A reminder: Friday 30 May is a Pupil Free Day

Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

This week is Catholic Education Week and the theme for 2025 is Pilgrims of Hope to align with the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis, inviting communities to reflect on the significance of hope and faith in their lives.

On Wednesday, eleven students represented our school at the Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield. We joined with 39 Primary Schools and 5 Secondary Colleges along with the bishop and priests of our Diocese to mark the significance of this week. It was wonderful to be a part of this celebration. All of the school banners were carried into the stadium of over 1000 people, including students, school staff and DOSCEL representatives. We were also very proud to support Suzen Kuol who received the Catholic Education inaugural award for “Hope”. Suzen was recognised for her inclusive and compassionate nature and the way in which she conducts herself. Congratulations Suzen!

We also celebrated this week with Andrew Chinn coming to the school to sing with the students, culminating in a concert in the afternoon.  This is always a highlight for the year. Thanks Andrew!

Today we had a whole school Mass to give thanks for our wonderful school and community. We also welcomed residents from Abbey Gardens who came to participate in the Mass.

We move from one celebration week to another!

Next week is National Reconciliation Week. This is celebrated from Tuesday 27 May to Tuesday 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is “Bridging Now to Next”. The theme reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

27 May is the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum which saw over 90% of Australian voters choose ‘Yes’. Yes, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being counted in the census and Yes to the Government to create laws that could assist in addressing inequalities.

3 June is Mabo Day which recognises the important contribution by Eddie Koiki Mabo and marks the anniversary of the historic 1992 High Court Mabo decision. Mabo’s court challenge set a precedent in Australian Law for the recognition of Indigenous custodianship over traditional lands.

We will hold a special assembly on Thursday to mark Reconciliation Week.

Best wishes,

Ros Joyner

Principal