ACU and school students performing at the Mary MacKillop 100 Concert.

Concert commemorates Mary MacKillop

The Honourable Paul Lucas MP, Deputy Premier of Queensland and Minister for Health, and Mr John-Paul Langbroek MP, Leader of the Opposition Queensland, last week joined Australian Catholic University (ACU) and the Sisters of St Joseph at a concert to commemorate the centenary of the death of Blessed Mary MacKillop.

More than 250 students from ACU and Catholic schools in Brisbane presented an inspiring recount of Mary MacKillop's life at Brisbane City Hall, through an array of drama, song and dance.

Steve Lawrence, ACU's Director of Identity and Mission, said the event was an immense success.

"The concert was fantastic, with more than 1500 people in attendance," said Steve. "The way the various elements of drama, multimedia, song, music, presentation and testimonies were woven together was marvellous."

Andrew Beiers, ACU's Campus Minster and concert director, said the event was an incredibly moving experience.

"An elderly lady was brought to tears because she related to Mary MacKillops experiences and struggles," said Andrew. "Like Mary MacKillop, she recalled her family moving to Australia from Scotland many years ago."

The event was a tribute to the partnership between Australian Catholic University, the Sisters of St Joseph and the legacy of Mary MacKillop.

Other special guests included the Most Reverend John Bathersby DD, Archbishop of Queensland, the Most Reverend Joseph Oudeman OFM Cap DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane and the Most Reverend Brian Finnigan, Auxiliary Bishop of Queensland.

Isabel Guterres and ACU's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Greg Craven.

ACU graduate awarded University's highest honour

Fifty-five students recently graduated from the Catholic Teachers College in Baucau, East Timor, completing education degrees in collaboration with Australian Catholic University.

At the ceremony, former ACU graduate Isabel Guterres was awarded the University's highest honour, Doctor of the University, in recognition of her lifetime commitment to justice and service.

Born and raised in East Timor, Isabel was forced to seek refuge in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in the mid 1980s, where she began assisting others who were similarly displaced.

She later qualified and practiced as a nurse in Australia, where she continued to support refugees.

After returning to East Timor in November 1999, Isabel collaborated with local teams to assist in the development of East Timorese nationhood.

In 2002, she was appointed as a National Commissioner to the Commission for Reception Truth and Reconciliation, and in 2006 she was appointed the Secretary General of the Red Cross of Timor-Leste.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven said Isabel's presence as an alumnus of ACU was an honour for the University.

"The cause of the poor and the suffering became a life-changing mission for Isabel as she dedicated her energies to assist others," he said. "She has never wavered from this commitment and has given hope to those with whom she has come into contact."

Practice Talking workshop - photo courtesy of Don Burt photography.

'Frontline' children, youth and family workers meet in Canberra

A conference initiated by workers who provide front line support services to children, youth and families, was held recently at the University's Canberra Campus.

Officially opened by Martin Hehir, acting chief executive of the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services, the conference was attended by over 130 practitioners.

"The conference was a unique opportunity for these workers from across Canberra and the region to come together and reflect on their roles, share experiences and create valuable contacts," Mr Hehir said.

The attendees represented the range of prevention, early intervention and statutory services provided to children, young people and their families. 

Associate Professor Maureen Walsh

Academic wins Australian Award for University Teaching

Associate Professor Maureen Walsh from Australian Catholic University (ACU) has received a 2009 Australian Award for University Teaching.

Granted by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC), the awards recognise teaching excellence and those who have made a significant contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in higher education.

Associate Professor Walsh from the University's Strathfield Campus was honoured in the category of social science, and for her commitment to innovation in learning and teaching.

Associate Professor Walsh specialises in teaching English curriculum and literacy education. She supports her teaching by conducting ongoing research in areas such as reading education, second language reading, visual literacy and multimodal literacy.

"I am both delighted and honoured," she said. "While teaching has been an intrinsically fulfilling profession it is extremely pleasing to have my achievements acknowledged."

"My recent research on multimodal literacy is essential for an age in which technology and digital communication are reshaping communicative practices," said Associate Professor Walsh. "Teachers need to learn how to maintain a balance between traditional and multimodal literacy."

Professor Walsh and 23 other university teachers will receive their awards at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on 24 November, 2009.

This is the second time an ACU academic has won an ALTC Australian Award for University Teaching.

There are eight categories valued at $25,000 each.

Dr David Greene

Study shows calcium and vitamin D supplements improve bone health

A study led by Dr David Greene, Lecturer in Exercise Science at Australian Catholic University, has shown that calcium and vitamin D supplements improve bone health in young girls.

The six-month study involved 20 pairs of identical twin girls aged between 9 and 12-years-old, who were randomly assigned to receive either the calcium and vitamin D tablets, or a matched placebo.

Dr Greene said the results of the study showed that the supplements improved measures of bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bone strength in these girls. To ensure accurate test results, genetic influences were factored out.

"These results are particularly important as young women accumulate bone mass most rapidly during adolescence," he said. "Therefore ideal skeletal development can only be achieved when adequate dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D supplement physical activity during this period."

"Maximising bone strength during the growing years is also essential in order to offset the effects of osteoporosis in later life."

Students of the Early Childhood Leadership unit with Helen Thomasson and Michaela Fogarty.

Ensuring quality in early childhood education and care

Students from Australian Catholic University's Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) course recently held a Directors' Forum that asked the question, 'What is quality in early childhood education and care?' 

