resource each other as well as having guest speakers from time to time.
We meet every THREE weeks, Tuesday evenings.
New members and carers are welcome!
| Tel. | Cath: | 9803 7302 |
| Avril: | 8802 9235 | |
| Julia: | 9884 4114 |
Godstart
Report To Parish Pastoral Council
Annual Reporting Day Sunday 14th March 2004
GodStart is a post-Baptismal programme for parents and their pre-school children.
The Godstart team are young mothers: Catherine Drake, Maria Vecchio, Joanne McKenzie-McHarg who, together with Fr Pat and Sr Joy, met frequently to search for ways to support parents, (the first and best educators of the faith life of their children). They reported how wonderful it was to watch children grow, and see the awe in their eyes as they take everything in and reach out to touch, put things in their mouths, laugh and run with exuberance of life.
The team identified the need among mothers for the sense of an extended family where children could play with other children and have other role models, and where parents could experience that they were not the only ones struggling at times, even though each family had its own tussles as well as joys.
To meet this need, the team identified young parents in the parish, and designed a programme for mothers and children run by the team. They delivered GodStart Birthday Cards designed for one and two year-olds. This was an initial stepping out in service by the team. Where possible, they met parents personally.
Later, invitations to a morning together were given to all young parents. Two gatherings were held which were both enjoyable and well attended. An outline of such a morning was: a gathering on a Thursday morning from 9.15-10.15am. Parents had morning tea, while their children unloaded large boxes of toys and made new friends. An introduction by one of the team followed, then Fr Pat arrived, got on to the floor with his guitar and was soon surrounded by children giving praise to God in their own way.
Another equally happy get-together was a BBQ after a Sunday Mass.
Plans are in place to cater for seventeen parish families whose children turn three in 2004. Invitations will be sent inviting parents to a GodStart morning for their three year olds. To meet their specific needs, the team will engage parents and children in colouring and talking about God using cards printed for the purpose. There will be two such gatherings scheduled for 2004.
A Children's First Prayer book is designed for the four year olds.
St Christopher's Tennis Club
| President: Shirley Debeljak Ph 98023642 |
Secretary: Barbara McHenry Ph 98022996 |
Treasurer: Fay Keane Ph 98020803 |
The Tennis Club has had a very busy and successful year, led by an enthusiastic and hard-working committee. Our total membership has remained stable with new members replacing those who have resigned. The only major expenditure items have been the replacement of our old Honour Board with one large and two smaller boards and the cost of our application to Monash Council for a planning permit to install lights on the three courts. The advertising of plans have been carried out and we expect a decision with regard to this application from the Council shortly. The club is most grateful to the Parish for its generous grant towards the cost of installing the lights.
During 2003-2004 we have:
- Entered 3 Senior and 4 Junior teams in WDTA Winter Saturday competition.
- Entered 1 Senior and 5 Junior teams in WDTA Summer Saturday competition.
- Entered 3 midweek Ladies and 1 midweek Men's team in both seasons.
- All our teams have been very competitive during the year with the Seniors B4 Mixed team and Junior Boys A Reserve team winning flags last winter. Several other teams making the final four in the Saturday and Midweek competitions, but just unable to win the premiership flags.
- Joined in and run a successful "Play Tennis Day" event at the Club, after much hard work by the committee, in spite of very hot weather on the day.
- Run successful Junior and Senior Club Championships and Presentation Dinner.
- Conducted enjoyable social functions and monthly round-robin tournaments, especially the Junior and Senior Christmas tournaments.
- Organised regular working bees to maintain the Clubhouse and Courts in good condition.
Shirley Debeljak - President
St Christopher's Charismatic Prayer Group Syndal
Annual Report To The Parish
14th March 2004
The Group is affiliated with Catholic Charismatic Renewal and various members attend events during the year and a number of us serve in its projects and services. For example Anne Martin continues as Regional Liaison for CCR, and is involved with their healing ministry. Brian Incigneri serves CCR with its Internet and publications of the Good News.
