In Principio v16 no3 (2005)

STUDENT [ SERVICES MAKING A DIFFERENCE Earlier this year, a lawyer working with Aboriginal people at the Fremantle Justice Centre suggested to me, "if you can line up students who are prepared to step outside their comfort zone and to ask questions, then I can line them up with court clients to support." Ms Jo Blackley, a first year law student, choosing her placement for the Service Learning component of the core unit, Law Ethics, took up this challenge. Growing up in a country town, Jo was aware of much fear and misunderstanding between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community, where each walked on different sides of the street. "I come from a white middle class environment but this unit has allowed me to be a companion to someone who experiences fear around non– Indigenous people, particularly those in authority," Jo remarked. Supporting an Aboriginal person, who is homeless, living on the margins and caught up in the justice system, Jo commented that her companion 'has such a strong spirit'. Her placement involved sitting chatting waiting for court hearings, offering transport and being available to her companion. Her mentor, lawyer Stephen Gabriel, "is inspirational, has a wonderful sense of humour and is understanding," says Jo. "Court clients feel comfortable with him." Jo is fully engaged with the intention of this unit. To view the world through other person's eyes can significantly alter one's world view. This has happened for Jo. She has chosen to make a difference, a choice that is supported by group reflection. Jane Hancock, the facilitator of this reflection team, says, "the group process is structured to raise the awareness of each individual's power to make a difference through the smallest word or deed in both personal and professional life." Jo Dallimore, Service Learning and Volunteer Officer NEW 'CATHOLIC CLUB' .a. Jane Hancock, Jo Dallimore, Stephen Gabriel and student, Jo Blackley in a court room in the Fremantle Justice Centre. A new group of students has begun to establish itself this semester and is planning for 2006. The group is the catholic club. This name draws on the fact that catholic means universal. As such, this group aims to offer welcome, support, understanding and social activity to students from a variety of cultural and faith backgrounds. The Catholic Church of the 21st century engages with the world in ways that open it to the truth and beauty of peoples that often do not share its own values and ways. If this is true of the Church then it certainly needs to be part life at Notre Dame. The way in which the catholic club brings together a wide range of students for the purpose of engaging in faith and friendship means that the students of Notre Dame are practically committed to exploring issues of faith and forming a world that seeks the truth and beauty of God beyond familiar borders and experiences. I look forward to working with this special group. w Father Greg Watson OMI Chaplain NOTRE DAME CHAPEL MASS TIMES Monday to Friday 12.30pm • Sunday 6.00pm CHRISTMAS EVE CAROLS AND MASS Malloy Courtyard - Carols 6.00pm • Mass 6.30pm ALL WELCOME