Newsletters

  Christmas 2011-12                         
The Seasons for Growth® program reminds us that no two seasons are the same.  As the first day of the 2011-12 summer dawned in Sydney, we were not sure what season we were in, as it evolved into a day of chilly winds and grey skies!  What we do know is that in the days and weeks ahead the skies will clear and the sun will shine and many of us will be revitalilsed by a summer holiday.
 
Building a Community with Seasons for Growth® Conference
Since last Newsletter, we have had a very successful Seasons for Growth® Conference.  It was wonderful to see Trainers and Companions from all Australian states and territories, as well as our Trainers from New Zealand gathering for two days of passionate discussion about grief and loss issues.  The feedback from the conference, especially from the Companions, has offered National Office a new challenge to explore ways of reconnecting with all our people.  This has been added to the 2012 agenda and we hope to be able to share some suggestions with you all in the new year.
 
Seasons for Growth® Adult Program
Interest in the Seasons for Growth® Adult Program has been good, but we have heard much concern about it's pricing.  The Board of Directors and Good Grief staff are very keen to support agencies that are trying to make a difference to the lives of children and adults who are challenged by change, loss and grief and we recognise that many of the Companions and agencies that use our programs do so on very limited budgets.  So after much soul searching and number crunching, the Board of Directors and I have decided that we will significantly reduce the costs of all the program materials.  The new prices are based on production costss and do not help us to recoup our development costs.  However, we hope that the greater numbers of sales will offset these in the long term.  So the new prices are;

• Program Manual          $80
• Seminar Workbook      $12.50
• Program Journal          $25
• Adult Program Kit        $110

Website Blues
Another area of stress for the Seasons for Growth® community has been the website.  We are very aware that a number of people have had difficulty registering for Reconnectors or training.  We are in negotiation with the IT technicians and program developers to try to resolve these issues.  It is hopes that by the begining of the new school year, everything will be workiing smoothly.
 
Christmas Greetings
On behalf of Kerry Stirling, Melinda Phillips, Helen Jardine, Nicole Romain and Narda Cooper at the National Office and Jeanette Foxe, NSW/QLD Coordinator and Patricia Williams VIC/SA Coordinator, I will you all a very happy christmas and holiday season filled with sunshine and relaxation.
 
Mary Ellen O'Donoghue
Chief Executive Officer
 
Click Here to access Coping with Grief at Christmas
Click Here to access Support after Natural Disaster Article