CELEBRATING FIRST NATIONS CULTURE 

Another Successful Indigenous Orientation Welcome Day

Our new Indigenous students of 2023 received a warm-hearted welcome during the Saints  Indigenous Welcome Day on 16 November. Sincere thanks to staff and current Indigenous students who helped to make it a great success. 

After being greeted on arrival by Mrs Megan Henriksen, our Registrar, we gathered in the coolness of the chapel for an official welcome by and meeting with the Principal, Mr Glen Seivers; the Director of Boarding, Mr Brett Toombs; the Head of the Junior Residence, Mr Stephen King and the Head of Year 7 next year, Mrs Nicola Roberts.

After this introduction and information session Tolle's staff treated us all to morning tea.

Students with their parents toured the residence for the first time, students played sport under the direction of Mr Paul See Kee then enjoyed lunch. The next stop was the art room where they did Indigenous art lino printing. This is a popular part of the day with students allowed to take home their artwork.  

The day ended with a sleep over in their "home away from home". Our current Indigenous students were joined by almost all our new boarders from St Augustine’s and St Monica’s. The activities during the day and night were aimed at helping our newest members of the boarding community feel comfortable in their second home. 

Many thanks to the following students: Nassar Foster who played the didgeridoo, Torres Sabatino who read the Acknowledgement of Country and  Abu-John Mye and Torres who spoke to the newcomers.

After their first night in boarding, our new Indigenous students joined the other 2023 Year 7 students for Orientation Day which was also a great success. Nassar Foster and Anthony Yellub played the didgeridoo on this occasion.

Feedback was positive, with one parent commenting that the family is reassured of the care and support her son will receive in the years to come. Another commented that their family is grateful to have their son attend Saints as she personally knows some Indigenous alumni Saints men who she believes are fine, upstanding citizens.

AIEF Scholarship Students

Our new AIEF scholarship students and their parents met and chatted with our AIEF Executive Pathways Program Representative, Ms Angelica Castillejos. Thanks to Ms Castillejos for making the time to take part in our Orientation Day.