NSW Minister Awards Sr Joan Goodwin for work with Catechists

An Award ceremony on 29th March 2012 acknowledged the work done by SRE teachers, formerly known as Scripture Teachers, in the Government Schools of NSW. This award was presented at Parliament House Sydney by the Hon. Adrian Piccoli, NSW Minister for Education

Sr Joan Goodwin receives Award from Education Minister

Since the 1990’s SRE has become an important part of the curriculum, all children being obliged to attend these lessons, unless parents indicate non-attendance.

In 2010, the Minister of Education invited delegates from the Churches providing SRE to a special ceremony highlighting the Government’s appreciation of the work done by hundreds of volunteers across the State.
This year, 2012, the invitation was extended once more and awards were given to sixteen people who had made quite significant contributions to SRE. Those chosen were of all Faiths and the Awards were given for contributions in the areas of Curriculum Development, Teacher Training and establishing Programmes in Primary and Secondary Schools. One Catholic Catechist received her Award for 75 years of teaching and helping her fellow catechists.
Sr Joan Goodwin’s citation read “For over forty years of dedicated service as a catechist and Co-Ordinator of SRE. She is recognised for her tireless work in developing and delivering Training Programmes for SRE volunteers and her commitment to developing curriculum and resource material and for her work with students with disabilities in the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong.”

After The Minister had presented the Awards, the Hon. Carmel Tebbutt spoke on behalf of the Opposition. Also present were the Attorney General, Hon. Greg Smith and Hon. Luke Foley, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.

Congratulation to all catechists for the great work they do in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.