The meeting last week saw a host of guests and as it is always lovely to welcome visitors and hear what they are doing we had an interesting and informative morning.  Mitchell Stubbs and Damien Azzopardi from Rotaract reported on their trivia night.  It was a great success with over $4,000 raised for The Shepherd Centre which specialises in teaching deaf children to speak.  Rotaract is a strong Club within the University and we enjoy working with them.

We had representatives from all six schools we support in the local area and heard how they are exploring different ways to encourage children to learn using flexible delivery methods and physical environments.  We were very happy to provide each of the schools with a cheque to use how they wish.  I would love to welcome them again at any time to join us for breakfast.  Our thanks to Steve Plummer, Deputy Principal, Ryde Secondary College; Debbie Wilson, Assistant Principal, Ryde East Public School; Laura Aubusson, Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School; Ben Harrison, Assistant Principal, Kent Road Public School; Michelle Shannon, Truscott Street Public School and Erika Southam, Principal, North Ryde Public School.  Several of our members have had children attend these schools and indeed two currently have children at the schools, so it is lovely to see what wonderful work they continue to do.

Barb Corapi from the Centre for Emotional Health has asked me to see if any members or friends and colleagues would assist in finding out which questions are best to use to assess anxiety in people over 60.  To find out more or to participate go to http://tinyuri.com/anxietyover60 or email miri.forbes@mq.edu.au.  The ethical aspects of this study have been approved by the Macquarie University Human Ethics Committee.

This week Sandeep will tell us a little more about his life.  It is always interesting to learn more about each other and to get a better understanding of our life experiences.

David has looked at some options for our social events in September and October and they sound good.  One has been suggested by Barbara Lee and is run by Graham McMaster’s daughter – May’s Pizzeria in Turramurra.  Another is for a Sunday lunch so our members with younger children may be able to attend.  If you have suggestions for activities please let David or Terrie know.

 
There is no meeting next week 23 September but there will be a Board meeting – 7:15 to 8:45 am at DLC.  Our social night will be Friday 30 September.