From the Principal

Almighty and loving God 

You created all people in your image.

Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past .

You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven.

We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession.  

Of land, language, culture, lore and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. 

We live in faith that all people will rise from the depth of despair and hopelessness.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones through the separation of children and their families. 

We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness. Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits.

In your mercy and compassion walk with is as we continue a journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable.

Amen

Sorry Day has been observed since 1998, one year after the Bringing Them Home report was presented to the Australian Federal Parliament.  This report detailed the impact of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.  

Sorry Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the hardship faced when children were taken into institutional and foster care by governments and church agencies and placed with non-indigenous families.  

These Stolen Generations suffered greatly from being removed from their loved ones at such an early age, and for many the scars were and are life long.  However, Sorry Day is also an opportunity to:

“acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and the nation.” 

 socialjustice.org.au

Celebrations

Each week I am often overwhelmed with the many achievements of students throughout the College. From personal sports achievements to the success of the debating teams, from the first goal ever at primary netball to the small businesses on display in the Library this week, there is much to celebrate!  It gives me great joy to send postcards each week to students from Kindergarten to Year 10, celebrating overcoming difficulties and trying their very best in every aspect of the school.  I encourage all families to let us know of the wins and celebrations, big or small; ensuring we can celebrate and recognise each effort in the school and share the joy with our families.

Asia-Pacific Summit on Girls Education Conference

Next week staff from Mount Carmel College will be attending the National Girls Education Summit Conference here in Hobart.  It will be an  opportunity to participate in lectures and presentations ranging from nurturing culture and student leadership to empowering artists and a girl’s capacity to cope with change and difficulties.  Key speakers include Professor Pasi Sahlberg - international Finnish educator, Taryn Brumfitt - 2023 Australian of the Year, Dr Zali Yager - author and researcher and Dame Jenny Shipley, NZ’s first female prime Minister.  We look forward to sharing insight from this conference with staff as well as the school visits from international guests as we showcase Mount Carmel College.