Digital Commons Network^™

International Service Learning: Benefits, Challenges And Experiences Of Pre-Service Teachers, Dianne Chambers, Shane Lavery

Education Papers and Journal Articles

This study explores the experiences and perceptions of 13 Australian early childhood, primary and secondary pre-service teachers who undertook a two-week international service-learning immersion in an educational setting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Qualitative data were collected pre-immersion through an anonymous questionnaire, and post-immersion through reflective journals/reports and focus group interviews. Results suggest that benefits included academic development and cross-cultural learning. Challenges involved language difficulties and coming to terms with the poverty and history of Cambodia. The participants indicated that the immersion was extremely relevant to them, both professionally and personally. Finally, cultural experiences encouraged the participants to generate cultural knowledge …

Really Proper Dangerous One: Aboriginal Responses To The First Wave Of Covid-19 In The Kimberley, Kathryn Thorburn, Kate Golson, Catherine Ridley, Rosanna Angus, Melissa Marshall

Nulungu Reports

No abstract provided.

Stakeholder Perspectives Of A Pilot Multicomponent Delirium Prevention Intervention For Adult Patients With Advanced Cancer In Palliative Care Units: A Behaviour Change Theory-Based Qualitative Study, Anna Green, Annmarie Hosie, Jane L. Phillips, Slavica Kochovska, Beverly Noble, Meg Brassil, Anne Cumming, Peter G. Lawlor, Shirley H. Bush, Jan M. Davis, Layla Edwards, Jane Hunt, Julie Wilcock, Carl Phillipson, Eugene Wesley Ely, Cynthia Parr, Melanie Lovell, Meera Agar

Nursing Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Theory-based and qualitative evaluations in pilot trials of complex clinical interventions help to understand quantitative results, as well as inform the feasibility and design of subsequent effectiveness and implementation trials.

Aim: To explore patient, family, clinician and volunteer (‘stakeholder’) perspectives of the feasibility and acceptability of a multicomponent non-pharmacological delirium prevention intervention for adult patients with advanced cancer in four Australian palliative care units that participated in a phase II trial, the ‘PRESERVE pilot study’.

Design: A trial-embedded qualitative study via semi-structured interviews and directed content analysis using Michie’s Behaviour Change Wheel and the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Setting/participants: Thirty-nine …

What Does It Mean To Be An Assistant Principal In Catholic Primary Schools In Western Australia? An Exploratory Instrumental Case Study, Lisa Gallin

Theses

This research aimed to explore the role of assistant principal in Catholic primary schools in Western Australia and is the first empirical study of assistant principals in this context. This research was predominantly qualitative and used interpretivism, specifically symbolic interactionism, as its theoretical perspective. An exploratory instrumental case study methodology was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the viewpoints of assistant principals regarding their role. Data collection methods included an online survey and semi-structured interviews as the primary sources, with a document search and researcher field notes adding further information. Miles et al.’s (2020) interactive data management and analysis …

The Process And Impact Of A Catholic School Amalgamation: A Mixed Method, Single Case Study, Stephen Gough

Theses

This research provides an investigative analysis of the impact of a large-scale change process involving the amalgamation of two long-standing Catholic schools in a capital city of Australia. The study explores how a change process impacted staff, student and parent stakeholders within the initial year of a school amalgamation by examining Catholic school life and culture, student learning and wellbeing, the physical learning environment, and leadership and administration. The objective is to better understand the process and the impact of the change that took place during the amalgamation, in order to further inform the planning and leading of future Catholic …

Factors Influencing Military Personnel Utilizing Chaplains: A Literature Scoping Review, Mark D. Layson, Katie Tunks Leach, Lindsay B. Carey, Megan C. Best

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Chaplains have been embedded in military settings for over a millennium. In recent years however, the decline in spiritual/religious (S/R) affiliation of military personnel across Western cultures has led to some commentators questioning the utilization of religious chaplains by defence personnel. This scoping review maps the literature on S/R and non-S/R factors that influence utilizing military chaplains— with a particular emphasis on the Australian military context. A systematic scoping review of tertiary literature databases using Arksey and O’Malley (2003) and Joanna Briggs Institute methodologies (JBI, 2021), revealed a total of 33 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Results fell into three …

What Is The Role Of Spiritual Care Specialists In Teaching Generalist Spiritual Care? The Perspectives Of Pastoral Care Staff In A Large Catholic Health And Aged Care Organisation, Kate Fiona Jones, Jennifer Washington, Matthew Kearney, Megan C. Best

