2004

Friday 4th June 2004
Bishop presents inaugural P & F life membership awards
During a special ceremony held recently at St Philip’s Parish Kotara, Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Michael Malone, presented Life Membership Awards to past and current members of the Federation of Parents & Friends Associations.

Mrs Linda McNeil, the Federation’s Parent Resource Officer in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle said, “Of the 35 recipients, 25 were able to participate in the ceremony. Those receiving the awards were parents from the Hunter and Manning regions whose contribution has built a strong foundation for parents to play an active role in the education of their children.

“Parents and friends from as far away as Taree and Canberra gathered to share their commitment to the development of children in our Catholic schools and parishes, a task that often goes without recognition.

“Current Federation members were given the chance to meet those who have gone before them, paving the way for a parent voice that is heard. Part of the ceremony featured a gift-giving ritual where recipients of life membership were invited to bestow upon current members a gift to smooth their journey. Perseverance and patience topped the list!” Mrs McNeil said.

“The hard work and devotion parents and friends have shown in this diocese has been of great benefit to the children in our schools but this could not be achieved without the support received for parental involvement from Bishop Michael Malone and Dr Wayne Tinsey, Director of Catholic Schools”, said Mrs McNeil.

The Federation of Parents & Friends Associations is the diocesan parent organisation linking almost 60 local Parents & Friends Associations in the Hunter and Manning areas.

Its aim is to promote and foster school parent organisations. Activities have included lobbying in state and federal elections, road and bus safety issues for school children, supporting volunteers in schools, lobbying and support for children and families with special needs, the publication of a ‘Homework Handbook’ for parents, as well as running a program of education days and seminars.

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