College Leadership Team
NAIDOC Week
During Week 4, we proudly celebrated First Nations culture and heritage as part of NAIDOC Week. Our College community gathered for a special assembly recognising this year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly - NAIDOC celebrations.
The assembly began with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Neville Reys, welcoming us onto Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country. We were also honoured to hear from alumna Merinda Walters, who shared her inspiring story about using her talents and strengths to achieve success. She encouraged students to consider how they can use their own gifts to make a positive impact in their communities.
Students also created a video reflecting on what the word "deadly" means to them, showcasing their pride in culture, identity and community.
Throughout the week, students and staff also enjoyed a friendly Staff vs Students Netball Match and a weaving workshop. These activities were made possible through the outstanding efforts of our students and our new First Nations Education Officers, Ms Cody Raymond and Mr Leon Yeatman (Jnr).
Below is a summary of their introductions from the assembly.
Cody Raymond
Cody Raymond joins the College as the Junior First Nations Education Officer. Cody descends from the Bindaburra Yidinji, Gubbi Gubbi and Larrakia Peoples, with family connections to Waiben and Badu Islands in the Torres Strait.
A proud alumna of St Mary's College, graduating with the Class of 2010, Cody returns with a strong commitment to the values and teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as extensive experience in the performing arts and First Nations cultural knowledge. Cody is excited to contribute these skills, experience and passion to supporting students and enriching the College community.
Leon Yeatman (Jnr)
Leon Yeatman (Jnr) has joined St Mary's as the Senior First Nations Education Officer. Leon is a proud Gunggandji and Lower Coastal Yidinji man from Yarrabah, with cultural ties to Kuku Djungan (Burns Side) and Kuku Yalanji/Nyungkal peoples.
Having spent the majority of his secondary schooling at Brisbane Boys' College, Leon brings valuable insight into the experiences of First Nations students studying away from home. His educational journey has inspired a strong commitment to ensuring First Nations students feel culturally safe, confident and supported throughout their schooling years. Leon is passionate about empowering young people to achieve success while maintaining strong connections to culture, family and community.
St Mary's warmly welcomes Cody and Leon to the College. We look forward to the positive impact they will have as they support our students and strengthen our College community.
In faith, hope and love,
Andrea O'Grady
Assistant Principal - Identity & Outreach
