Principal's Message
Mrs Josie Crisara
Secondary Chapel
In Secondary chapel this week Mr Ward spoke on what does it mean to "Love thy neighbour as yourself" linking this to the first people of our nation; the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. National Reconciliation week is from Monday 27 May to Monday 3 June with the theme “Grounded in Truth – Walk Together with Courage”. Students were challenged to comprehend the broad issues of understanding of land rights, the ‘stolen generation’, employment and health issues impacting indigenous Australians. The apology given in parliament in 2008 is as follows:
“That today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
We reflect on their past mistreatment.
We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations - this blemished chapter in our nation's history.
The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia's history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.
We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.
We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country.
For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.
To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.
And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.
We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation.
For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.
We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians.
A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again.
A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity.
A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed.
A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.
A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia.”
The apology acknowledges past wrongs and looks to the future in the spirit of reconciliation. How can we demonstrate love?
Mothers Day
It was with excitement that the Mothers Day Breakfast and Stall run by the Parents and Friends Association was received. We celebrate our mothers both those still with us and those who watch over us. It should be the enduring memories at the heart of the celebration – their love, care and compassion.
A Mother's Day Prayer
I said a Mother's Day prayer for you
to thank the Lord above
for blessing me with a lifetime
of your tender hearted love.
I thanked God for the caring
you've shown me through the years,
for the closeness we've enjoyed
in time of laughter and of tears.
And so, I thank you from the heart
for all you've done for me
and I bless the Lord for giving me
the best mother there could be!
- Author Unknown
VET Music Industry Night
This night was held at the Highgate Recreation Reserve; giving students the opportunity to put into place the learning done in class. It was an evening of performances, catered by the Hospitality and Catering Group who presented a lovely three course meal consisting of:
- 1st Course - platter of green and black olives, assorted pickles, cheese, hummus dip, carrots and celery all served with crackers
- 2nd Course - homemade lasagne with salad dressed with a beautiful vinaigrette and served with crispy garlic bread
- 3rd Course - fruit salad, served with vanilla ice-cream and topped with grated dark chocolate