Held at the University's Canberra Campus, the forum was designed to enhance student learning and their ability to enrich early childhood education systems.

Directors and representatives from a variety of organisations, as well as ACU staff and students, took part in the forum.

Also present were representatives from the Office for Children, Youth and Family Support, Bungendore Kids Zone, The Park School for Early Learning, Acton Early Childcare Centre, St Philip's Kindergarten, Weston Creek Children's Centre, Communities @ Work and the Deakin School for Early Learning.

The Directors' Forum is an integral part of the Early Childhood Leadership unit. This course is the final Early Childhood Studies unit that students undertake as part of the early childhood course at ACU.

Exploring the boundaries to higher education

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Australian Catholic University is hosting a one day symposium on 'Learning, Teaching and Social Justice in Higher Education' at the Melbourne Campus on Wednesday 18 November, 2009.

The interdisciplinary symposium will explore a variety of ways in which social justice concerns are being incorporated and explored in higher education teaching and learning settings. 

Scholars and higher education practitioners across all fields from ACU, Southern Cross University, La Trobe University, Victoria University, Macquarie University, Charles Sturt University, Monash University and the University of Western Sydney will discuss their work and its impact in higher education classrooms and in the broader community.

Professor Margot Hillel OAM, Dean of ACU's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, said the symposium would provide an opportunity for discussion on the ways universities do or do not respond to the issues of access and equity raised recently in the Bradley Review.

"Its important for universities to incorporate social justice issues into its courses, and to open its doors to allow better access and connectivity with disadvantaged communities," she said.

What: Learning, Teaching and Social Justice in Higher Education Symposium
When: Wednesday, 18 November 2009, 9am-5pm
Where: ACU's Melbourne Campus, School of Arts and Sciences, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy

Conference explores papal encyclical

Australian Catholic University is hosting a conference to celebrate and explore the 3rd Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI entitled Caritas in Veritate on Friday, 27 November at the North Sydney Campus.

Caritas in Veritate, or Charity in Truth, will discuss the application of the Church's social teaching on globalisation and international development. 

The Conference will also be an opportunity for Australian scholars from the academic fields of economics, politics, theology and philosophy to engage with those working in the area of social justice. 

Associate Professor Patrick McArdle, Director of ACU's Institute for Catholic Identity and Mission, said this is just one example of the University fulfilling its role of making Church teaching accessible and available to the wider public.

"As Australia's premier Catholic university, we can make a genuine contribution to public dissemination of Church teaching and genuine engagement between the wider Australian community and theological research," he said. 

What: Cardinal Cordes lecture and panel session
When: From 4pm on Friday 27 November, 2009
Where: ACU's North Sydney Campus, Ryan Auditorium, 40 Edward Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060

The two-day closed conference will involve representatives from Caritas Australia, John Paul II Institute, Yarra Theological Union and Catholic Theological College, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and ACU. 

The Ursuline Sisters with representatives from ACU.

Ursuline Sisters visit ACU

Ursuline Sisters from Australia, Asia and Canada visited the North Sydney Campus recently as part of the Ursuline Asia Pacific Conference, Within and Beyond our Borders The Ecological Challenge.   

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven welcomed Sr Anne Cougle, the Ursuline Provincial, and the Sisters.  Sister Kath Dwyer, education lecturer at the Strathfield Campus, also accompanied the group.

Associate Professor Marea Nicholson, Associate Vice-Chancellor (Sydney) addressed the group on the Australian education system.

Members of the North Sydney Student Association escorted the 30  Sisters on a Campus tour. Following their visit, the Sisters went on to visit Mary MacKillop Place.

Strathfield Rotary President, Kevin Freund (left), presents David Keegan with his award.

Staff receive Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award

Two staff members from the Strathfield Campus recently received a Strathfield Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award for their contribution to the University.

David Keegan from Human Resources was nominated for his strong commitment to his working team. David develops system improvements and streamlines processes and his good humour is a catalyst for positive outcomes for all staff.

Jennifer Pace-Feraud, administrative officer in the School of Social Work, was nominated for her efficiency and good humour, contributing to a harmonious and hassle-free workplace.

Dr Michael T Buchanan

60 Seconds - Dr Michael T Buchanan

Dr Michael T Buchanan is Senior Lecturer and co-coordinator of the Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Arts (Melbourne) degree. He is a member of the School of Religious Education and is based at the University's Melbourne Campus.

How would I spend my ideal day?

In the garden attending to my interest in growing fruit and vegetables.

In life I have learnt…

That being a mere worker in the vineyard of the Lord is the most amazing accomplishment.

Something that inspires me...

Students who have a lot of disturbances going on in their lives and somehow are able to get up each day and come to ACU and strive against so many odds to achieve and succeed.

What would surprise most people about my job?

That lecturers don't have three months holiday each year.

What has been the most significant development in my field since starting my career?

The incredible amount of diverse research being accomplished and the amazing contributions my colleagues and I are making at a local, national and international level.

If I could invite any five people to dinner, who would they be and why?

My Mum and Dad, because they are the most amazing people I know; Jo Cross, my grade six teacher, because she is amazing and nurtured within me a love for learning and education. She still inspires me to this day; Sr Patricia Brain MSS, because she has a simple way of making Jesus real in daily life; Pope John Paul II, because he loved the world and had the ability to transform it; And, the refugee and migrant children from the Atherton Gardens Homework Club, because they are so enthusiastic about their lives in Australia and believe that all things are possible.