Principal

St Patrick’s College Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Late last week I received word from Narragunnawali (the Reconciliation in Education organisation), that our own RAP has been approved and published. The working party, led by Mrs Warsop, has worked on bringing this document to life and we are now resolved to commence implementation of the initiatives identified within the document.

What is a RAP?

A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a formal commitment to reconciliation. It documents how our school will strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school/service and with the community.

What do we do now our RAP is published?

In making a public statement of commitment to reconciliation, it’s time to take action accordingly and ensure that our RAP remains an active, living document. It is up to the RAP Working Group to continue to drive the RAP within the wider school and ensure progress towards RAP Actions is being implemented, evaluated and celebrated. In early 2024, we will organise an event to launch our RAP, and promote our RAP and RAP-related initiatives through newsletters, on our website, at events, and as part of front office/foyer displays. 

With our RAP’s publication, Working Group members will also be notified about the opportunity to join in on an online Learning Circle session. Facilitated by the Narragunnawali team, these Learning Circles are designed to support deeper conversation and collaboration in response to RAP commitments, and to build a strong national network of reconciliation in education champions.

Who is in our College’s RAP Working group?

Adrian Byrne, Jamey Poyaoan, Rhys Hannaford, Adam Leslie, Marea Soulos, Hannah Smith, Jordan Bottalico, Alex Fox, Jonny Menck, Gina Karagiorgas, Martine Massih, Hayes van der Meer, Felicity Warsop (First Nations Facilitator), Maria Garigliano, Matt Truscott, Rachael Colreavy, Danielle Abraham, Monica O’Brien, Stephen Cooper, Michaela Lee, Constance Apostolou, Matthew Herro, Vittoria Lavorato and Gillian Daley. The Yalbalinga Unit at ACU Strathfield also contributed to the development of our RAP.

What curriculum resources are available through Narragunnawali?

The Narragunnawali platform incorporates a suite of free-to-access curriculum resources which, as well as being aligned to one or more RAP Actions, are aligned to the Australian Curriculum. 

To further support our curriculum planning, the Narragunnawali team has also developed a suite of subject-specific resource guides spanning across all subject/learning areas! The information and resources contained in each of these guides provide a platform for teachers and educators to consider how to effectively embed important ideas around reconciliation, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions, across the curriculum. Please note that the guides are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive, and that users are encouraged to consult with their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and critically evaluate resources, in engaging with the material contained in the guides. 

Where can I find the St Patrick’s College RAP?

Firstly, it can be located on the Narragunnawali website where we are now one of two schools (the other being Marie Bashir Public School) in the Strathfield area with its own RAP. Here it the link to our plan on this website.

It can also be located on our own website on the Reconciliation page. The RAP can be found there along with information about the Strathfield municipality and the impact of European colonisation of the area in which the College now stands. The St Patrick’s College Reconciliation Action plan can be downloaded here.

Prayer for Reconciliation

Today let us pray for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who have contributed over time to our collective Australian Identity. Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. We acknowledge and pay tribute to the Elders who have re-entered the dreaming, may their spirits walk alongside us always. 

As a Catholic community we acknowledge that Australia’s history, since time immemorial, holds the oldest living continuous culture in the world. May we celebrate this culture through unity, community and a shared story. We acknowledge the many diverse nations and their ancient stories that have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be shared in Aboriginal communities today. 

We pray that all will continue the learning journey to discover more about the history of Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, allowing for genuine, meaningful and supportive dialogue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities across our country. 

As a Catholic community, we recognise that by raising awareness and knowledge of reconciliation, all peoples can Be a Voice for Generations. Through deep listening, connection with Country, sharing stories and having the courage to speak out for equity, fairness, and justice, we pray for a nation that celebrates our cultural identity, with dignity, and pride. 

The Catholic Tradition, grounded in the mission and teaching of Jesus, compels us to respect the sacred dignity of each person. Therefore, we pray for Justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. May all Australians:

• come together and continue to build our shared Australian Identity. 
• unite and stand together as a community in peace and harmony for reconciliation.
• have the strength to stand up against racism, living out the Gospel command to love one another as Jesus showed us. 
• commit to a voice of truth telling, creating spaces in our communities for truth-telling and deep listening, leading to action for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
• strive to develop genuine, lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

Let us pray today that Reconciliation will live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by just and respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Amen

Parents’ and Friends’ Committee 2024

In the last Especean, I asked for expressions of interest for the Parents and Friends Committee positions. Given I did not receive any, I have asked the current committee to stay on for 2024 and I am happy to report that they agreed. The members for 2024 are as follows:

I thank all the parents who helped out in 2023 at all of our functions. You are all a key part of our very special College community. 

Staff News

Mrs Jacinta Young delivered a bouncing baby boy, Elijah last week. All are doing well and as you can see in the photo, young Theo is besotted.

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero