The Federation of Catholic School Communities has awarded the Religious Education Team the Tom Ffrench Sector Award for Family Engagement in Catholic Education. The Tom Ffrench Awards recognise those who are dedicated to showcasing and celebrating examples of leading practice that supports effective family engagement in Catholic Schools in South Australia. In 2015 Teresa Hudson developed a partnership with the Federation to build the capacity of schools to engage families more effectively in the Made in the Image of God (MITIOG) Human Sexuality Program for SA Catholic Schools. Today, along with Michael Vial Religious Education Team Leader, Teresa was presented with the Award.
Teresa, encouraged by Religious Education Team Coordinator Michael Vial, initiated a collaboration with the Federation to gain a broader understanding of effective family engagement in learning and schooling and, more specifically, to gain a better understanding of parents’ experience of MITIOG including what opportunities were offered to engage in the program and how this could be strengthened. This included active participation in the Federation’s 2015 conference: Parent Engagement in Action, a focus group session with members of the Federation Council and collaborating with the Federation to develop a professional learning session for MITIOG Key Teachers on effectively engaging families in the Made in the Image of God program.
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
