Catholic Identity & Mission
National Reconciliation Week
Indigenous Jumper Launch and Reconciliation Round Football - May 26
One of the things I love about our students is their passion for football. So, there was no shortage of players volunteering for our Reconciliation Round football game against St Francis Xavier College. Our students proved to be courageous competitors and tough competition for their opponents and while our girls' team was unable to get up, their Captain Jemma Maloney has assured me that they are a young team who show enormous promise and will be a really hard team to beat in coming years.
Our boys' team was unstoppable from the outset, and they competed with a great deal of pride and good sportsmanship.
So how do football and Catholic identity come together?
The late Pope Francis said:
“Sport is not only a form of entertainment, but also -- and above all I would say -- a tool to communicate values that promote the good that is in humans and help build a more peaceful and fraternal society.” Francis said football teaches three lessons that can promote peace and solidarity around the world: the need to train and work hard to reach goals, the importance of fair play and teamwork, and the need to respect and honor opponents. “To win, we must overcome individualism, selfishness, all forms of racism, intolerance and manipulation of people,” he said. He said being “greedy” in football, as in life, is an obstacle.
In preparation for the day the players and some of their families attended Mass on Friday 23 May for a blessing of the jumpers and players with Father Brendan Hogan. On the day local Kurnai Elder, Aunty Cheryl Drayton Welcomed both schools to Country and had a smoking ceremony for all present. It was a really special day with Kurnai artist, Julie Griffiths and Bernie Wells who designed the jumper and finalized the artwork present for the service.
We are very grateful for the participation of all in our community who made the day a memorable event in our 50th Anniversary calendar.
UNITY hands display
Our FIRE Carrier staff and students have produced a UNITY display at the entrance to the College Reception. All students and staff had an opportunity to produce a hand with designs and words to promote Unity this Reconciliation Week.
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Mission Captains Crochet Club
Report by Mission Captain Bronte Jean
Following the success of project compassion in Term 1, we have moved our focus to the charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Our first initiative, being run by Jorja McGibney is Crochet Club, which happens on Monday and Thursday lunch times. We hope to make granny squares that can be sewed into a blanket to donate, all students are welcome to join in and learn a new skill while contributing to a great cause.
In previous years, Marist-Sion College has run a Year 12 winter sleepout to donate essential items to homeless people during winter. On Census night in 2021, over one hundred thousand people were reported as experiencing homelessness in Australia. Through our winter sleepout and the help of the local Saint Vincent de Paul society, we can help countless homeless people through a harsh winter. So, if any Year 12 students are interested in sleeping out this winter, and if any students or staff are interested in donating to support the cause, keep your eyes peeled, because there is more information to come.
Champagnat Feast Day Mass
Student Uniform
Next Tuesday is our Champagnat Feast Day Mass. Please ensure all students are in FULL COLLEGE WINTER UNIFORM, there is to be NO PE UNIFORM on the day.
Mrs Jacinta Johnston
Deputy Principal: Catholic Identity and Mission