From the Principal

National Reconciliation Week ran between May 27 and June 3. The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is Be a Voice for Generations. We are all encouraged to be a voice for reconciliation through our actions, deeds and words. 

National Reconciliation Week is an annual celebration that builds upon the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples of all cultures in these lands now called Australia. During National Reconciliation Week all Australians are invited to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, to share that knowledge and help us grow as a nation. National Reconciliation Week sits alongside other significant dates such as Aboriginal Sunday the Sunday before January 26, January 26 is a day of mourning, invasion, and survival, and NAIDOC Week a week of celebrating the world’s oldest living continuing cultures from the first to the second Sunday of July. As a College, we acknowledge the importance of National Reconciliation Week within our learning and teaching programs, but also through devotions and chapel services.

As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a referendum will be held between October and December 2023 to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. This has caused a great deal of discussion within the media about whether or not the First Nations people should be officially recognised in the Constitution and giving them a voice in Parliament. We are reminded in Isaiah 41:10-13 that God is with us through difficult times and gives us the strength and the courage to move forward with what is right and just, despite set backs and opposition. 

Isaiah 41:10-13

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.  Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.  For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.

As a Lutheran school, everything we do is informed by the gospel of Jesus Christ who taught us to stand up for what is right and challenge outdated and misinformed attitudes that facilitate inequality and unfairness. In closing, I offer Salina Stewart’s ‘Prayer for the Voice’ which aptly represents our hopes and prayers for the forthcoming referendum.

Safina Stewart’s Prayer for the Voice

God of wondrous possibility

Take my story and my life

Give me courage to stand for justice  

God of dreaming and mystery

Forgive my blind complaining

Give me vision to walk remembering your history 

God of truth and love

Take my bruised hands and feet

Give me strength and grace to stand for truth 

God of safety and singing

Take my mouth and my voice

Give me words to inspire and encourage 

God of knowledge and creativity

Take my whole being

Help me stretch, broaden and deepen 

God of goodness and hope

Take my connections and influence

And help me stand for Voice and Justice

Amen

Robert Tassoni

Principal