After 24 years as Core and Group leader, Brian Incigneri has handed over the group's leadership to Rosa Bonaddio, who has been attending St. Christopher's prayer group for nearly 14 years. We sincerely thank Brian for all his outstanding and unstinting service to the group. It says plenty on his commitment that Brian continues in our music ministry (he has authored some resounding songs during the last two years) as well as continuing to be a prayer meeting leader. After many years of serving on the core group Anne Martin and Lynette Stephens have retired from the core group. Lynette will continue to serve as a prayer meeting leader, while Anne continues serving in our healing ministry many thanks to you Anne and Lynette for your years of commitment and service to the core group.
Currently (12-16) attend the Wednesday night weekly meetings and recently we have had the pleasure of a few new people coming to join us to receive, to give and to share. Numbers increase at our seminars (18-24) and annual retreat (approx 30). Half of attendees can come from outlying parishes and some coming from as far away as Warrigal - how mighty is the work of the Holy Spirit. An outreach within our prayer group to serve at some parish events for example have been Alpha seminar (Listening to God) talks by Bishop Mark Coleridge, Special ministries (Eucharist and word, music & song).
Within our prayer group Brian Incigneri conducted a 2 x 5 week seminar on The Gospel to the Romans. Our thanksgiving meal nights have shown to be filled with the spirit of joy, laughter, fellowship and "new wine". Another opportunity for fellowship within the St. Christopher's community is our Annual Retreat held at Pallotti College Millgrove. The last two years we have been blessed with Fr. Pat Jackson as our retreat master. In October 2003, it was on The Christ-mission and our place in it. We had a record number of 34 people. It was a challenging successful spirit filled weekend. It opened windows on our role in the church and at large today as active Christians. Most sincere thanks to Fr. Pat for his generosity in his support he gives us a retreat master, Eucharist celebrant and in many other ways.
With the Lord's blessings the prayer group will be conducting a New Life in the Spirit Seminar commencing 28th April, and promotion of this most empowering seminar will commence soon. During which the prayer group will be celebrating their "silver jubilee".
We give praise and glory and thanks to the lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers us all to continue serving for the Lord Jesus.
Rosa Bonaddio;
Flo McMahon;
Nicole & Peter North-Coombes
- St. Christopher's Core Charismatic Prayer Group
Antioch Report To The Parish 2003/2004
ANTIOCH continues to meet most Sunday nights in The Bot Spot. We are endeavouring to have a social night every so often to enable us to outreach to those who do not wish to attend Sunday night meetings but may still care to keep in touch with the group.
We are planning for our next weekend to be held on 23 to 25th of April. We are encountering some problems due to existing food laws and being unable to accept donations of food. Our present group is a little older than normal and this may make recruiting difficult.
Our weekend in 2003 was very successful and we have retained a fair number of new members. During the year we participated in the Winter Sleep Over, the Fun Run for Diabetes and some other smaller charity activities.
We thank Nick and Nellie for their support in putting on the weekend in 2003 and Sr. Joy for supplying us with the key on a Sunday night. We also thank Fr. Pat for his support.
This year will be ANTIOCH's 20th year in the Parish and as there are only a small number of groups left in Victoria we think this is something to be celebrated.
