Pastoral Care Worker/Multi-Cultural Liaison Officer

Reconciliation Cup

We were invited by the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service to attend the 3rd Annual Reconciliation Cup to mark the National Reconciliation week on Thursday, 3 June 2021, held at the West End Stadium. 

The National Reconciliation week runs from May 27 to 3 June each year. These are two significant dates to commemorate the milestones in the reconciliation journey. It's a time for all Australians to learn about the Aboriginal histories, culture, and achievements, to explore how each culture can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service was aiming to promote awareness and positive interaction between all cultures in a respectful and harmonious manner environment through participation in sport, food sharing stories, and customs.

I was assisted by our PDHPE Teacher Renae Savage, who helped me select students from years 7 - 10 who come from culturally diverse backgrounds and played netball. The students selected for the Junior and Senior teams were as follows;

7/8

Isabella Cavallaro

Tahlia Quinn

Leti Veamatahu

Navdeep Kaur

Alyssa McGann

Jack Johns

Luca Piva

Urvil Patel

Alperen Arici

9/10

Ella Savage

Kayla Clements

Blake Aloisi

Sophia Kelsey

Breyan Sison

Alex Pietroboni

Charlee King

Georgia Salmon

Extraordinary efforts from these students as they made it through Round 1 and 2 and making it to the Grand final. Overall, Marian Catholic College won both Junior and Senior divisions, and they were awarded the Reconciliation Cup of 2021, and trophies for the junior and senior teams. 

Both Renae and I enjoyed this day with the students as they had fun interacting with other students from diverse cultures, and trying kangaroo sausages for the first time. I even played a full game of netball to support the staff from GAMS, and Griffith Police Officers, and yes the Pink team won who was also awarded on the day. 

Together we came as one, and Together can succeed as a Unity.

On NAIDOC day the students will be acknowledged for their positive attitude, endurance and efforts to being the 2021 winners of the reconciliation cup.

In closing, I would like to acknowledge the significance of this week; “Reconciliation Week” and pay my respects to the Elder's past, present, and future.

Cooking for CAREVAN

"In times of tragedies, our duty is to lend a helping hand to those in grief and thus light lamps of kindness and compassion".

In the fight against poverty, hunger, and homelessness, the Griffith Carevan work with groups representing all children, women, men, youth, people with disabilities, Indigenous and multicultural groups. 

Wednesday, 9th June, we were ready to help Griffith Carevan, to assist the local individuals, and families who are struggling or facing hardship. The number of students and teachers at Marian Catholic College who volunteered their lunchtime and recess to 'Lend a helping hand' was overwhelming. It's always great to see the gratitude of our staff and students providing and continuing a great service to our community. Together they showed so much enthusiasm and always working and growing as a team.

Heartfelt Thank you!

Thank you again to all who have donated quality uniform items to our clothing pool. The clothes are distributed to members of our MCC community and the recipients are extremely grateful.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for further assistance.

"Always remember to lend a hand to those in need"

Sanita Lole

Pastoral Care Worker & Cultural Liaison Officer