St Clare's staff serve community with smiles and shovels
St Clare's High School Principal Tony McCudden. Photo | Ainslee Dennis
St Clare’s High School staff recently stepped out of the classroom to discover the banks of Browns Creek in Taree to take part in the Friends of Browns Creek weekly working bee.
Three sections of creek were targeted in a two-hour blitz on September 16 that involved planting a variety of seedlings donated by MidCoast Council, as well as clearing weeds and rubbish. More than 10 staff worked under the direction of regular Friends of Browns Creek volunteers who also shared information about the history of the creek and surrounding area.
“... giving two hours of our time is a way for us to be of service to others”
Principal Tony McCudden picked up the shovel to dig holes and plant seedlings in the Muscio Park section of the creek featuring the timber boardwalk.
“Coming out into the community and giving two hours of our time is a way for us to be of service to others,” Tony said.
Friends of Browns Creek was one of numerous organisations in the area to receive help from St Clare’s High School staff as it focused on the theme of ‘service’ as part of its annual staff development spirituality day.
Josh Wood and Ben De Somma talked footy while weeding and planting near the raised boardwalk. Photo | Ainslee Dennis
Teachers Erin Lawler and Georgia Tran delighted in the natural beauty of the creek and spoke positively about the outcomes of the staff development day.
“This morning involved a talk from a Bishop from the Catholic Diocese of Newcastle about reflecting on what acts of service means; what it means in the Catholic faith, and what it means for you,” Erin said.
St Clare's High School staff (from front) Erin Lawler, Georgia Tran and Cooper Hunt worked in dappled sunshine to plant seedlings donated by MidCoast Council. Photo | Ainslee Dennis
“This is about service, and it is nice to actually do something. I feel like morale is so up today - not only is this experience a ‘feel good thing’ but we are connecting with our colleagues and community,” Georgia added.
Bret Lucas commented positively on the art installations along the creek.
“I take my dog to Saxby’s Park near Browns Creek but was not aware of the work being done to improve the creek and I’m really impressed by the artworks. It’s nice being outside and helping the community.”
Bret Lucas cleared debris and weeds and spoke positively about the rock sculpture installations. Photo | Ainslee Dennis
“It’s nice being outside and helping the community”
