Principal
Principal’s Newsletter Article 20240530
Dear Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Community,
National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week
As you are aware 26 May was National Sorry Day, and has been observed since 1998. It is the day we remember and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.
Now known as ‘The Stolen Generations’, these survivors were denied access to their culture and language. As this practice was still taking place in the 1970s there are many survivors still around today, and the effects of these acts are still felt in communities across the country, including ours.
Also, this week, from May 27th to June 3rd, is National Reconciliation Week. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared history, celebrate the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and think about how we can work together for a more reconciled nation.
But what exactly is reconciliation in this context? Reconciliation means building stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all other Australians. It is about understanding the history of our nation, including the injustices faced by Indigenous Australians.
In the Catholic tradition, the sacramental act of reconciliation applies both to God and humanity, and to people with each other. It signifies a restoration of a broken relationship. Catholic teaching extends reconciliation to social justice issues, urging repair of societal divisions and promoting harmony, particularly with those who have been marginalized.
Therefore, this year's Reconciliation Week theme "Now More Than Ever" resonates with our faith belief and reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and there is always more we can do to create a more just and equitable society.
At our school, we have engaged in a number of activities this week with students, including prayers, discussions in homerooms and activities to deepen understanding in classes. Also last week staff were able to hear from Peta Murray, Education Officer: Inclusive Education (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) at DOSCEL on how we can ensure we can continually improve in making our school a more culturally inclusive place.
Finally, Thanks to Laura Muranty for all her work in this area.
Prayer
Almighty and loving God,
you who created ALL people in your image.
Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.
You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again
so that sins will be forgiven.
We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession
of land, language, lore, culture, and family kinship that
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.
We live in faith that all people will rise
from the depths of despair and hopelessness.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families.
We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness.
Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless, and inflicted and heal their spirits.
In your mercy and compassion walk with us
as we continue our journey of healing
to create a future that is just and equitable.
Lord, you are our hope.
Amen.
2007 © National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission
Prayer for the Journey of Healing - NCCA
Caritas Australia’s Papua New Guinea Landslide Disaster
Thousands are feared dead and many more are displaced after a devastating landslide struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea.
Your urgent support is needed now.
Donate at www.caritas.org.au/png
Prayer
Loving God, we carry in our hearts all who suffer.
At this time, we especially plead on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea
who are suffering grief and loss in the wake of landslides.
We hold out to you all who have died,
their families and communities,
and all who have been left homeless.
We ask that the Australian community
will respond to the crisis of our close neighbours and friends.
At the time of the feast of Corpus Christi we remember that
Jesus puts his body and blood on the line for us.
May we too respond body and soul to the needs
of God’s family throughout the world.
May we be living bread for all.
Amen.
Written by Michael McGirr
Catholic Education Week Mass
As advised in our last Newsletter we celebrated Catholic Education Week with a Mass on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.
Thank you to Nicole Dudman, who was supported by Scott Blencowe, Meg Doherty, Daniel Isgro, our Student Choir, Cate Kavanagh, and our Maintenance and IT Teams for their work in preparing and celebrating the Mass.
Thank you as well as to Fr Darren Howie for celebrating Mass with us.
Staff Professional Learning Day
Last Friday, 24 May 2024, was a student-free day with all teaching staff engaged in a professional learning day. During the day staff engaged in sessions led by their colleagues and the following keynote presentations and workshops were presented:
Keynote - “Working Smarter not Harder – How Can AI Assist?” Edson Letendrie, Beth Montgomery, and Cassie Raschle.
Following this, all teaching staff and Learning Support Officers rotated through the following small group sessions –
ATSI Pedagogy by Laura Muranty
What Makes a Good Adjustment? by Jess Stein
Evidence-Based Practice and Learning Strategies from Patrick McCarthy
After lunch staff met in faculty groups to collaborate in reviewing and updating curriculum documentation.
It was a great day with staff engaged in the program and I thank Pat McCarthy and Jodie Connell for their work in the successful organisation of the day.
Year 7 2025 Enrolments
Currently, we have received 100 applications for Year 7 2025, which has already exceeded expectations.
While the due date is 31 May 2024 we will accept applications after that date, but as a matter of justice, priority will be given to available places to those who have submitted their applications on time.
Formal applications must be made for students for enrolment into Year 7 next year.
School Saving Bonus
Recently the Allan Labor Government announced a $400 School Saving Bonus for all school students in government schools regardless of income, but only for Health Care Card holders in Catholic schools.
This is deeply unfair.
We believe the payment should be means-tested for all students or applied to all students. It should not be based on which school you attend. This current policy punishes families for choosing to send their children to a Catholic school.
Our school, and the peak body, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, are working hard to oppose this policy and we need your help. We need to show the Victorian Government that punishing families who choose a Catholic school is unacceptable.
Please consider contacting your local Member of Parliament to express your concern.
The State MPs for our community are:
Gippsland South District
Mr Danny O’Brien
Telephone: (03) 5144 1987
Email: danny.obrien@parliament.vic.gov.au
Bass District
Ms Jordan Crugnale
Telephone: (03) 5672 4755
Email: Jordan.Crugnale@parliament.vic.gov.au
A template letter below is available to assist you with making your voice heard.
Thank you for your time in reading this and for advocating for your family and our school.
Staffing News
This week we welcomed Sharni Campbell (2022) as working with the LSO team.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos
John M Freeman