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=Model and present a professional image in all communication and interactions with parents, caregivers, colleagues, industry and the local community. =

For several years I participated in Interfaith Days organised by the Religious of the Sacred Heart at Kerever Park in Bowral.

Kerever Park is a spirituality centre which offers courses and retreats for members of the general community and schools. Each year Sister Betty McMahon organises an interfaith day which comprises a panel of individuals of various faiths. Each individual speaks about their own spiritual journey and provides insight to their own faith.

In 2007, Sister Mary Shanahan suggested that I speak on Judaism, as a practicing modern orthodox Jewess working in a Catholic school, thus having a fair understanding of both life styles and, in her opinion, being able to express myself in a clear and engaging way. This suggestion indicates that I model and present a professional image in my communication and interactions with the wider community.

Attached are [|emails], [|local newspaper articles] and a [|Letter] attesting to the level of professionalism I show at these functions. I do believe that participation in this event illustrates my commitment to the school ethos, particularly in the following areas:-

**1. To continue to build a connected and purposeful Catholic school community.**  1. To integrate Religious of the Sacred Heart, alumnae, past parents and other friends into the school community.  2. To foster a culture of communication and engagement with parents.

[Extract “Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart Strategic Plan 2006-2008]

Acting more locally and in an exercise designed to not only engage my Biology students and the Environment Committee but also bring the school’s attention to the issue of increasing biodiversity in our immediate area, we put forward a submission for a local council Environmental Grant to set up a [|Native Garden] in the school grounds.

This was a worthwhile venture, not only because we did win a $1,000 grant, but because my students learned a lot about dealing with local councils, putting forward a submission and justifying their actions for the benefit of the environment. After winning the grant, there were some internal school problems that prevented the students from having the native garden exactly the way they had planned it. Again the students learned a great deal about firm and fair negotiation to see a project through to its completion.

Thus I believe that I model and present a professional image in all communication and interactions with parents, caregivers, colleagues, industry and the local community.

I am hoping that my current project of a SciFest [[|National Science Week 2012 Proposal]] during National Science Week 2012 will also generate substantial community interaction.