The Catholic Weekly

Sydney
29 June 2003

‘Unethical’ to kill an embryo

Roll on, Cologne

And they’re racing ... to help Vinnies

‘Renewal of my faith’

Seminar ‘rekindles Bible fire’

Year 9 - May the force be with you

‘Appoint acting judges’ to solve visa backlog

Charity race day

Society needs to ‘share pain of others’

Bombs found at Mass site

Movement seeks inquiry on Iraqi conflict

Cambridge choir in Sydney visit

China visitors

The Catholic Weekly- Spiritual tension

Letters

Moral values ‘a major role’ for the Church

Challenge to your neighbourhood?

Jesus Christ, the ultimate healer

Parents’ acts inspired Sr Huyen

Religion, art ‘a very powerful mix’

Classic rite controversial, but ‘a jewel’

Real feelings of life and faith

Bishop Peter Ingham’s message

Clergy-principals’ conference day

Students share justice issues

New team looks at needs

New director of vocations

Vocation Awareness Diocesan Poster Competition

Diocesan catechists train

Gothic paradise - the legacy of Pugin

$5000 grant to college

Fairfield police explain their roles to students at Patrician
Brothers College, Fairfield

By Damir Govorcin

The long arm of the law has paid a “special visit” to Year 9 students at
Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield.

But, before you jump to any wrong conclusions, be assured that the police
weren’t there to arrest anyone.

They went there in good will as part of the Breaking Down the Barriers program, which was designed by the police local area command at Fairfield in conjunction with the school’s counsellor, Lawrence Cassar.

The aim of the program is to improve relationships between students, police and teachers and to educate young people on the consequences of criminal activity and the effects of that behaviour in the short and long term.

The program also aims to reduce fear and uncertainty about reporting crime and to highlight the rights and responsibilities of young people.

It aims, too, to clear up any misunderstanding young people may have about general policing strategies.

“It is integral to place before the students role models on which to base their lives,” says Mr Cassar.

“It is necessary that the school community provides an interactive and an experiential process so as to make learning and understanding an important step towards maturity and responsible living.”
Fifteen police officers from various sections of the force presented a range of topics to 190 students, who shared their own experiences and asked questions.

One student said: “I didn’t realise that police officers were ordinary people with ordinary feelings.
“I always thought that police were always upholding the law and punishing offenders.

“This program has helped me to see the police as real people who care for the community.”
Principal Michael Krawec says it is always the school’s aim to develop close ties with the local community and to maintain a close relationship with Fairfield police.

“An important aspect of education is to inform students of their rights and responsibilities as productive citizens in the community,” he said.