The Ignatian - December 2016 Vol 26 July Edition Vol 27 | Page 44

Parents and Friends’ Association
Connected, Inclusive
and Supportive
This motto underpins everything we do as the Riverview Parents
& Friends Association. We exist to help support each other’s
journeys as parents at Riverview, as well as continually supporting
and growing our College community.
A number of events in the first half of the year brought our P&F
together, including the first mass and morning tea to mark the
beginning of the school year, and a number of parents’ social
evenings which helped to kick the year off on a positive note. The
support of the parent community in attendance at these events
makes what we do very rewarding.
We have also been very active this year in supporting a range of
great initiatives through fundraising events. One such example
was the Mary’s House Morning Tea, where an overwhelming
number of parents attended to support this very worthy cause.
The sell-out event raised considerable aid for Mary’s House,
a refuge for women and children escaping the terrible grip of
domestic violence. Guest speaker Lisa McAdams told her own
harrowing story of abuse and violence, and Emma Rossi, Board
Director of Mary’s House and a member of the P&F, shared some
of their success stories. Lisa’s courage was inspiring and we are
thrilled to hear that her life is now flourishing.
Another cause very dear to the P&F’s heart is the Bursary
Program, and we are proud to contribute to the provision of
education at Riverview for young men who might otherwise never
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have the opportunity. Two fundraising events were held for the
Bursary this year, the first being the Twilight Picnic, which was
held on a balmy Sydney evening in March. Parents enjoyed cool
music and great food and drinks amid hundreds of twinkling fairy
lights and glowing candles.
The second event – the main fundraiser for the year – was the
Bistro View held on Saturday 6th May. This wine auction dinner
saw a record number of attendees, and we were honoured to have
our very own Riverview parent, the stunning Natarsha Belling, as
MC, and be serenaded by the beautiful voice of Georgia Melville.
Entertainer Simon Kennedy brought the laughs, and the live wine
auction, along with table games, made the night a huge success.
Many parents and committee members - and of course those who
supported the event by attending or donating prizes - are all to be
congratulated on helping to make Bistro View a great night out.
The event raised around $50,000 towards the Bursary Program.
The second half of the year also looks to be full of fun socials,
events and activities. I am very grateful for a supportive
committee that works so hard to make life for Riverview parents
as enjoyable as possible. If you have any questions, comments,
ideas or concerns, please feel free to make contact with me – I
would love to hear from you.
R I C K D 'A M I C O , P& F P R E S I D E N T