Dear Parents and Caregivers
At Mass on Sunday, the Australian Bishops invited us to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday. We acknowledged that God has been walking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, making God’s presence known through a continuous living culture over many thousands of years. Together we prayed in thanksgiving for these ancient peoples who have enriched and sustained our continent over all that time. We praised God for the people who nurtured the land here in our parish that we call home.
The theme this year was ‘Because of Her, We Can.’ The focus was on the Mothers, Sisters, Aunties, Grandmothers and Daughters who have been, and continue to be the threads which hold families together and their continuing fight for justice, reconciliation and social change. These women are at the forefront of community driven organisations, designed to meet the spiritual and physical needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics.
NAIDOC Week
Aboriginal Sunday leads us into NAIDOC Week. A special week for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which was first observed in 1938. It celebrated the survival of these peoples whose cultures are so ancient. This single day has developed into a week–long celebration. During this week there are many events, which demonstrate the cultural richness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is also a time to remember the need for justice for Aboriginal Australians.
God of peace
You care for all the peoples of the earth.
May we learn to respect
the traditions and gifts of all cultures.
May all who make Australia their home
walk together seeking healing and peace.
Mary MacKillop Feast Day
Next term, in Week 3, we will celebrate the Feast Day for St Mary ‘of the Cross’ MacKillop. There will be a School Mass on Wednesday 8 August at 9:15am. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join us as we celebrate her life and the significant role she played in our school’s history. A note with further details will go out to families early next term.
I hope that students and families have a well-deserved mid year break.
God bless
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
APRIM