Catholic Identity

2025 Diocesan Theme
Pilgrims of Hope: Embracing the Jubilee Year 2025

NADIOC Week Prayer ~ The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, reminds us of the importance of honouring those who have come before us while empowering those who will lead us forward. At school this week, we gathered as a whole community in prayer. Our Year 5/6 Fire Carriers led us with respect and passion as we gathered around our labyrinth, acknowledged Country, and prayed together using the Four Directions Prayer. We prayed for the People of the North, South, East, and West.

May we continue to be a voice for reconciliation for generations to come, taking action each day to repair and strengthen relationships within our homes, schools, communities, and across this land.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.

This year’s theme, chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

Poster title

Ancestral Lines

Artist

Jeremy Morgan Worrall

Ancestral Lines is a visual representation of the lines and ties that follow a generation and the songs that come with it.

When I think of the next generation, I think towards my Ancestor Lucy Wright, Enoch Wright, Nonie Wright, all the way from my Nanna Audrie to my Mother Vanessa.

When I look back at my mob it helps me see towards the future, it gives me hope and strength knowing what my mob have survived through and accomplished amid adversity.

Each person in the painting depicts a series of lines akin to songlines, that represent what they know, who they were and what they have passed on, the first being that of lore (interpretive), hunting, protecting, and tracking, the second of care, weaving, fishing, and love.

The third is when we see the two combine into one, and the last two take unfinished elements of them all, to show the passing down of knowledge and care.

Above them is the essence of the land they live and protect/care for. It is a depiction of my home the cold skies of Tenterfield with the swirling clouds and giant moon, a place around the fire is where the next Generation find their strength, vision and legacy.

"Go forth and set the world on fire"
St Ignatius of Loyola

St. Vincent dePaul Winter Appeal ~ donations still needed please.

Social Justice in Action ~ Our Year 6 Leaders from our Social Justice Team have proudly launched our St. Vinnies Winter Appeal to support people within our local community. School families are invited to donate toiletries, blankets and sleeping bags to be distributed within our local community by the compassionate work of the St. Vincent dePaul Society. Please send any donations to school with your children and they can place them in the office bucket or drop them into the collection baskets in our school foyer.

Thank you for your generous support of those in need in our community.

Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak”

Saint Anthony of Padua

St. Anne's Feast Day ~ July 26th & Grandparents Day ~ 27th July

Tomorrow is the Feast of St Joachim and St Anne, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. St Anne & Joachim are the patron saints of grandparents. We pray for our sister school St. Anne's College, as they celebrate their feast day today and will a special Mass yesterday.

World Day of Grandparents & the Elderly is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of St. Anne & St Joachim. This day was first introduced by Pope Francis in 2021 to acknowledge and celebrate the gift of the wisdom and experience of generations before and the importance of preserving and passing on the roots of all people.

Some of our wonderful St. Mel's Grandparents. Happy Grandparents Day!