Monday 17th October 2016
The Kyabram P-12 School Chaplaincy Program celebrated fifteen years of providing student welfare services at a dinner held in Kyabram last week.
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said the night was a great success with almost 200 guests attending to acknowledge and celebrate the value of this most important program.
Mr Walsh said the keynote speaker for the evening the Hon John Anderson was a great drawcard and he did not let the audience down.
John is former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and federal Leader of The Nationals.
“He has a deep Christian conviction and is a man of strong character ” Mr Walsh said.
The theme of John’s thought provoking address was “What are we passing on to our children?”
“John’s hope for Australia is that parents will raise children to be less-self-seeking and more considerate of others.
“He spoke about the need for people to listen to one another and encourage open and honest discussion.
“John also provided a graphic personal illustration of the importance of chaplaincy welfare by sharing a time in his school life where he hit a cricket ball which killed his sister ” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh thanked Chaplain Liz Spicer for her unconditional support and encouragement of staff students and families at Ky P-12.
He also acknowledged the support of churches and the community with donations of food time and talents such as a pre-exam morning tea recently served to Year 12 students.
“The Nationals have traditionally been strong supporters of the National School Chaplaincy Program. Its value in addressing student welfare through the delivery of pastoral care provided by chaplains cannot be underestimated ” Mr Walsh said.