Diane & Joe Greene
St Christopher's Syndal
Financial Statements For the Year Ending
31st December 2003
Comparative Years Ending 2001 - 2003
Budget 2004
Income
| Actual 2001 |
Actual 2002 |
Description | Actual 2003 |
Budget 2004 |
| $108,954.00 | $99,683.00 | Planned Giving | $99,038.00 | $105,000.00 |
| $8,046.00 | $5,928.00 | Special Collections & Donations | $11,715.00 | $9,450.00 |
| $17,543.00 | $7,299.00 | Sundry Income | $6,837.00 | $18,000.00 |
| $0.00 | $30,000.00 | Realisation of Investment | $20,000.00 | $18,000.00 |
| $134,543.00 | $142,910.00 | Total Income | $137,590.00 | $132,450.00 |
Expenditure
| Actual 2001 |
Actual 2002 |
Description | Actual 2003 |
Budget 2004 |
| $22,904.00 | $26,378.00 | General Administration | $34,291.00 | $36,700.00 |
| $14,624.00 | $7,912.00 | Pastoral Expenses | $22,382.00 | $15,800.00 |
| $16,019 .00 | $17,234 .00 | Property Costs | $26,395 .00 | $25,500.00 |
| $1,433.00 | $1,255.00 | Planned Giving Costs | $1,571.00 | $1,400.00 |
| $16,800.00 | $17,000.00 | Archdiocesan Levies | $17,000.00 | $17,400.00 |
| $18,920 .00 | $20,396.00 | Contributions to School Building Fund | $18,513.00 | $15,000.00 |
| $894.00 | - $64.00 | Sundry Costs | - $343.00 | $500.00 |
| $27,536.00 | $46,655.00 | Capital Costs | $16,558.00 | $24,000.00 |
| $17,118 .00 | $10,460.00 | Loan Repayment | $4,408.00 | |
| $136,248.00 | $147,226.00 | Total Expenditure | $140,775.00 | $136,300.00 |
Funds at 30th December 2003
| Actual 2001 |
Actual 2002 |
Description | Actual 2003 |
Budget 2004 |
| $203,659.00 | $176,277.00 | Parish | $159,546.00 | $148,727.00 |
Parish Loans at 30th December 2003
| Actual 2001 |
Actual 2002 |
Description | Actual 2003 |
Budget 2004 |
| $5,913.00 | CDF | – | – | |
| $8,476.00 | $4,316.00 | Archdiocese - Land Debt | ||
| $14,389.00 | $4,316.00 | Total Loans |
Parish Buildings/Land
| Actual 2001 |
Actual 2002 |
Description | Actual 2003 |
Budget 2004 |
| $2,320,000.00 | $2,689,000.00 | Church/Presbytery | $2,815,675.00 | $2,890,000.00 |
| $250,000.00 | $250,000.00 | Church/School | $250,000.00 | $250,000.00 |
| – | – | Land Costs | – | – |
E A Robinson (A.S.A. Associate) Parish Accountant
Annual Appraisal For the Finance & Administration Committee
Again we have arrived at the part of the year where we make a report to the Parish on what we have achieved for the previous 12 months in assisting Father Pat on the financial side of his parish work.
Over the past period a review/renewal of the Thanksgiving Offering Program in June/July 2003 which we report was very successful in maintaining a very high level of commitment from you our parishioners and we thank you for your generous support. This high level of commitment enables us to plan ahead, have realistic budgets whilst allowing for the general running costs of the parish to be met.
Some of the work completed plans are in hand for :-
- Carpeting and painting the interior of the youth house;
- Signage of Church and Hall;
- Assistance with planned lighting on the Tennis Club;
- Grant to School Building Fund;
- Church lighting
Along with this work completed plans are in hand for :-
- The upgrading of the heating in the Church prior to next winter;
- The eradication of wood rot and the outside painting of the Youth House
Since our last report three members of our committee have completed their term of office, namely Joe O’Dwyer, Phillip Eeles, Robert Foo and Betty Robinson resigned after 6 years as Parish Accountant and we thank them for their work and commitment whilst they were with us.
We now welcome into the group, Rohan Harris as a new member and Leon Fewster as our Parish Accountant and then them in anticipation, not forgetting our other members, Paul McCulloch, Graham Baker, Keith Lyons, Bob Lawless, Kath Richards whom we acknowledge for their hard work and support to the committee.
The Annual Parish Statement is attached for your information and it shows we still maintain a healthy standing overall, but we must be careful and remember that we are answerable to you the contributors and parishioners on the whole.
There is lot going on in your parish and we ask you one all to come on board and be involved.
