Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back everyone to Term 4. I hope that your children had an opportunity to unwind during the recent holiday period and were re-energised and ready for the last term of the year. We all look forward to them building on the wonderful growth in faith and learning that has occurred this year. 

Prayer for Reconciliation

God of all creation,

as we journey together in this Great Southern Land,

we pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,

 creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.

Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.

 In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.

Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received. Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one. Amen.

As we approach the referendum vote on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament this Saturday, it is timely to reflect on the important role each of us involved in a Catholic school community has to focus on unity and mutual support. Our values of welcoming, listening, justice and forgiveness guide us in all that we do, and now, more than ever, they should inspire us to come together as one connected Catholic community in faith, hope and love.

Being deeply respectful, treating others with consideration, acknowledging difference and embracing nuance are highly necessary in these remaining days of navigating discussions in advance of the referendum this Saturday.

The Office for Social Justice, an agency of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has released the following factsheet to assist in discussions about the referendum. 

Regardless of the poll result, we must be steadfast in our commitment to respecting one another's perspectives and fostering an environment of understanding and reconciliation. We all have an individual and collective role in working towards supporting our communities - and our nation - continuing to seek healing and bringing people together after what has been a challenging and at times confronting process. 

In a recent pastoral letter, Bishop Vincent Long (Bishop of Parramatta) stated:

Whatever the outcome of the referendum, we must continue the work of justice, healing, reconciliation and recognition of our First Nations People. We need to walk with them, day by day, and work with them to bring about change for the better - for their people and for all of us. Strengthening our relationship with our Indigenous brothers and sisters is integral and indeed critical to the strengthening of the whole nation. (27 September 2023)

In his letter, Bishop Vincent connects our faith and belief in the inherent dignity and worth of each human person to how we are called to respond as the people of God. Let us remember that our greatest strength lies in our ability to support each other, embrace diversity, and work towards a more just and compassionate society for all. Regardless of the outcome, our mission remains the same: to provide every student with the opportunity to find meaning and purpose in their life, guided and inspired by the unfailing love Jesus has for every person.

Wishing you a great week,

Paul Moroney

Principal