Mission and Identity
Reconciliation Week
Winter Appeal
Sacrament of Confirmation at St Michael's, Lane Cove
Reconciliation Week
This week, schools and communities across the country are marking National Reconciliation Week, this is an annual event which runs from 27 May until 3 June. It is a time when we can pause to learn about our shared histories and to think about the kind of future we want to build together. These dates aren’t random - they mark two major turning points in our nation’s story: the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo Decision, moments that reshaped Australia’s understanding of justice and equality.
The theme for Reconciliation Week this year is 'All In.' And it is a powerful message. Reconciliation Australia explains that reconciliation is not a spectator sport - it’s something every one of us has a responsibility to take part in. It reminds us that change doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when ordinary people decide to act with courage, fairness, and hope. The theme links in beautifully with our College theme for 2026 'For all, with all', and is an excellent reminder to us all of the importance of inclusion and acceptance in our homes, school, and wider community.
To mark this important week, the College took part in a moving Reconciliation Week Assembly where Uncle Gumaroy Newman a proud Gamilaroi and Wakka Wakka man and his cousin Lisa Lawrence shared with us a moving smoking ceremony, acknowledgement of country, story telling, dancing and recital of poetry.
The message was simple: we are all family, we are all community. We heard about the importance of respect, family tradition and maintaining culture.
Winter Appeal
There has definitely been a change in season over the past week or so, and as the days get shorter and the weather cools once the sun leaves the sky, we are reminded of those in our community who are doing it tough right now. Those who do not have access to shelter, heating, warm clothes and food.
We come from a very generous community and each year our Winter Appeal sees donations of food and winter clothing and blankets that are so well received by our partner charities. Once again, we ask for your generosity. For the next three weeks we are going to be collecting these donations for distribution at the end of term.
Week 7 marks the start of our annual SPX Winter Appeal, with the College collecting goods for St Vincent De Paul and Jesuit Refugee Services. In this difficult time, those in need have found themselves pushed further into the fringes of society, with many volunteer organisations not able to cater for those who are less fortunate. Students are encouraged to consider the plight of those around us, and to act by giving to the poor in handfuls.
Driven by the Edmund Rice Society, the appeal will run from Monday 1 June (Week 7) until Wednesday 17 June (Week 9). Student volunteers will be collecting goods during homeroom.
We are in need of the following items:
Thank you in anticipation for your generosity.
Mrs Gabrielle Scanlon - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity
Sacrament of Confirmation at St Michael's, Lane Cove
Enrolments for the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Michael's at Lane Cove are now open. For more information, please go to https://www.stmichael.org.au.