Thanking you all again, God Bless
B.J. Foley, Chairman, F. and A. Committee
St Christopher's School, Syndal
Principal's Annual Report 2003
We began 2003 with 195 students. We were able to maintain 8 classrooms and existing staffing arrangements. Staff changes included: Domenic De Leo moved from a full time class room role to a 0.2 position. Cathy Ellis changed from a full time position to 0.8 and Tanya Kemper returned to a full time position having taught in London during 2002.
In first term:
- At the end of 2002 we received notification from the diocesan supplementary fund of assistance of $218,000 over ten years to support a building project at St. Christopher’s.
- “Candles for Peace” recommended. This has been a successful initiative with good numbers of children coming to the church each Thursday morning to pray.
- A bush dance was held on the 13th March
- Our Year 5/6 students participated in a leadership program. A number of students were chosen in various leadership roles such as school captain, vice captain, house captain or library monitor.
- Our Year 3 to Year 6 students attended the biannual Easter Event on 2nd April. This year it was held at the Glen Waverley Uniting Church.
- An education expo was held in the Parish hall on 18th March. We outlined our school literacy and numeracy initiatives, the proposed building program and the school review to be undertaken shortly
- We commenced the process of self review guided by the Catholic Education Office staff. The panel visit and validation is scheduled for October.
- The year 5 & 6 school camp was held at Camp Rumbug from 7th to 9th April.
In second term:
- Many of Year 4 students received the Eucharist for the first time on 18th May. They were very well prepared by their class teachers, Jill McKernan and Judy Auld and also Sr. Joy (Parish Cathechist).
- State Education Week was held from 11th to 18th May. Our thanks goes to Maria Costanzo-Vecchio and Patricia Costanzo. They assembled a board advertising St. Christopher’s school at “The Glen”.
- Staff continued working on areas for our school review. We sought parent input to this process through a survey and a parent evening. Staff and children were also surveyed.
- A proposal for funding of new and refurbished school buildings was sent home and a meeting was held to discuss this proposal. Most written replies and input at the meeting were positive. We decided to proceed with the proposal. The architects began drawing up plans.
- Open Days were held on Thursday 22nd May (evening), Friday 23rd May (morning) and Wednesday 18th June (morning).
- Visits from Syndal and TallyHo kinders also occurred.
- We continued to work on the school web page.
- Family week was celebrated from 5th to 11th May.
In third term:
- Census day this year was 1st August. We had 202 students on this day (194 last year).
- The hall floor has been resurfaced at a cost of approximately $4,100. The hall account and the Parents’ Association shared the cost of this work. It is certainly much safer for the children and others who use the hall.
- The Parents’ Association have donated $5,000 to the school for literacy resources.
- The process of self review continued. A consultation meeting for parents was held on Wednesday 30th July.
- An in-service was held on Monday 4th August as part of the self review process.
- The Artist in residence mural has been completed. We now need to arrange for collection and display of the mural.
- Confirmation for Year 6 students was celebrated on Friday 29th August. Also two students, Abby Moore and Daniel Staudacher, were baptised into our Christian community.
- Children from Year 3 to 6 performed in the Wakakirri dance eistedfodd on 17th July. Their performance was fantastic and a credit to the children and parents involved and especially to Cathy Ellis who co-ordinated this activity.
- We arranged for the purchase of a new administration software package. Our present system is being phased out.
- A Fathers’ day breakfast and mass were held on Wednesday 3rd September.
- Year 6 students held a fundraising day on 12th September. This was part of a Community Service program for Confirmation and they raised approx. $1,500 for various charities including Caritas and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
- Sessions on human development and sexuality were held on 19th September. Money raised was donated to the Bone Marrow Institute as they search for a cure to Leukaemia.
In fourth term:
- New Buildings update. Plans were sent to Monash Council and will then go to tender. After a meeting with the Parish Finance Committee and it was decided to apply for a loan of up to $700,000 from the Catholic Development Fund. This loan has now been approved. Repayments for the loan would largely come from support from the diocesan supplementary fund and from a building levy for all school parents. We will need to increase the building levy to $250 per family.
