Calvary Silver Circle -

Silver Threads Summer 2007

24 December 2007

On behalf of all the staff at Calvary Silver Circle, I extend to all clients, their families, case managers and representatives our best wishes for the coming festive season and for the new year ahead. I also thank you for your continued support over the past year and look forward to continuing to provide services which meet your requirements in 2008.

The last few months have continued to be busy for all sites, with the new ones in Southern Fleurieu, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Alice Springs, Darwin and the Tiwi Islands completing their transition into CSC’s systems. These centres also bring to the expanded company, their expertise in care management and service delivery in rural and remote locations and in indigenous communities. The supported residential facility in Victor Harbor, home for 14 people with mental health issues has been praised by the SA Minister for Disability for the model of care and the service it provides.

Staff Conferences were held in NSW, SA and Victoria in November, an annual event which acknowledges and thanks all staff for their contribution throughout the year, enables staff to meet and exchange views and to expand their understanding and knowledge from each other and from others. This year the theme was Cultural Diversity, involving speakers from the community as well as staff with culturally diverse backgrounds, sharing their experiences and insights into the issues this raises for clients and workers. Their stories reminded us of what each of us takes for granted within our own context and how easy it is for misunderstandings to occur due to differences not only in language but in actions. Mutual respect and openness to learn from each other enhances us as individuals and as a community.

These conferences are held in November to celebrate the birthday of venerable Mary Potter, the founder of LCM. It is a time to reflect on how our services continue her vision of serving those in need and “being for others” and how we can continue to build on this.

The conferences honour the staff who have reached 5 and 10 year service and from 2008 there will be a category for 15 years of service. This year there were 167 who had worked 5 years and 52 for 10 years, highlighting the depth, experience and continuity these staff bring to their clients.

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