Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
A special thank you to Jekoya Nash for stepping in and supporting during the absence of Lisa Smith throughout Term 2. Your contribution to our programs was greatly appreciated. We wish you all the best with your continued studies in Newcastle.
Community NAIDOC Celebrations
It was great to see so many of our McCarthy Catholic College students, staff, and families join in the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, which brought communities in our area together.
This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” honours the incredible achievements of past generations while inspiring and empowering the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders. It reflects the strength, resilience, and cultural pride of Indigenous Australians and their powerful vision for the future.
Thanks to everyone who took part and helped make this important year one to remember.
St Michael's Manilla NAIDOC Visit
Recently, four of our talented Year 10 Cultural Dancers; Isla Woods, Bella Dow, Keely Nash, and Isabella Fox had the honour of performing at St Michael’s NAIDOC Liturgy in Manilla.
The students performed a powerful contemporary dance that honoured culture, identity, and connection to Country. Using movement, ochre, and gum leaves, they told the story of the Peel River, the strength of their ancestors, and the continuing bond with Gomeroi land.
A heartfelt thank you to St Michael’s Manilla for warmly welcoming our students and inviting them to be part of your NAIDOC celebrations. It was a privilege to share culture and connect with your school community.
McCarthy Catholic College NAIDOC Celebrations
This year, McCarthy Catholic College held two NAIDOC assemblies. One for Years 7 to 9 and one for Years 10 to 12, to mark the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week and celebrate the theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”
Our Junior Assembly was pretty special, especially since we kept things going even during a power outage! It was a great reminder of the strength and resilience we’re celebrating this year.
Both assemblies included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Len, a beautiful tribute to Uncle Nev, prayers and cultural dance performances by our McCarthy Cultural Dance Groups.
We were lucky to have Jodie Herden, a proud Gamilaraay woman and award-winning artist, share some inspiring words about culture, community and the future.
Aaliyah Moorely from the Ngaar Wirribiiyan Program taught the Junior Dance Group their cultural dance and also sang in Gamilaraay during their performance, helping us all connect deeply to Country.
We also celebrated some Deadly students with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Merit Awards, recognising their cultural pride, hard work and positive impact on our school.
Merit Award Winners: Years 7–9: Layla Allen, Blake Swan, Xavier Graf, Cora Little, Maddison Marshall and Charlize Corcoran Years 10–12: Bella Dow, Keely Nash, Indianna Brazier, Zara Wise, Ava Clay and Brodie Little.
We were proud to present the McCarthy Catholic College Perpetual Cultural Award to Lilly Dow and Baylee Whitworth, who have shown outstanding leadership and dedication to celebrating and sharing culture in our community.
The assemblies wrapped up with a BBQ and NAIDOC cake cutting, bringing everyone together to celebrate and connect.
A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible, our students, families, community, Elders, staff and special guests. Together, we move forward strong, with vision and pride in our legacy.
Celebrating Success
Congratulations to Xavier Graf on his selection in the Under 14’s Northern NSW Indigenous Boys Soccer Team for the Community State Youth Championships, held in Lake Macquarie during the July school holidays.
Xavier not only represented his region with pride but was also honoured with the role of team captain for the tournament—a true testament to his leadership, dedication, and positive attitude both on and off the field.
Throughout the competition, Xavier led by example, showing composure, consistency, and impressive skill against some tough opposition. We’re so proud of his achievements and look forward to seeing what he does next!
Well done, Xav!
Reminder to Students and Families:
All cultural events and programs require parent permission via Compass.
This includes the Junior Brothers programs continuing this term and the Ngaar Wirribiiyan Program for Year 7, 8, and 10 students.
Please check your Google Classroom and Compass regularly to stay informed.
Yaluu.
Lisa Jameson (Smith)
Aboriginal Education Assistant
lsmith11@arm.catholic.edu.au
Olivia Guilbert
Leader of Learning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Education
oguilbert@arm.catholic.edu.au