Bally Barker Blog

This morning, Channel 7 breakfast program, Sunrise, had the live cross to Arranounbai in Frenchs Forest. In addition to students, staff, and families, Arranounbai principal, Stephanie Hopkins kindly extended the invitation to Rotary Balgowlah members to also be present since the club has given support to the school for many years. Representing the club were Rick and Chaiki Van Brugge, Lindy Myers, Sue Terry, John O’Brien, and Michael Mead who all braved the cold morning and were at the school at 5:45 am – along with Stephanie, her staff some students, parents, and volunteers. When Sunrise presenter and weatherman, Sam ‘Mac’ McMillan, interviewed Stephanie, she said that Balgowlah Rotary was a valued supporter Arranounbai principal and pointed to the latest equipment, the two Gomier Tricycles purchased and donated by the club.   Left to right: Lindy Myers, Sam Mac, Sue Terry, Michael Mead, Rick Van Brugge, Chiaki Van Brugge and Stephanie Hopkins (Seated on

Stephanie Hopkins has been a passionate educator for over 25 years. Her teaching experience spans all ages Kindergarten to year 12 in both Australia and in the U.K. and includes a variety of roles, specialising in Gifted and Talented students as well as those with special and higher needs. She was an Assistant Principal of Hebersham (Mt Druitt) Public School where she fostered a program within a behaviour unit. After a short time in London based special schools, Stephanie found her calling in special education when she moved to Arranounbai School in 2013 and where she is currently Principal (since 2018). She relishes all her teaching interactions but none more than as Principal at Arranounbai. It is her wish to be a part of delivering the highest quality of care and education to these children, whilst promoting greater understanding and inclusion in the broader community. Stephanie was awarded a Pride of Workmanship award in 2020 by the club and gave us an update o

Tuesday May 31 st , 2022   At a combined meeting of the Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Sydney’s Northern Beaches: a highly informative and totally moving presentation was given by Dr Ray Hodgson. Dr Ray is an Associate Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He is a specialist genecology surgeon and obstetrician and is based in Port Macquarie.   Dr Ray Hodgson   In 2010, after discovering the appalling state of Women’s Health in Nepal - he founded the humanitarian organisation Australians for Women’s Health (see www.A4WH.org ) . Several times every year he organises teams of volunteers to assist him with medical camps and provide surgical care to underprivileged women in need; in remote regions of Nepal. The teams also provide extensive teaching to local Nepalese doctors, nurses, and midwives. Moreover, Dr Ray’s latest project is to build and set up a Mothers and Babies Hospital in Nepal where they can locate their life saving work.   The night was op

Our guest speaker was Sam Wilkins from Rotaract Northern Beaches. Sam during the presentation. Rotaract Northern Beaches was formed in 2016 and Sam is a charter member and current president. The vision of Rotaract is as follows: “ Rotaractors are passionate, community-minded individuals. We actively collaborate and engage with our community to create meaningful social impact”. Meetings are held twice each month; one at PCYC Northern Beaches and the second rotating around local venues and Rotaractors have managed several projects including Bush Clean Up Days, Share the Dignity and a Virtual Fashion Show Clothing Drive.   Sam outlined the many benefits of Rotaract membership, including personal development opportunities, meeting and working with like-minded people, the ability to make a difference in the community and especially having fun. His is key challenge is gaining local members and Sam really needs assistance in con