IES Papers and Journal Articles

The value of spiritual care training for all staff working in health and aged care has been demonstrated. This study investigated how spiritual care specialists (SCSs) perceive their role in delivering spiritual care education to other staff. Fourteen SCSs participated in three online focus groups. Two key themes were identified: First, SCSs build upon existing capacity of staff by: (i) recognising existing strengths and capabilities; (ii) using relevant stories; (iii) using language which makes spiritual care accessible; (iv) making training relevant and practical; (v) tapping into staff vocation or calling; and (vi) building awareness of one’s own spirituality. Second, SCSs …

A Lifelong Journey In Aboriginal Affairs And Community: Nulungu Reconciliation Lecture 2021, Robert Isaacs

Nulungu Insights

In this 2021 Nulungu Reconciliation lecture, Dr Robert Isaacs AM OAM will explore the meaning of reconciliation and the lessons of his personal journey in two worlds. As part of the Stolen Generation, and born at the dawn of the formal Aboriginal Rights Movement, this lecture outlines the changing social attitudes through the eyes of the lived experience and the evolving national policy framework that has sought to manage, then heal, the wounds that divided a nation. Aspirations of self-determination, assimilation and reconciliation are investigated to unpack the intent versus the outcome, and why the deep challenges not only still …

Liturgy And Covid-19 In Australia: A Strange Mix, Angela Mccarthy

Pastoral Liturgy

No abstract provided.

Pastoral Liturgy 51 (2) Complete Journal

Pastoral Liturgy

No abstract provided.

Australian Perspectives On Spiritual Care Training In Healthcare: A Delphi Study, Kate F. Jones, Jennifer Washington, Matthew Kearney, David Kissane, Megan C. Best

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: The aim was to establish core components of spiritual care training for healthcare professionals in Australia.

Methods: This study used the Delphi technique to undertake a consensus exercise with spiritual care experts in the field of healthcare. Participant opinion was sought on (i) the most important components of spiritual care training; (ii) preferred teaching methods; (iii) clinical scenarios to address in spiritual care training; and (iv) current spiritual assessment and referral procedures.

Results: Of the 107 participants who responded in the first round, 67 (62.6%) were female, 55 (51.4%) worked in pastoral care, and 84 (78.5%) selected Christian as …

Systematic Review Of Medical Education On Spirituality, John Wenham, Megan Best, David Kissane

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Background

Spirituality is a fundamental dimension of our human nature that impacts on medical care and yet is relatively neglected by medical education courses in Australia.

Aim

This systematic review was conducted to assess the curriculum content currently used to develop medical student understanding of, and engagement with, spirituality in the context of patient care.

Methods

Studies published in English from 2010 to the review date were included in order to focus on the most recent curricula. Studies included medical students in undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, doctors in resident training programmes and registrars. Interventions considered for inclusion were curriculum modules …

Pastoral Liturgy 51 (1) Complete Journal

Pastoral Liturgy

No abstract provided.

Pastoral Liturgy 50 (2) Complete Journal

Pastoral Liturgy

No abstract provided.

Responding To The "Unknown Assailant": A Qualitative Exploration With Australian Health And Aged Care Chaplains On The Impact Of Covid-19, Kate Fiona Jones, Jennifer Washington, Matthew Kearney, Megan C. Best

IES Papers and Journal Articles

The global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has brought about physical, psychological and spiritual challenges within health and aged care services across Australia. The aim of this study was to consider the impact of COVID-19 from the perspective of Australian chaplains. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 chaplains. A grounded theory analysis identified three overarching themes: (1) a changing healthcare environment; (2) the impact of the virus; and (3) chaplains responding to the crisis. Increased healthcare restrictions in response to COVID-19 raised levels of fear and anxiety among patients, residents, family members and staff, and generated feelings of isolation and disconnection. Chaplains …

Popes Benedict Xvi And Francis On The Sexual Abuse Of Minors: Ecclesiological Perspectives, Mariusz Biliniewicz

Theology Papers and Journal Articles

This article does not have an abstract.

The Affectivity Of Good Teaching: Towards The Transformative Practice Of Possessing A 'Thinking Heart', Glenn Morrison

Theology Papers and Journal Articles

The aim of the article is to develop a phenomenological and theological approach to the affectivity of good teaching to foster a transformative practice of student engagement and awareness of the life of the soul as much as the mind and the heart. Drawing on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition’s search for truth in the context of the theological virtues of faith, hope and love, the article sets out to articulate what it means to possess a thinking heart of education by way of engaging seven transcendental imperatives: be spontaneous, be imaginative, be hopeful, be faithful, be pastoral, be not afraid, …

The Spiritual Growth Of Girls In Mercy Secondary Schools In Western Australia: The Perceptions Of Post-School Women., Tania Hicks

