Mission and Identity

From the Mission and Identity Team

National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June)

Each year, National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) invites all Australians to reflect on our shared history, our relationships with First Nations Peoples, and the journey toward healing, and justice. The week marks two significant milestones in Australia's reconciliation journey, the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, and challenges us to take meaningful steps in building a nation grounded in equity, respect, and unity.

For Catholic the community, Reconciliation Week is a call to action that sits within our understanding of the dignity of the human person. We believe that every person is made in the image and likeness of God, has an infinite worth, regardless of race, culture, or history. 

The Loreto Sisters, inspired by Mary Ward's vision of justice, freedom, sincerity, and verity, have long prioritised the justice concerns of First Nations Peoples as a core part of their mission.  You can learn more about this priority here:

https://www.loreto.org.au/justice/rights-of-first-nations-peoples/

In Loreto schools and communities across Australia, this priority is expressed through action, embedding Indigenous perspectives into curriculum, and ensuring that we understand the meaning of the Uluru Statement from the Heart by creating spaces for shared learning.  This year we are proud to launch our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), our 14-point action plan that shows our formal commitment to reconciliation.  Our RAP is available to read on our website and is a culmination of the commitment of our staff, students and community members. 

In the spirit of Mary Ward, may we continue to educate, advocate, and act for justice, believing that we are called to ‘be seekers of truth and doers of justice’, for the healing of our land and all its peoples. 

Next week we will have several activities during Reconciliation Week that will encourage conversation.  We look forward to sharing these with you next newsletter. 

Social Justice Initiatives - World Environment Beanies and Blankets Day

In the lead up to World Environment Day and PAF our Social Captains in collaboration with the College Environment Committee and the House Captains will be collecting new socks, beanies, gloves and blankets.  These will go to Vinnies for their winter appeal and will be distributed to those who need them this winter. We thank you for your support of our appeals. 

Martina O’Connell

Assistant Principal Mission & Identity