MATER Christi College has continued its commitment to education on social issues, launching the Parents’ Alcohol and Drug Resource Book at a special event attended by prominent psychologist and contributor to the book, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
A research group of parents from Trinity College, Kew, worked with Dr Carr-Gregg and Professor John Toumbourou to compile this key resource tool which aims to inform and guide parents, students and teachers on this important issue.
In launching the resource book, Dr Carr-Gregg praised the initiative of Mater Christi in providing the booklet for parents and challenged the college to engage all schools in the area to promote a common approach through parents.
“The alcohol industry spends a million dollars a day on advertising. It is important that there is a strong counter-message from parents and educators based on facts about the risks of alcohol for young people,” said Dr Carr-Gregg.
“We should encourage students to deconstruct the messages in advertising in conversation, in the school curriculum, wherever we can.”
Principal of Mater Christi, Mary Fitz-Gerald, praised the initiative of Trinity College and its dedicated parents for sharing this reference material, so that all students and families across all settings could benefit from the expert knowledge contained within the resource book.
“When families and teachers work together, with the same understanding and emphasis, the outcomes in relation to young people, and their attitudes towards and the way in which they deal with drugs are likely to be positive and powerful,” said Ms Fitz-Gerald.
For more information on the Parents’ Alcohol and Drug Resource Book, or for general inquiries, contact the college on 9754 6611. Parents and students are also welcome to attend the Mater Christi Open Day at the Belgrave college on Thursday 19 February between 9am-12noon and 7pm-9pm.