Theses

This study provides insight into the spiritual growth of girls in Mercy secondary schools in Western Australia (WA). Student spiritual growth is a fundamental priority in Catholic schools; it predicates the Church’s mission of evangelisation and aids the provision of a holistic education. Spiritual growth also enhances wellbeing through offering protective factors which may equip students in facing contextual challenges. Yet how is student spiritual growth fostered? Scholarly literature calls for further study in spiritual education (de Souza, 2016; King, 2013; Ng, 2012; Wright, 2000) suggesting a need for increased clarity about how to foster the spiritual growth of young …

The Barren Bear Fruit: Towards A Theology Of Marital Fruitfulness For Sterile Catholic Couples In Light Of Hans Urs Von Balthasar’S Theology Of Fruitfulness, Briony Mowbray

Theses

It is estimated that between 4.0% and 11.2% of married Catholic couples remain undesirably childless after exhausting licit medical treatments for their infertility. Yet, a critical appraisal of the documents of the Magisterium highlights an absence of substantial and constructive dialogue about fruitfulness for sterile Catholic couples. This thesis draws upon the insights of Hans Urs von Balthasar in order to construct a preliminary theology of marital fruitfulness that is specifically applicable to Christian couples unable to have biological children. Following the aforementioned appraisal of relevant Magisterial documents, this thesis is divided into two further sections. In the first section, …

Worker Psycho-Spiritual Self-Care Choices: Making Sense During Times Of Stress And Anxiety, Peter Devenish-Meares

Theses

This thesis explores and extends the use of psycho-spiritual self-care choices in support of sense-making and inner healing of workplace stress. The study was motivated by a lack of research about and the observation that, despite their usefulness in other disciplines, psycho-spiritual self-care choices are often poorly understood or ignored in the workplace. Yet, chronic stress, if left unaddressed, can lead to adverse mental health consequences. This is particularly so when harsh self-criticism, poor self-acceptance and lack of self-kindness stymie self-care and meaningful sense-making. Notably too, there is next to no research that shows how workers might detach from work …

Identifying And Implementing The Theology Of The Domestic Church, Mishel Stefanac

Theses

This project explores the development of the theology of the domestic church and how it can be implemented in Catholic families. It investigates the origin of the phrase domestic church, traces its development over centuries, and considers the implications this has on the Church and families. The overall objective of this project is to inquire into the significance of this term and identify the principles that ought to be incorporated in a practical resource for families.

The project begins with a comprehensive analysis of the origins of the term domestic church, and how it developed over time. It investigates why …

"Spirituality Is Everybody's Business": An Exploration Of The Impact Of Spiritual Care Training Upon The Perceptions And Practice Of Rehabilitation Professionals, Kate Fiona Jones, Julie Pryor, Candice Care-Unger, Grahame Simpson

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Purpose: This study explored the impact of a brief spiritual care training program upon the perceptions and self-reported practice of rehabilitation professionals working in traumatic injury.

Methodology and methods: A qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were held with staff from a rehabilitation hospital in Sydney, Australia, between six and eight weeks after participation in spiritual care training. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Results: Of the 41 rehabilitation professionals who attended the training (1 h online, 1.5 h face to face), 16 agreed to be interviewed. The majority worked in spinal cord injury and were female. Half reported holding a Christian affiliation. …

Effectiveness Of Spiritual Care Training For Rehabilitation Professionals: An Exploratory Controlled Trial, Kate Fiona Jones, Julie Pryor, Candice Care-Unger, Joseph Descallar, Grahame Kenneth Simpson

IES Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Spirituality may play an important role in neurorehabilitation, however research findings indicate that rehabilitation professionals do not feel well equipped to deliver spiritual care.

Objective: To evaluate a spiritual care training program for rehabilitation professionals.

Methods: An exploratory controlled trial was conducted. Participants enrolled in a two-module spiritual care training program. Spiritual care competency was measured with the Spiritual Care Competency Scale. Confidence and comfort levels were measured using the Spiritual Care Competency Scale domains. The Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale assessed participant attitudes and knowledge. Measures were administered three times: pre-program, post-program and six weeks follow-up. …

School Based Responses To Non-Suicidal Self Injury And Suicide: Literature Considerations When Framing A Policy Response, Martin Wiseman, Shannon O'Gorman

eJournal of Catholic Education in Australasia

Deliberate Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) and suicide present distinct but related concerns for schools. An Australian study of over 6,300 families containing children/ adolescents aged 4 to 17 years found that one in 10 young people had engaged with NSSI – with three quarters of this cohort having harmed themselves in the previous twelve months (Lawrence, 2015). The same study found that within the 12 to 17 year old age group, one in 13 individuals had considered suicide in the previous 12 months, with one in 40 having made attempts (Lawrence, 2015). This article seeks to articulate key themes from …

