STUDENTS from two Brisbane archdiocesan Catholic schools have been rewarded, at the inaugural Queensland Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge, for their efforts to tackle crime in their area.
Teams from St Teresa’s Catholic College, Noosaville, co-ordinated by teacher Anne Chambers, received gold (first) and silver (second) place in the secondary category, while two teams from St Joseph’s School, Corinda, co-ordinated by teachers Denise Schade and Fiona Enevoldsen, received equal-bronze (third) place in the primary section.
The St Teresa’s teams were presented with cheques for $2000 for first place and $1000 for second while St Joseph’s students got two cheques for $500 each for their equal-third place in the state finals.
Presentations were held at Government House on November 24.
To win an award each team had to investigate the impact theft had on the community and the role Crime Stoppers had in helping solve these crimes with the help of the public.
St Joseph’s students made digital storybooks of scenarios where theft had occurred and, with the help of Crime Stoppers, the crimes had been solved and the thieves sent to jail.
Year 6 entered four teams in the Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge 2007 with two teams winning the regional finals.
St Joseph’s Year 6 teacher Denise Schade said the competition involved the teams looking at scenarios where theft was involved.
“We surveyed victims of crime, had a police officer come to the school and answer questions and looked up information on the Internet,” she said.
“We needed to show how Crime Stoppers can help and show we understand the implications of theft for victims, thieves and the wider community.”
Each team also received goods to the value of $100 and every participant received a certificate from Queensland Governor Quentin Bryce.
