Catholic Identity 

National Sorry Day – 27th May 

On Tuesday we gathered as a school community to acknowledge National Sorry Day, a moment that calls us to remember the Stolen Generations and reflect deeply on the ongoing journey toward healing and reconciliation. Our liturgy invited us to consider what it truly means to be ‘all in’ - to recognise that our choices, words, and actions shape the wellbeing of others, and that reconciliation is not symbolic but lived. 

We identified each of the three flags - the Australian Flag, the Torres Strait Islander Flag, and the Aboriginal Flag - and reflected on the meaning held within their colours and symbols. These flags remind us of identity, resilience, belonging, and the shared responsibility we carry to honour First Nations peoples and cultures. 

Each year level contributed a cut-out hand template, each inscribed with every learner’s name written using the three colours of the Aboriginal flag. Together, these hands formed a powerful visual statement of our collective responsibility for respect, truth telling, and walking gently with one another. As a community, we affirmed that reconciliation is not a single day but an ongoing commitment to listening, learning, and acting with compassion. 

Reconciliation Week - ‘All In’ 

On Wednesday afternoon, each Year level gathered in their shared spaces for prayer as we began National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme, ‘All In’, invited us to reflect on what it means to participate wholeheartedly in the ongoing journey of truth, healing, and unity. 

Our prayer time encouraged learners to consider how reconciliation begins with awareness, grows through understanding, and is strengthened by action. We acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Yorta Yorta people, and paused to honour the resilience, culture, and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

As a school, we continue to walk this path together, committed to building relationships grounded in respect and guided by hope for a reconciled future. 

During this prayer time we also acknowledged The Festival of Sacrifice, known as Eid al-Adha. 

It is one of the most important holidays in Islam.  

It celebrates the trust Abraham had in God and is a happy time for family feasts, acts of kindness, and giving to those in need. 

Reconciliation Week Mass 

Today our Year 4 Learning Leaders represented St Mary’s at the Reconciliation Week Mass for Healing and Justice at St Mel’s Christ the King, Church in Shepparton. Primary and Secondary schools from across the Sandhurst Diocese gathered in solidarity as a powerful call to action, urging all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation and actively drive change, rather than being passive spectators. Gathering together was a powerful example of what it means to be ‘All in’. 

Jeddah, Audrey, Gigi and Lachie represented St Mary’s proudly. 

Reconciliation Day Walk

This morning, 20 of our Indigenous learners joined Mrs Chapman, Miss Clarke and Tegan in proudly representing St Mary’s at the ‘All In’ Community Reconciliation Walk, as part of National Reconciliation Week. We joined families, the wider community and many other schools within Echuca and surrounding areas in a meaningful event that celebrated culture, deeper connection and walking together toward a shared future. This powerful community walk was organised and led by Njernda Aboriginal Corporation, Campaspe Shire Council, Victoria Police and learners from Echuca College ensuring that young voices are at the forefront of our local reconciliation journey. Our St Mary’s learners experienced the morning with a traditional Smoking Ceremony, followed by the walk to the Aquatic Reserve, and finishing with cultural entertainment, activities and community connection.  

St Mary’s Choir raise the roof on Pentecost Sunday  

On Sunday St Mary’s Choir led St Mary’s Parish congregation in song as they led two hymns: ‘Gifts from God’ and ‘Peace like a river.’ Both songs highlighted the season of Pentecost and reminded each of us that while the Holy Spirit blessed the disciples and sent them out to continue Jesus’ work, our God also blesses us with many gifts. We are God’s hands, heart and voice to continue His work. 

Thank you to those parents who were able to support their child/ren at this Mass. The Choir sang with heart and joy and delighted all in the Church. 

Well done to you all. 

Mass & Liturgy Timetable 

Colleen Hampson 

Catholic Identity Leader