Visiting Spanish Sisters

Last evening we hosted 19 sisters, the three sisters from St Marys (whom we call our "Spanish Sisters", even though one of them is from South America) and 16 visiting school principals on a study tour of Australia. it was a delightful evening, with Rodri and Argie able to talk to native Spanish speakers, other than each other! It was also good for Noy and Lawrie to practice their very shaky Spanish language skills. These were delightful women, full of life, and very interested in our international community and the MLZ project. Rodri prepared a delicious Mexican churrasco.

MLZ Meetings

We have had regular meetings with the committee comprising representatives from CEDP and Marist Schools Australia, along with ourselves and our nominated committee member, Sr Sandra Perrett.
On Thursday we learned that there is a further delay in appointing the CEDP Officer to the staff of MLZ. The interviews conducted on Monday did not provide a suitable candidate. Advertising will begin again next week. This will further delay the opening of MLZ for students.

Friday's meeting was with John Honan, from Child Protection services. A long detailed meeting, providing essential information and training on child protection, a necessary task for all educators these days.

Furniture Arrives for MLZ

A further step forward on Thursday when the furniture we ordered for MLZ was delivered. This consignment came from Bizfurn, who supply furnishings for many schools.

Visiting Trinity

Today we visited the Auburn and Regents Park campuses of Trinity Catholic College. Our aim was to see Australian teachers and students in action in classrooms. Our visits were enjoyable and successful, as we learned much about education in typical Australian classrooms. Out thanks to the Principal and staff who welcomed us so warmly into their school.

Wentworth Falls Day Trip

Recently Noy and Lawrie took a day walk to Wentworth Falls. All of our community enjoy bushwalking and it is a blessing to have the Blue Mountains National Park on our doorstep. We completed the National Pass circuit, a spectacular and historical track.

Another New Beginning

Following a dream of Carole Wark, a group of Marists met at Hunters Hill Hotel today to begin a new group of the Marist Association. We were pleased to be invited to join this group of like-minded people. Regular meetings will be held as we dream together, share our stories and nurture our spirits with all good things Marist. Thanks to Carole and Michael for bringing us together.

Child Protection: Risk of Significant Harm Seminar

The Lavalla200> community underwent a seminar on Child Protection: Risk of Significant Harm [RoSH] conducted by Laura Rowell of the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta [CEDP]. The seminar took place at Aengus Kavanagh Centre, Mt. Druitt NSW on 21 July 2017. It aims to help prepare the staff members of Marist Learning Zone as it is about to open in the coming weeks. Topics like legislation governing child protection, child abuse, CEDP Risk of Significant Harm policy and procedures were covered. Present during the seminar were Argie Hernandez, Lawrie McCane, Noynoy Sisneros, Pat Barrett and Rodrigo Gris.

Developments at MLZ

Decking has been added to our facility at Marist Learning Zone, connecting the two demountables. A roof covering the decking completes a versatile addition to our buildings.

A Trip to the Blue Mountains

While Alvaro was with us we took a trip to the Blue Mountains.

Alvaro Sepúlveda FMS

This weekend, Alvaro stayed with us. Argie, Rodrigo and Lawrie were with Alvaro for two months last year in San Martino for the formation program, so it was great to catch up with him again. He is based in Rome where he works with FMSI and he is in Australia for nine weeks for an intensive English Program.

Visit of Daniela and Nicole

On June 29 we were graced with a visit by Daniela and Nicole, young Marists from South Africa, together with Angela from Marist180.

Lto R: Daniela, Noynoy, Angela, Nicole, Argie, Rodrigo, Lawrie
Daniela and Nicole work with Bec Bromhead at 3 to 6 project, Johannesburg.
Later we caught up with the girls again at the Marist Youth Festival.

Our Project - Marist Learning Zone

The main work of our community is Marist Learning Zone. This is an education centre in the heart of Mount Druitt. Here we will work with young people who, for various reasons, are disengaged from their education. Maybe they are street kids, or simple school refusers. This centre, for a maximumm of 20 students, will open later this month (July, 2017)

Here is our centre:

Marist Youth Festival

From 30 June to 3 July, the Marist Youth Festival took over St Joseph's College Hunters Hill. What an event!

Young people from all over Australia enjoyed the action packed weekend. Our community, together with the Exodus Community from Heidelberg in Melbourne presented a workshop on who we are and what we do here in Mount Druitt.

Fundraiser Lunch

On Friday 14 July, the Ex-Marist mothers group, led by Denise Long, hosted a fundraiser for Marist Learning Zone. About 200 people attended and the event was very successful. The keynote speaker was Deng Adut, former child soldier and now a noted refugee advocate lawyer based in Blacktown. His amazing story, summarised in this short video was very moving for all people present. Argie's traditional outfit from Oaxaca made a big impression!

Argie and Lawrie are here talking about Marist Learning Zone:

Acculturation Program

From 4 -14 July we participated in an "Acculturation program" designed to provide an introduction to Australian culture. There were 19 participants from a range of countries: India, Korea, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Mexico, Tanzania and Nigeria. These had recently arrived in Australia to begin a new ministry here. Most were priests. The program was conducted at Baulkham Hills Josephite Conference Centre.

Lawrie joining the Africans for the Gospel Procession

Noy gets his certificate from Brian Vale, one of the course coordinators

Aunty Elsie Heiss gave a presentation on indigenous Australia, focusing on her own story. Here we are with Aunty Elsie after her presentation.

Kevin Wanden Visits Us

Kevin was here for a couple of days with us following his Oceania Finance Meeting. Kevin is our "major superior", representing the Oceania Group with is responsible for our community. It is always good to have Kevin with us.

Welcome to our Blog

The Lavalla200> Community in Mount Druitt began on 16 March 2017 when Noynoy Sisneros arrived from Philippines to join Lawrie McCane. Some weeks later Argie Hernández Mendoza and Rodrigo Gris Castro arrived from Mexico.

Here's Noy on his arrival day. 

Soon after our Mexican couple arrived to complete the community.

After a long wait, our international community was together ... in Australia!