The Arterial January 2021

What a year 2020 was! I am sure most of you will be happy to see the end of it. A year of concern, uncertainty and numerous changes and challenges to our daily lives. Hopefully we can look back and grow from this experience by becoming more resilient, more adaptive and more aware of what is precious to us all.

I have been fortunate to be able to work from home, spending much time developing our online programs for MFE. In 2021 new of our first initiatives for MFE will be the launch of a new Infection control for funeral workers course that can be completed and assessed online. It has been designed for those wanting to enter into funeral service, as well those new to the industry and for updates in continuing education for experienced funeral workers. Work is still in progress with our online developers, so we will keep you updated once it is available.

Student News

Despite the challenges of COVID-19 in 2020, MFE welcomed a number of new students Tracy Dixon (QLD), Amanda Davies (NSW), Margaret DiFresco (VIC), Mallory Mason (VIC), Jaime Young (VIC), Lutera Reupena (QLD), Taelah Saloumidis (NSW) and welcomed back Samantha Johnson (NSW).

Watch this space for some exciting news about two students who are expecting babies this year – next issue will give more information. Who could they be? ……

Congratulations to Bradley McNamara who qualified the Certificate IV in Embalming in early November 2020 – quite an achievement in light of the year we all experienced. Well done Bradley!

Invocare Melbourne Workshop

During October MFE provided in-house training for a small group of Melbourne Invocare students studying the Certificate IV in Embalming. Masks were essential as was the distancing regulations. Thank you Invocare for providing a suitable training facility for our MFE students.

November Melbourne workshops

MFE were fortunate to be able to run the November workshop for Melbourne students with Paul Castaldi from Hickeys as our guest presenter. Many thanks Paul for your continued support, it is greatly appreciated by both MFE students and tutors.

This past year we have all had to adjust to an ever-changing “new normal” and adapt quickly to the changes that were needed in our everyday work. Along with any change, comes stress. Some have had to work many long and hard hours to accommodate families, sometimes at the expense of their family time. Dealing with the demands of government regulation updates and the implications for our families and colleagues has been tough. We need to take some time for some self-care as funeral professionals during these stressful times. There are many resources in the self-help area that provide insight into helping relieve some of the stress- including online access to both materials and support people. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.

Don’t forget that we welcome any student news, photos and/or articles from past and present students.

Please email submissions to The Editor, Priscilla Nelson at pnelson@mfeducators.com

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