Issue 9, 3 June 2025

Last week was National Reconciliation Week. The theme 'Bridging Now to Next' emphasises the connection between past, present, and future, urging Australians to move forward together, guided by past lessons. It is embedded in our Catholic Josephite ethos to celebrate National Reconciliation Week in order to foster respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

On Thursday we held a whole school liturgy under St Mary’s Shelter. We gathered in a circular formation around a beautiful prayer space which was brought to life with the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags. I felt a profound sense of reverence as 550 students, 60 staff and families all looked inwards and focused our attention on our school’s commitment to promoting justice and reconciliation for Australia’s First Peoples.

Following the liturgy, we held a morning tea in the staff courtyard with students and families. It was a wonderful celebration of who we are and what we stand for as a school community. There were smiles and laughter. Food was shared. Stories were told. A strong sense of unity and joy was evident, as everyone came together to celebrate. It was a memorable occasion that strengthened our bonds and reminded us of the importance of community and togetherness.

Last Wednesday all students in Year 8-11 (and some Year 12 students) attended the Port Augusta Careers Roadshow. It was great for our students to talk and network local businesses and employers as they explored future possibilities for learning and possibilities. This experience complements the work that we do to support students in the secondary school to explore possible careers pathways. By engaging with industry professionals and learning about various career options, our students gained valuable insights that will help them make informed decisions about their future. We are committed to providing these opportunities to ensure our students are well-prepared for life beyond school.

On Thursday morning, we acknowledged National Reconciliation Week with our whole school liturgy. The theme of National Reconciliation Week is Bridging Now to Next, explored through the passage from Luke’s Gospel of the Prodigal, or Lost, Son. Classes have spent time engaging with the passage discussing the importance of reconciliation to think about how they can help those who don’t have a voice or allowing others the space to have a voice.

Our liturgy was arranged differently this year, with everyone gathered around the prayer focus in a circle, with students from across the school bringing in elements of land, sky, and water to signify the importance of caring for country. This symbolic action also reminded us that reconciliation involves all of us as we bridge the past to the future.

On Friday Week 5, under the leadership of Ella and the other Year 12 leaders, we acknowledged 'Do it for Dolly Day'. This was a day for us to raise awareness about the importance of kindness and how we can spread this throughout our community. Students were encouraged to wear a blue accessory or a country hat and contribute a gold coin donation, with activities at recess and lunchtime that sparked meaningful conversations about kindness. $282 was raised for Dolly’s Dream, which is a fantastic effort from our school community.

As part of the Science curriculum, the Reception students recently visited the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens to explore the external features of plants and animals. They travelled by bus from school to the gardens, where they took part in an educational tour, learning about the unique flora and fauna of arid environments. Students enjoyed a recess break and had time to play and explore in the Arid Explorers Children’s Garden.

Our Stage 1 Biology students recently took part in a sheep heart dissection as part of their study of multicellular organisms, with a focus on the cardiovascular system. This engaging practical gave students the opportunity to explore the anatomy of the heart up close, identifying key structures such as the chambers, valves, and major blood vessels. The dissection also helped students understand the direction of blood flow through the heart and how its structure supports its vital function. It was a valuable experience that brought their in-class learning to life.