Assistant Principal

Mission

Tim CHAPMAN

Assistant Principal  | Mission

The past two weeks have seen us commemorate the anniversary of Laudato Si – the Pope’s encyclical on the care of our common home, and Reconciliation Week – which encompasses Sorry Day and Mabo Day. 

Pope Francis teaches us that creation is a gift from God and that it is our responsibility to care for it. Rather than separating ourselves from our environment or valuing it only for its usefulness, we need to protect the environment and promote the common good. He also highlights that it is the wealthier nations that have caused the most damage to the environment; however, it is the poor who will suffer greatest from the consequences of climate change. 

Often we think that our individual impact is too small to make a real difference. I challenge this notion in that many small acts can create large scale change. At the recent election we have seen monumental shifts towards minor parties and independents who have run on a platform of ecological sustainability. This demonstrates the shift in public attitudes towards this issue. At a school level I encourage students to think about their own waste. We have bottle recycling bins around the College. It may mean walking a little further to the bin, but outcomes are worth it. We also need to be conscious of the products we choose to purchase and the impacts on the environments that they have. 

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2022 is ‘Be Brave. Make Change’. It is a challenge set to all Australians to be brave enough to tackle unfinished business and make a change, whether it’s as an individual, family, community, education setting or bigger. It signifies that it is a time for us all to acknowledge and be educated on the true history of this country, and work together on moving forward successfully. Whilst it is easy to become swept up in politic rhetoric, our greatest steps come in the form of dialogue with our First Nations brothers and sisters. It is amazing what you can learn just by being open minded and listening to someone with a different background and perspective. 

To mark Reconciliation Week, students were invited to submit hands containing prayers, positive messages and phrases to recognise our need for greater connection with our First Nation Peoples. This art piece is currently on display outside the main staffroom.