A JUST FUTURE FOR OUR LOCAL KIDS… a community responsibility? – Goulburn Valley SIP

Our topic, ‘A JUST FUTURE FOR OUR LOCAL KIDS… a community responsibility?’ aims to highlight the amazing work being done in our local area in response to the needs of local kids – those who are living in poverty, vulnerable, disengaged, at risk of homelessness… the list goes on. Publicity around such young people can be very negative but two members of our Catholic community in Shepparton are heading up two community responses achieving life-changing results.

Our first speaker, Peter Chalkley is a teacher with over 30 years experience and has a Masters degree in Educational Leadership & Administration. Since 2004, he has taught at Notre Dame College Shepparton, becoming Director of Notre Dame’s McAuley Champagnat Program in 2012. The McAuley Champagnat Programme is an innovative educational programme designed to meet the educational needs of disengaged students not being met by current education providers. Their holistic approach to educating young people is recognized as “cutting-edge” and is achieving extraordinary success in youth transforming their lives from hopelessness to a future full of potential. It is a programme of second, third, fourth …. chances!

Our second speaker, Jen Frisardi has taught for 14 years, including the last six at Notre Dame College. Jen recently opted for a career change and is now working with the Lighthouse Project as Coordinator of the School Years Collaborative Tables. Commenced in 2014, the Lighthouse Project is leading a community movement that involves hundreds of local people in supporting every child to succeed. Their vision is that Greater Shepparton offers all young people the chance to realise their full potential and thrive; aiming to improve the wellbeing and educational outcomes of young people from conception to career. Jen has a long held passion for justice and equality and is enjoying the challenge of giving our young people a voice in the community.

It promises to be another really interesting & enjoyable night. We hope you can spread the word among family, friends and contacts. And we look forward to seeing you at the pub!