From the Principal

Refugee Week serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and strength displayed by those who have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety elsewhere. The Week also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and showcase the positive impact refugees have on our communities. It is a time to reflect on the common humanity that binds us all with this year’s theme being ‘To Live Without Fear’.

Before commencing at the College, I recall reading in a Term 1 Staff News about the welcoming back to the College of alumni Hamid Fidayi (Class 2003). During this Wednesday’s Alumni Breakfast, I had the pleasure of meeting Hamid in person. For those unaware, Hamid fled Afghanistan as a fifteen-year-old, leaving behind his parents and siblings. After unimaginable trauma, he arrived in Perth and lived with an older cousin and his family.

A former staff member wrote the following about Hamid’s time at the College: 

Immediately upon meeting Hamid one was aware that he was indeed a special person. Even as a young boy, he had a wisdom, presence and maturity that was beyond his years. He had the capacity to communicate with everyone no matter who they were. Hamid was deeply faith-filled and was very proud to share his faith commitment with others. He was indeed a person who lived life through a spiritual lens.

At school, he seized every opportunity available and made opportunities for himself. I can remember many amazing stories such as his achievement to be elected Sports Captain. As Athletics Captain, he made himself famous at the House Carnival heats when, whilst he was injured and not supposed to run, he snuck into an empty lane to race against a talented group of runners. Even with an injury, he blitzed the field winning the 400m heat. 

 

Hamid worked very hard on his studies. When he arrived at the College his English was limited so he had to really work hard as a Year 10 student to improve his English. Once again, he achieved so well, he was able to do his Tertiary Entrance Exams (equivalent of ATAR today). With support from the school, he was offered a place at Notre Dame University in Business. 

 

Whilst Hamid achieved success in many aspects of school life, it was his personality and big-heartedness that captured the love of all those he engaged with. Hamid is one of those rare gem students who leave an everlasting impression on you. 

Currently hanging in my office is a student artwork painted by alumni Bailey Arundell (Class 2021) titled We’re All in the Same Boat. Under the artwork is Bailey’s description of his oil painting which reads: 

My artwork depicts Captain James Cook, the infamous British explorer who colonised Australia in 1770, situated in an inflatable boat with two asylum seekers, one of which holds an Australian flag above their head. The three figures could not be any more different to each other, separated by time, race and power, yet it is not their differences, but their similarities that are significant. Western Sydney University revealed in a recent 2020 survey that 43% of Australians believe that all boats carrying asylum seekers should be turned back, and 36.4% believe the number of immigrants accepted into Australia is too high. I have always found it ironic how white Australians of European descent are able to express such xenophobic attitudes towards asylum seekers, despite not being native to this land themselves.

As I have previously written, perhaps to truly ‘seek justice’ we are compelled to advocate for equality, listen to the voices of marginalised communities and actively work towards dismantling the structures that perpetuate discrimination and disadvantage. 

I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who rallied in support of refugees and asylum seekers through their generous contributions to our Foodbank appeal for CARAD (Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Detainees). Thank you also to everyone who so warmly welcomed the Fare Go Food Truck on Wednesday, which is a social enterprise staffed by both refugees and asylum seekers. 

Lord, we pray for the multitudes of people who have been displaced from their homelands and live with insecurity and fear.

May each one of us strive to make a real difference in securing the safety and well-being of asylum seekers and refugees.

 Amen

Finally, we wish our Year 11 student Pilgrims safe travels as they journey to Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory on Sunday. We look forward to their safe return and hearing all about their rich experiences in Term 3.

Exploring the Indigenous Voice to Parliament

John XXIII College is hosting a panel discussion on the Voice to Parliament ahead of the upcoming national referendum. The event offers the College community and the wider public the chance to learn about the Voice from leading experts in Indigenous rights and cultural understanding. 

The panel lineup includes Collene Castle, Fr Frank Brennan sj, Kate Chaney, Kelsi Forrest and James Back as compere.

Tuesday 18 July, 6:30pm–8:00pm

Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre

Daniel Mahon

Principal