Welcome to Parent Talk
Welcome to Issue 6 2022 of Parent Talk.
Where has the term gone! It doesn’t seem that long ago I was writing my first article for Parent Talk and introducing myself as the new Executive Director.
I want to thank the many people who have reached out and offered their congratulations and support. I’m a firm believer in collective wisdom and am eager to listen to your thoughts and ideas!
As I write this, I am aware many families will be walking alongside their child as they prepare for HSC written exams commencing on 12 October. Our youngest daughter completed her HSC exams in 2020. Challenged by the impact of Covid-19 and the need to pivot to home learning, we were buoyed by the “village” that embraced her and her fellow peers, encouraging and praying for them as they entered the final stages of their school career.
I want to offer my warmest wishes to every student and family as you approach this exam period. Please know the CCSP is holding you all in our prayers.
The past few weeks have been wonderfully energising. I have attended meetings with NESA, the National Catholic Education Commission Conference where I presented on a new model for family engagement in schools, we have held CCSP Council and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander meetings where parents and carers have shared ideas and are “dreaming big” – developing new ways to connect with you and offer support.
My little road trip to the Diocese of Bathurst, Wilcannia-Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Canberra & Goulburn and Wollongong is drawing closer and I am so looking forward to visiting schools across NSW and meeting our wonderful families, students and staff.
The CCSP is continuing to seek out new and innovative ways to build the capacity of our parents and carers as the first educators of your child. We believe, and research informs us, that when parents and carers are engaged in their child’s learning – educational outcomes improve. At CCSP, we want to help you along that pathway.
We are delighted to offer a FREE webinar on 20 September where we welcome the eSafety Commissioner to share knowledge on Cyberbullying and Online Drama. Scroll through this newsletter to access the registration link.
Finally, we will be welcoming Paul Dillon, Director of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) in Term 4 to speak with us about helping to keep our kids safe. A must attend event for all parents and carers of young people! Keep an eye out in the next Parent Talk for registration details.
I hope you enjoy the school holidays ahead, find time to stop, reflect and find much to smile about and give thanks for.
Stay safe and take care my friends,
Catherine Garrett-Jones
CCSP, Executive Director