Director of Mission
Mission News
May our thoughts and prayers be those families affected by the tragedy in Christchurch. Deep grief and injustice has been felt around the world. At Marian we would like to also express from our community a love and compassion for all of ‘us’. Put more eloquently in the words of exceptional leadership:
“You will have heard me say in the media that, yes, this is an event that has happened in Christchurch, that this has happened to our Muslim community. But you are us. So we feel deeply in our hearts what has happened to you. We feel grief. We feel injustice. We feel anger. And we share that with you.”
–Jacinda Ardern, Meeting with the Christchurch Muslim community, March 16
MCC Community of Care
Let’s begin by highlighting a moment amongst many of care and compassion expressed by our community during the last two weeks. I opened with this last edition and hope to carry this on into the future.
At our recent Harmony day which was an exceptional display from our students of the vibrant, dynamic and diverse community we hold, one moment stood out for its message was loud, passionate and authentic.
Our Pacific Island men from Yr 7 – 12 decided to perform a Haka in tribute to the victims of the recent events in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was introduced by profound and wise words from one of our College captains who said:
Everyone gathered here today is proof of the power of diversity. Our nation was built upon the back of it: in our nation, as well as in New Zealand, we are encouraged to worship and express ourselves freely. Nobody has the right to take that away from us. The bond we share with our brothers and sisters across the water has stood the test of time and we stand with them today. In this time of suffering, let us remember to stand strong together against vile acts of hatred such as this. For every dark day like this, there are a dozen good ones. This act and acts like it will not define us, now or ever.
- Julian Davidge
Harmony was not only a ‘good’ day but an outstanding demonstration of our youth who truly care. These young men did their culture, their school, their families and most importantly, themselves, extremely proud. It was a beautiful moment to share and is still available to watch on our facedbook page where it was streamed live. I am sure there is more about this day throughout the newsletter so I will leave it at that. Congratulations to everyone who was involved.
Project Compassion
Project Compassion has completed 3 weeks and it has been a slow start. Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Our goal this year is $3000 which will make a significant contribution to the needs of remote communities we are intending to aid. At the moment we are currently sitting at just under $1000.
I would like to highlight the following students who have made a significant contribution in either awareness or donation:
Yr 7 – Amelia Catanzariti
Yr 9 – Ryan Zanatta & Lou Irvine
Y 10 – Brooke Aloisi, Luke Armanini and Connor Bourke
We have also had a few homerooms that have made it into our Homeroom Hall of Fame already and I will highlight those in our final newsletter for the term.
You can also help at home with your children and ask them to take the below Project Compassion Water Challenge:
Aboriginal Education Workshop – ‘Ideas that work’
I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop run by Peter O’Beirne and Mark Crouch last Tuesday with our Aboriginal Community and School Support Officer, Lorelei Wray. The opening question for the day was “What do we want all our students who leave our school to know and understand about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia?” It was a highly informative and insightful day. A great chance to network with others and reflect on what the focus was in each of our schools.
In ten words we were asked to complete the day with what we are taking away. I wrote “Simple steps build big cultural bridges when done with authenticity”. In three days and after a very brief discussion Marian has already implemented three simple and authentic steps towards stronger reconciliation and unity. MCC proudly recognises and pays respect to the Wiradjuri land on which its footsteps lie. We will strive to show and grow this recognition and the education around it in the future.
That wraps up the newsletter for this week have a great weekend and as always do not hesitate to get in touch for feedback, suggestions or queries.
Regards
Heath Neville
Director of Mission
Marian Catholic College