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Education and Health Communique 7
Pearl Bridgwater
December 20, 2011

Introduction
While many members are thinking of Christmas projects, national executive members are thinking of preparing annual reports. With specific guidelines, the writing of reports can be a pleasant task and a rewarding experience. I hope the suggestions that follow will help to make writing the reports easier and more pertinent to this standing committee.

In general,
 highlight your activities as the chairperson
 do not include scripture, prayers or poetry
 include information from sub-committees
 do not list every activity from every report received. Summarize the common activities; e.g, all councils give bursaries to high school students. Highlight one or two that are unique in some way.
 do not include activities that pertain to other committees. Activities under education and health include MaterCare, bursaries, the Coady International Institute. (National Manual of Policy and Procedure 2010 updates page 68)

Specifically, report under these headings (Article XII, Section (5) of the Constitution & Bylaws)
(a) Catholic education: (1) Catholic schools and catechesis (2) Rites of Christian Initiation
(b) Literacy and continuing education
(c) Scholarships and bursaries
(d) Wellness and sickness/disease
(e) Environment
(f) Genetics

Read the above guidelines while working on your annual reports. I look forward to receiving accounts of the great work of this standing committee “For God and Canada”.

May the holiday season be filled with blessings, love of family and friends and hope for the coming year.