Dampier Peninsula’S Community Navigators Empowering Kimberley Families Through Their Aboriginal-Led Woombooriny Amboon Angarriiya Partnership Initiative (Waapi), Jessica Bunning, Janella Isaac, Rosana Smith, Joshua Augustine, Belinda Sampi

Nulungu Insights

The Dampier Peninsula is home to a pristine coastal landscape and rugged country with diverse and abundant marine life, flora and fauna. Valuable Aboriginal cultural knowledge, traditions and science are still shared and practiced, while local tourism and industry opportunities are poised for growth.

Throughout this unique and beautiful region, an exciting project led by the Aboriginal people of Beagle Bay, Djarindjin, Lombadina and Ardyaloon communities called WAAPI - the Woombooriny Amboon Angarriiya Partnership Initiative is taking shape. It aims to empower Aboriginal families and improve outcomes for their children, young people and families living across the Dampier Peninsula region. …

Marnda Gardairri: Facilitation Of An Indigenous Ranger Rock Art Workshop, Melissa Marshall, Lynley A. Wallis, Kate Golson

Nulungu Insights

The Marnda Gardairri Indigenous Rangers Workshop was held from 3–5 October 2017 on the Burrup Peninsula in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The event, which was hosted by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), brought together rangers from across Australia to discuss rock art conservation and management. The workshop was given the title ‘Marnda Gardairri’ as this means rock scratching/engraving on the Burrup Peninsula.

The workshop was developed by MAC in collaborative partnership with Rio Tinto Iron Ore-Pilbara Operations and the Nulungu Research Institute (The University of Notre Dame Australia). Rio Tinto and Woodside Petroleum funded the workshop, with Mel …

Mapu Kungulu, Mapu Ngarlu, Mapu Muwarr Wakajku (Open Mind, Good Feeling, Good Talk And Business For All Of Us), Anna Dwyer, Maria Morgan, Gillian Kennedy

Nulungu Insights

In September 2019 the Nulungu Research Institute hosted 20 judges from the District Court of Western Australia (WA) and five justices of the Supreme Court of WA at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) Broome Campus for a cultural immersion experience and judicial conference. The program included an overnight trip to Karajarri country and a visit to the Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community (formerly La Grange Mission). The aim was to provide the judicial officers with an insight into the contexts of Aboriginal people living in remote parts of the Kimberley, and to offer tailored professional development sessions to assist them …

St Thomas Aquinas On Affectivity: A Way Forward For Seminary Formation, Bernard Gordon

Theses

St Thomas Aquinas on Affectivity: A Way Forward for Seminary Formation, is a theological argument that St Thomas’ teaching can be applied to the affective formation of men preparing to be Catholic priests. St Thomas’ teaching provides a very helpful understanding of affective maturity and its integral importance for a truly Christian and priestly life in the service of others. It flows from a theological anthropology that recognizes proper affective growth as an integral part of human life and interpersonal relationships. Affective maturity is an essential attribute for the seminarian to acquire because he is preparing to be a priest …

Kimberley Transitions, Collaborating To Care For Our Common Home: Beginnings…, Sandra Wooltorton, Sandy Toussaint, Anne Poelina, Anne Jennings, Stephen Muecke, Kevin Keneally, Jacqueline Remond, Arjati Schipf, Louisa Stredwick

Nulungu Research Papers

This scoping paper is a preliminary introduction to the aspirations, interrelated literature and research involved in development of the Kimberley Transitions Project. Our focus is on Western Australia’s Kimberley region, a landscape of immense natural and cultural significance. Along with the rest of Australia, and indeed the world in which we all live, the Kimberley is on the verge of major climate, political, social and economic change. The direction of changes being proposed by governments and industry are regularly criticised, both globally and locally, by individuals and organisations concerned about damage to its rich biodiversity and cultural integrity. With the …

Developing A Practice-Based Research Agenda For Grief And Bereavement Care, Ashton Hay, Christopher W. Hall, Margaret Sealey, Elizabeth Lobb, Lauren J. Breen

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

We aimed to identify practitioners’ perspectives on current research priorities in grief and bereavement care. Grief and bereavement care providers were invited to participate in a three-phase Delphi study to create expert consensus on the top priorities for grief and bereavement research. A total of 140 participants completed Phase 1, 84 completed Phase 2, and 70 completed Phase 3. These top 10 research priorities form the basis of a practice-based research agenda for grief and bereavement care to enable researchers to respond to key issues in grief and bereavement care that will ultimately improve the lives of bereaved people.