Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week

Over the past two weeks the College has commemorated Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week, examples of our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation. Last Friday, at the Kalinga Park Sorry Day ceremony, Year 9 student and proud Wiradjuri woman, Dakota, shared the following reflection on what Sorry Day means to her. I commend Dakota on her considered and respectful words.

To me, Sorry Day is a time to honour: To honour our Elders, our families, and especially those who were part of the Stolen Generations — the children who were taken from their homes, their culture, their language, and the people who loved them. They were stolen with the aim of erasing who they were. But they survived. Their strength, and the strength of those who came after them, lives on in us today.

I think of those children often — not just as names in history books, but as part of our story. Their pain didn’t end when they grew up. Many never found their families again. Many never had the chance to speak their language or return to Country. And yet, through all that pain, they kept going. That’s what we honour today — not just the suffering, but their survival.

This day is also a reminder that the impacts of those policies are still felt now. Racism didn’t end with the Stolen Generations. It still exists in the way we’re treated, the way our truth is doubted, and the way our voices are pushed aside.

I've experienced racism — sometimes directly, sometimes in small, quiet ways that still cut deep. I’ve had people question my identity, because I don't look the way they want me to look, but that doesn't stop me from being proud of who I am. I’ve felt the pressure to stay quiet when I knew I should speak. I know I’m not the only one.

That’s why Sorry Day matters. Because saying “Sorry” means nothing if it’s not backed up with truth-telling, respect, and real action.

So today, I honour those who were taken. I honour those who never came home. I honour those who raised us with strength, even while carrying pain. And I honour the fact that we are still here — proud, strong, and unbroken.

I speak today for those who couldn’t. And I’ll keep speaking, because our stories matter — and they will never be forgotten.

World Environment Day

Celebrated on 5 June each year, World Environment Day raises awareness about issues that affect our planet and its ecosystems. The theme for World Environment Day this year is #BeatPlasticPollution.

Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet— even in our bodies in the form of microplastics. A major source of plastic pollution is single-use plastic products such as water bottles, dispensing containers, takeaway bags, disposable cutlery, freezer bags and packaging foam.

This year’s World Environment Day comes exactly two months before countries meet again to continue negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. By drawing inspiration from nature and showcasing real-world solutions, the campaign will encourage individuals, organisations, industries, and governments to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change.

As Franciscan people, we can do our bit too:

Shop Sustainably: Next time you are out shopping, choose food with no plastic packaging, carry a reusable bag, buy local products, and refill containers to reduce your plastic waste and effect on the environment.

Choose plastic-free personal care products: Personal care products are a major source of microplastics, which get washed into the oceans straight from our bathrooms. Look for plastic-free face wash, day cream, makeup, deodorant, shampoo and other products.

Try a Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Become a zero-waste champion. Invest in sustainable, ocean-friendly products, reusable coffee mugs, water bottles and food wraps.

Join the #BeatPlasticPollution movement—because together we can create a healthier future.

Fr Casey Cole OFM

On Monday, Mount Alvernia College was honoured to attend presentations by American Franciscan Friar, Fr Casey Cole and to host a gathering for seventy religious educators. Fr Casey is visiting Australia as part of the Australian Catholic University's special 2025 Jubilee program.

Across the three talks Fr Casey delivered in Kedron, he spoke about Franciscan leadership, Christian discipleship and evangelisation. He emphasised the place of pray and the Eucharist in forming us to live the Gospel and in striving to be better people. He affirmed the Franciscan call to right relationship with God, all people and all of creation.

Fr Casey joined the Order of Friars Minor in 2011 and was ordained in 2019. He is a keen sportsman and a renowned YouTuber, blogger and author. He regularly contributes to his YouTube channel "Breaking in the Habit " and has published three books, including The Way of Beatitude: Living with Radical Hope in a World of Division and Despair. Fr Casey travels widely delivering presentations on evangelisation and vocation. Previously chaplain to Mount de Sales Academy, St Peter Claver School and Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, Fr Casey will commence a new evangelisation ministry in July in Charlotte North Carolina.

I extend my thanks to Franciscan Schools Australia for their coordination of Fr Casey’s visit to Kedron and to the Australian Catholic University for their support of this year’s program.

Sony Foundation Camp

Mount Alvernia College and Marist College Ashgrove will co-host the Sony Foundation Camp from Saturday 20 - Monday 22 September 2025. This three-day residential camp for children who are differently-abled, is provided at no cost to families. We have received our quota of applications from families of boys, but we would welcome more applications from families of girls. If you know any girls aged 10-16 years who may benefit from the camp, please direct their parent/carer to complete a Camper Application Form.

In addition, we are looking for sponsors to assist us in making this year’s Sony Foundation Camp even bigger and better. If you own a business or would like to support us in any way, please email sony@marash.qld.edu.au to discuss further.

If you would like to make a donation to the camp you can do so via the following donation link: Marist College Ashgrove & Mt Alvernia College Sony Foundation Camp Fundraiser 2025. All donations – great and small – will assist us to cover the costs of this year’s camp.

Rebel Yarners: Donations Needed

The Rebel Yarners are a lively bunch of students who meet at breaktimes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to crochet, knit and yarn. At the moment, they have several projects on the go including making beanies and granny squares for blankets.

They need your help!

Yarn: Our Yarners need 10 ply yarn in dark colours for the beanies and any type of colourful yarn for the blankets.

Granny Squares: Our Yarners would welcome donations of granny squares, 15cm x 15cm in size. If you are a keen knitter or crocheter, the Yarners would be most grateful to receive your creations.

Kedron Youth Rally

This year the Parish of St Therese and St Anthony (Little Flower) Kedron will be holding one youth event per term. These events are opportunities for students to connect with other young people from the Franciscan schools of Kedron and beyond. Please find attached information about the second youth event of the year from 5.00 – 8.00pm on Sunday 8 June. The presenter is Sione Moehona. Students are invited to attend even if they have not registered. Students are to wear casual clothing. A light supper will be served.

Homestay Families Urgently Required