Children cherish fun day at Notre Dame

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 4-8-2011

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle Campus

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

The importance of a work and family life balance was reflected at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s (UNDA) Fremantle and Sydney campuses recently as they hosted the fun-filled Children’s Day event.

Smiles were aplenty at both campuses as the University shared its community spirit with staff members and their families before the commencement of Semester Two.

Children’s Day was introduced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, in 2009. Staff are invited to bring their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends to the Fremantle and Sydney campuses for a day of amusement, laughter and personal reflection.

This year, the children engaged with the theme of Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies at the Fremantle Campus.

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies provided an opportunity for Notre Dame students and staff to actively engage with children through fun (and sometimes challenging) activities.

The day consisted of a treasure hunt (where children searched for fruit hidden around the Campus to make a fruit salad for morning tea), craft and sporting activities, African drumming and balloon making.

The children also prepared and celebrated mass together with the Notre Dame community – some of whom volunteered to read a Scripture passage and the Prayers of the Faithful.

Executive Assistant to the Chief Finance Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Tracey Pember, whose three-year-old daughter participated in the day, said it was fantastic and well organised.

“I think that Children’s Day is a great event that recognises the importance of a work life balance,” Ms Pember said.

“It was also quite impressive to see the range in ages of children and how well they interacted together. My daughter had such a good time that the next day she was ready to come along again.”

In keeping with a similar theme, the Sydney Campus welcomed children of all ages into its university atmosphere with games, fun activities, a science show and a cooking class.

A highlight for many children was the pizza making class. They became ‘pizzaioli’ for the day as they worked with staff and students to create some of the most delicious and nutritious pizzas which they ate soon after.

Fizzics Education brought their interactive show ‘Big Science, Big Fun’ to the Campus mesmerising children with gigantic bubbles, levitating beach balls and a giant gyroscope.

A children’s liturgy was held at St Benedict’s Church to reflect on 'all of God’s bright and beautiful creations'. The children also designed prayer cards which were presented during the liturgy.

Sporting games including tug-of-war, Grip Ball and relay races were also held throughout the day.

UNDA Sydney’s Events and Administration Officer, Amy Higgins, said the day was a great opportunity for Notre Dame staff to showcase the Campus to their families.

“The day brings all staff from many different disciplines together to share their common thread - children,” Ms Higgins said.

Media Contact: Leigh Dawson (+61) 8 9433 0569, Mob (+61) 0405 441 093

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