18 Dec 2021

Farewell from Mrs Arapi-Nunez CIEC

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents, staff and CIEC students who were part of a great and unforgettable experience since April 2017. When I was employed by SCS to establish and lead the Catholic Intensive English Centre (CIEC) at Mary MacKillop Catholic College and the first year also lead the CIEC at Patrician Brothers College, I never thought I would learn as much as I did not only from the staff in my faculty but also from the CIEC students and their families. Furthermore, I would like to thank external partners such as STARTTS, CORE, the NSW Fairfield Police Youth Workers and Southern District Soccer Program which supported and collaborated with the CIEC staff, parents and students in order for our learners to integrate into the community.

I am grateful as I am walking away with many great memories, new friendships with staff and I have enhanced my understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Being the CIEC Coordinator has allowed me to value little things in life as at times we take for granted our everyday blessings yet there are so many people around the world who are struggling to survive and do not know what the future holds for them. I admire migrants who leave their country of birth looking for a better future as I migrated in 1989 to Australia and I am aware of the daily struggles a migrant faces to learn a new language, leave loved ones behind and to adapt in a new country. This position made me realise that if I thought it was difficult for me to migrate … I had no reason to feel that way as the difficulties that refugee families experience prior to arriving in Australia are far more challenging than what I have experienced.
Thank you students, parents and staff for letting me grow professionally and for making me realise that sometimes we underestimate the many blessings we have in life.
Have a safe holiday and enjoy Christmas and the New Year with family and friends!
Ms Arapi-Nunez, CIEC Coordinator

 

From the Principal: MMCC Catholic Intensive English Centre Closure

As mentioned in the last newsletter, because of the border closures we sadly have to close our CIEC. I take this opportunity to thank the current staff and wish those who are taking on new positions a wonderful future. I am sure that the 145 plus  students who have graduated from the CIEC also thank them. Leaving from the CIEC are Mrs Flavia Arapi-Nunez (Coordinator), Mrs Natalia Svetlov and Mrs Josephine Youkhana,

Gilda Pussich