ATSI News
Sorry Day
Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. McCarthy acknowledged Sorry Day by participating in a flag raising ceremony led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Council.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Council Meeting
On Monday 23 May 2022 the Student Council hosted their first open meeting for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students, which was a great success. The name for the new cultural room was decided with the majority of the students voting for ‘Yuraandaali’ (Goanna) which is the totem for our local area. The open meeting was a chance for the students to voice their concerns and any ideas that they would like to see implemented in the College.
Yarn Up
Yarn Up is underway with students beginning to paint their backgrounds on Canvas and we have some deadly looking artworks. The kids are incredibly proud of their creations and are excited to show them off at NAIDOC Week.
Careers On Country
McCarthy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 9 -12 Students will be attending ‘Careers on Country’ at Trelawney Station just outside of Somerton, NSW. Careers on Country offers a unique opportunity indigenous students and there will be an array of career opportunities on display. The students will be able to interact and engage in conversations, ask questions about careers and employment. More information will be available closer to the date.
Reconciliation Week
In Week 6 we celebrated Reconciliation Week which started on the 27 May 2022 and will end on the 3 June 2022. Both of these dates are significant in regard to Australia’s reconciliation journey; the 27 May 2022 commemorates the successful 1967 referendum and the 3 June 2022 signifies the High Court Mabo Decision of 1992.
Reconciliation Week is about creating respectful relationships in the community that include all peoples in Australia. Part of this is valuing our shared histories, cultures and futures. This year, the theme is ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ This theme challenges all Australians to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all people. There will be activities this Week that you can be involved in so that you can ‘Be Brave and Make Change’.
Kara Spicer - ATSI Focus Teacher
Lisa Smith - AEA Year 7, 11 and 12
Maddy Simmonds - AEA Year 9 and 10
msimmondscutts@arm.catholic.edu.au
Mel Lamb - AEA Year 8