When the formal merger of four local churches became Manningham Uniting Church in 2012, our purpose was to become one strong faith- based congregation that also recognised and used its gifts and graces in partnership with the local
Manningham community. We wanted to understand where God was at work in the community, and to join in. Putting this into practice was the basis of
Emma’s very worthwhile ten year role as MUC’s Missional Community Development Worker.
On behalf of MUC, Emma’s connection points were many, and the one with Doncaster Secondary College (DSC) has been quite remarkable for MUC, to be celebrated as an ongoing partnership. Katie, the DSC Youth and Wellbeing Coordinator, spoke at a Family@10 service a few months ago. She mentioned the many parts of our relationship that are highly valued at DSC and is keen to strengthen that relationship. Rev Cinti and I were pleased to meet with Katie on 24 July, and she is very willing to support and share broadly the MUCK-In plans
Cinti has developed, and other MUC Youth Project ideas as they develop.
DSC offers a supportive school community where student wellbeing is fostered and valued and really nurtures young people in lots of ways. There is a whole school approach to wellbeing that builds an inclusive culture of mutual care and respect where diversity is celebrated. Together with other secondary schools in the area, there is a Wellbeing Network, with lots of purposeful interaction and sharing, that responds to the wide range of social and learning circumstances that are experienced by young people today. MUC is pleased to be part of walking with the school community in many ways.
MUC and DSC have shared much over the years and Katie says they are grateful to be able to reach out to MUC and be heard, as situations beyond the scope of the school arise. Emma ran a number of programs to support school leaders, and several MUC people were part of wellbeing camps; we ran sausage sizzles at the school and have been able to raise funds in a number of focussed ways:
- Material aid is important in allowing kids of all backgrounds to be supported with books, pens, stationery, uniforms, IT items that can address levels of disadvantage, especially at the start of the year, and also when teachers and wellbeing staff notice, without the student needing to ask. Our annual and ongoing Stationery Drives really assist and are valued, thank you
- Katie made mention of how much the annual MUC Aumann Grant Scholarship has assisted and provided successful tertiary outcomes for a number of DSC students. Much appreciated
- DSC is also always in need of laptops for students, any kind as long as they’re in good order. They don’t ask due to the cost, but the need is worth remembering when our laptops are updated
MUC members will know about the ‘Smilies’ Project over the last couple of years, where so many have been involved in making the ‘Smilies’ and presenting them to the Year 12 students as final exams approach. Last year I had the privilege, together
with 4yo granddaughter Lucy, of addressing the assembly and handing the ‘Smilies’ out, with their message of ‘you are not alone, your community is with you’. Several students commented on the value of ‘being seen and supported’ by a local community during the stressful exam period. Thanks to Merryn and so many at MUC and beyond, the 2025 ‘Smilies’ are all ready to go and look amazing.
DSC is also keen to examine future options of, for example, MUC casually employing DSC students trained in their own impressive audiovisual and IT spaces, to assist with conference AV plus ‘bump in’ and ‘bump out’ set-ups at MUC. Then there is the possibility of barista training and volunteering in Redgum, and on it can go to the mutual benefit of both organisations….
The DSC/MUC relationship is both very enjoyable and worthwhile. Utilising the networks and connections that Katie is offering means that together we can grow more support for the Manningham students and also build our Youth Project and Thrive Community opportunities.
Wendy