Education in Faith
St Cecilia's Primary School
Refugee Week 2026 – Celebrating Hope, Courage and Community
This week we celebrate Refugee Week, a time to recognise and give thanks for the many contributions refugees have made to Australia.
Since World War II, Australia has welcomed more than one million refugees, each with a unique story of courage, resilience and hope. Refugee Week 2026 provides an opportunity to reflect on this significant milestone and to remember the millions of people around the world who continue to be displaced from their homes due to conflict, persecution and hardship.
As a Catholic community, Refugee Week invites us to live out the Gospel values of compassion, dignity and inclusion. We remember that Jesus Himself experienced life as a refugee when Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to protect Him from King Herod's order to kill the infant boys of Bethlehem. This reminds us of our call to welcome, support and care for those seeking safety and a new beginning.
This message of hope and opportunity was highlighted recently through the inspiring story of Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda. At just 20 years of age, Nestory became the youngest Australian player to score a World Cup goal, helping Australia secure a 2–0 victory over Türkiye. Born in a refugee camp in Tanzania to Burundian parents, his journey took him from Adelaide to the world stage, demonstrating the incredible gifts and talents that refugees bring to our communities.
During Refugee Week, let us continue to pray for refugees throughout the world and reflect on how we can show kindness, understanding and welcome to all people, following the example of Jesus.
Attached is a clip used in the senior classes as part of Refugee Week 2026
Sacramental Dates
First Eucharist:
- Family Night : Tuesday 11 August
- Parent Night (no students) with Father Kevin: Tuesday 18 August
- Commitment Masses: Sunday 30 August at 10:00am and 5:30pm
- First Eucharist Celebrations: Sundays 8, 15 and 22 November at 10:00am and 5:30pm
Confirmation:
- Family Night : Tuesday 28 July
- Commitment Masses: Sunday 2 August at 10:00am and 5:30pm
- Confirmation Celebrations: Tuesday 8 September, Wednesday 9 September and Thursday 10 September in the evenings
Kind regards,
Annmaree Hoy
Education in Faith Leader