Faith, Community & Culture

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

 The 4th of August is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day.  This date was chosen to celebrate the birthdays of all indigenous children who were stolen and did not know their actual birthdates.  As a school community, you are invited to walk with us from Frank Street Reserve/Peninsula Reserve to St John's school on 4th August at 8:15am.  We hope to raise awareness and funds for the 'Opening the Door Foundation' which supports Aboriginal students' access to an education of their choice.  On the day, please bring a gold coin to donate to this foundation.  For further information, please see the flyer attached.  All students must be accompanied by an adult. 

Senior School Cultural Day - Student report

On Monday the 24th of July the senior students worked with the John Paul College students to learn about cultural identity and cultural safety. They rotated through four different activities which focused on celebrating their culture and heritage.  Here are some reflections from the students.

Everybody really enjoyed bracelet making. This activity was led by Jade from JPC, and such a great way to be proud of our culture. We chose beads that were the colours of our countries flag, then made bracelets that we could wear to celebrate our culture. Some students chose one country, and others chose multiple countries. They all looked outstanding! It was a good activity for the senior school students to learn about their classmates' cultural identity and to get to know each other better.

Another one of the activities that we did was called “show and tell" and it was run by Emmanuel. First we all sat in a circle and shared our name and where we were from. After that Emmanuel told us he was from South Sudan and showed us a few cultural things from South Sudan. The first thing he showed us was a short necklace made out of beads. The second thing he showed us was a longer necklace also made out of beads. This necklace had a long tail like part to it which went on the back. The second thing he showed us was a traditional dress usually worn during traditional dances. This dress went on the left side for girls and the right side for boys. Overall this was a fun experience for the 5/6s to learn about different cultures and traditional things.

Next was painting which seemed to be most of the grade ⅚ students favourites. The JPC student helper Sarah gave us some material to paint on. Before we started to paint we had to use a sharpie to write our names on the material. We all got our paintbrushes and looked at the paint pallet, with a wide selection of colours and one free space on each pallet to mix the paints. Everyone chose to paint the flag where they were from, as well as some other things that are important in their life like sports and cultural foods. Overall the painting process was really fun and enjoyable. 

Another activity that we did was journaling. Journaling was led by Brielle and we had to answer different questions including What is my ethnic background? And What is discrimination? The purpose of this activity was to get us thinking about where we are from and what we know about our culture.

We are going to work with some different John Paul College students next week on Monday too.

Visit to Elisabeth Murdoch College

Some of our Aboriginal students were lucky enough to visit EMC on Monday to 'walk and talk' about the learning journey they are on.  Due to displacement many of our indigenous students across Australia are finding it difficult to determine their cultural identity.  Our students were motivated by the many wonderful opportunities and stories that were presented to them by the Koorie students at EMC.  

We look forward to the actions our students will lead over the coming years to ensure our Aboriginal students are empowered by their culture and feel safe to share it within the school community.  Here's what some of our students had to say about their experiences at EMC:

"It was great experience as we felt like we were in a 'real' meeting and treated like young adults and equals as we learned about their experiences and how to improve our school" - Chloe T

"It was amazing how many activities the students were involved in outside school, like Koorie camps and Indigenous sports teams.  I loved how they worked with an aboriginal artist to design the new sports uniform." - Sophie I

"I thought it was great how we learned more about the the tribes on the paintings.  I like learning about the artists that have worked with students from EMC and given the artwork to the school.  I really like that it was in the foyer and had all the tribes on it.  I want to find out more about the camps that I can go on" - Brooklyn M

Cultural Plans

Thank you to those who have engaged with our staff around this initiative.  If you haven't yet had an opportunity to speak with your child's teacher and would like to do so, please reach out to them.  We look forward to building a deeper connection with you and your family.

At St John's we are constantly learning and journeying with our community.  To continue to provide a culturally safe and inclusive learning and teaching environment the staff are engaging in cultural safety workshops in August.  In order to understand our learners better, staff may ask parents to work with them to complete a Cultural Plan.  This plan aims to honour the heritage and ancestry of each child and their family.  As a school community we would like to learn about cultural or faith celebrations that you and your family celebrate.  These plans provide an opportunity for staff to deeper connect to, and understand your child. It will also help the school learn about the diversity of our community and celebrate this together.  You may like to approach your child's teacher about this or staff may discuss this with you at parent teacher meetings.  If you would like more information please do not hesitate in contacting Marisa Patton through the office or email - mpatton@sjfrankstoneast.catholic.edu.au

Praying using Visio Divina - an invitation

This term the staff and students are starting to explore prayer using the process of Visio Divina: (— “sacred seeing” — is an ancient form of Christian prayer in which we allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into a sacred image, in silence, to see what God might have to say to us).

There are four components to the process that students will participate in.  The older students will also begin to lead these sessions.  

The four components to Visio Divina are for the students to purely observe an image while a short sentence or passage from the bible is read.  We call this See and Read.  Students are then given time to reflect silently with their eyes closed or head bowed where they can connect with image and scripture.  Thirdly, students are given an opportunity to pray - (this may be through drawing, singing, dancing or through words said aloud or in the heart).  The last part of the prayer process is to simply rest.  A time to sit quietly with God, to understand the word or message and to contemplate the way we are being asked to live.

I invite you to participate in Visio Divina with me on Tuesday 1st August at 9am - 9:30a.m.  Please sign in at the office.  We will meet in the music space in the hall.