- School Self Review Update. The validation panel visited the school from 27th to 29th October. The panel included Evelyn Morgan-Brooker (zone educational services co-ordinator), Elizabeth Foster (zone administrative finance officer) and Gilbert Keisler (Principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel - Deepdene). Overall the panel visit and the review process affirmed the good work done and set the direction for the future. Thanks to all staff, parents and students for their great work in prep0aration for the review and in particular, Pat Lenders and Tanya Kemper who have co-ordinated the process.
- The working bee was held on Saturday 18th October in preparation for the review. The parents’ association provided a sausage sizzle and drinks after the work was completed. The attendance at the working bee was very pleasing.
- The parents’ association held a very successful market night on 21st November. Gabrielle Moon completed two excellent years as president of the association. Sandy Wreford is the new president for 2004.
- School books were sold on 10th December rather than at the beginning of 2004.
- An information evening for prep parents (2004) was held on 12th November.
- The school web page has been launched. The address is www.stchristopherssyndal.vic.edu.au. Our thanks goes to Russell Wagenaar (son of Paula) to Suellen Andrew, Genny Martin and staff for the collection of the relevant information. The school newsletter can be viewed using the login pschool and the password is syndal.
- Year 3 students celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Wednesday 5th November at 7:30PM.
- House Tabloid Sports were held on 11th November and Twilight School Sports were held on 14th November. Sally Harrison did fantastic work in organising both these events.
- Year 5 students attended the Annual Mission Mass on 23rd October.
- A Chinese Cultural Evening was held on 9th December at 7:30pm in the Library.
- Peter Kearney, a singer and songwriter, presented a concert on 28th November with our children in the church.
- Our Year 6 students attended a Graduation Mass on 17th December.
- 31 Year 6 students left St. Christopher’s at the end of 2003 and 25 preps commenced school in 2004.
The above activities are an example of the many activities that occurred at St. Christopher’s school through out 2003. I believe the educational, pastoral, sacramental and Religious Education programs offered have been successful. It was again pleasing to see St. Christopher’s students baptised into St. Christopher’s Parish Community.
We are also very aware of our responsibility to prepare our children for the world in which they live. Initiatives such as ClaSS (Childrens’ Literacy Success Strategy), SINE (Success in Numeracy Education), increasing use of information technology are preparing the children well for the future.
Barry McLellan
12th March 2004
St Christopher's Parish Website Committee Report
Report To Parish Pastoral Council
Annual Reporting Day Sunday 14th March 2004
www.syndalcatholic.org.au was launched in August 2002. The website committee continued to meet to monitor and update the site throughout 2003. Our sincere thanks go to Herman Hulsen for his generous work on the site. Herman has now taken on other commitments, which means he is no longer as available. We wish him well in his new studies.
The site is kept current by Pauline Hulsen who uploads the Parish Bulletin and Gospel Reflection each week. Special events are recorded in the "Latest News" section and currently there are great pictures from the parish picnic and the Ash Wednesday liturgy.
We welcome John Cooney to the committee. John brings a high competence in technical skills as well as a creative talent for visual display. John has condensed some parts of the site to make it easier to find information and has added some great links to Games and Activities for Children. David Whalan has done a major QA of the site and John has now made all the corrections. A link to St. Christopher's School website is now included on the Home Page.
Fr Pat and Sr Joy continue to provide liturgical and catechetical content and guidance to keep the site viable as a Faith and Community resource, as well as a record of Parish activities.
All parishioners are welcome to contribute articles, reports, reflections etc for web publication. Please contact Fr Pat or Pauline at the presbytery.
The website belongs to the parish community. It is a vibrant, interactive opportunity to use technology to spread the Gospel and bring an awareness of Christ's presence in our lives and ministries both within St Christopher's Parish and to the wider community.
Fran Holmes - Chairperson Website Committee
Copyright © 2002-2007
St Christopher's Catholic Parish
Last modified: Mar 17 2007
Website Design: John Cooney