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Issue 7, August 2008 |
What’s New at Life ChangingSISTER2sister NewsMeet Our SistersSASSI NewsDiary NotesSponsor SpotlightMedia Buzz |
"The secret of happiness is
to find something more
important than you are,
then dedicate your life to it" -
Daniel Dennett
LCEF is moving!As of 1 September, Suite 1A3/410 Elizabeth Street T 1300 553 629 |
We welcome our 2008 SISTER2sister Corporate Butterfly Sponsors
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Our purpose:
To empower vulnerable teenage girls to make positive life choices for a better future
SISTER2sister News
Artescape
This month’s outing started off with a topic that is always of great value and relevance to the girls – relationships, and in particular sexual relationships for themselves and their peers. Past Big Sister and current adviser to the Program, Dr Paulette Maroun and Program Director, Deb Pamula led a frank discussion in a forum which allowed the Little Sisters to feel safe in asking the many questions which always arise amongst teenagers. For the Big Sisters, the session provided an ideal introduction into topics that can be sensitive by their very nature. It was rewarding to see the many open and candid discussions which followed as the Little Sisters were encouraged to share their own feelings on the subject in a safe and non-judgemental environment. One of the most important messages for them is that everyone has the right to make their own choices, and that we don’t have to be driven by peer pressure.
The pace was slowed down somewhat in the next session, when Michael Hallock led the girls in a tai chi demonstration. Big and Little Sisters alike are often caught up in busy, somewhat stressful lives, and the girls were taught some practical tools for being able to stand back, and use breathing and exercise techniques to help them regain some control, and manage the feelings of overwhelm that often engulf us.
Our thanks to the generosity of Westpac for the bus and its cheerful driver, Isaac, who provided transport for the day and put together a great barbecue lunch which was enjoyed by all before the main session of the day, Artescape, which was facilitated by Jodie Cunningham. The girls were given art materials and are encouraged to express their feelings and emotions through their artwork – literally, escaping through art. As always, their creativity and often unrecognised talents are truly inspiring, and some beautiful pieces of work were proudly taken home that afternoon.
Once again, the girls ended the outing by sharing their "Butterfly Wins" with everyone, and it is so encouraging to hear their stories of wins, no matter how big or seemingly small.
Click here to view more photos
Christmas in July
This outing to the Blue Mountains is always one of the most popular of the year, and this time was no exception. We were truly blessed with the weather, with those who arrived early being able to see the beauty of the Three Sisters emerging from the early morning mist. For the rest of the day, even though temperatures were low, we were treated to glorious blue skies and bright sunshine. The first adventure of the day started with the steep descent into the valley via the scenic railway, accompanied by the usual excited shrieks from Big and Little Sisters alike as the train headed down into the dark tunnel.
The ascent back up the valley was slightly more sedate as we all came up in the gondola – with many sharing secrets of hidden fears of heights!! Once all back safely at the top, we piled back into the coach to head off to the majestic Carrington Hotel in Katoomba. Program Founder, Jessica Brown led the girls in a pre-lunch session on etiquette, teaching the basics of good manners and behaviour when eating out in restaurants. Many of the girls have never even been shown the basics such as what cutlery to use, and it was a treat for them to be waited on in the formal atmosphere of the Carrington dining room, decked out in all its Christmas decorations.
After a delicious lunch, the girls were lead in a rousing chorus of carols and other songs by the hotel’s jovial pianist, and were treated to small gifts out of Santa’s sack. They then shared some valuable one on one time with their Big Sisters, giving them an opportunity to catch up in detail with what’s happening in their lives. This is a particularly important session of the day, and is when the tight bonds between Big and Little Sisters are closely forged.
All too soon it was time to climb back onto the coach, swinging by the Three Sisters for one last photo opportunity before heading back down the M4 after another beautiful day in the Mountains.
