This week, the College embraced the spirit of reconciliation through daily prayers and a special visit from Duncan Smith of the Wiradjuri Echoes. Duncan shared his deep passion for performance, reconciliation, and culture with our school community, enriching our understanding and appreciation of First Nations heritage.

In 1986, St John Paul II visited Australia and made a historic stop in Alice Springs, where he delivered a powerful message acknowledging the importance of reconciliation. He emphasised that reconciliation was not only crucial for Australia at the time, but also a vital part of the Catholic mission—recognising past injustices as a necessary step toward healing.

Thirty years later, in 2016, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) commemorated this significant moment. Council member Betty Pike reflected on the visit, noting that while it was not without controversy, it held deep meaning. She wrote:

“For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have lived in this land and fashioned a culture that endures to this day. The Spirit of the Creator has been with us. The ‘Dreaming’ influenced our lives so strongly, that no matter what happens, we remain forever a people that have been touched by the Spirit of the Creator of all things.”

She concluded her remarks with a reflection, reminding us of the enduring strength and spirituality of Aboriginal culture:

“We must have the courage to listen to the words of the Spirit
Do not be afraid, I have called you by your name, you are mine...
I will give you a new heart, and new hope; you shall be my people, and I will be your God,
and shepherd you into the future, so that you all might have life...
in your own land, and have it to the full.”
— Betty Pike (NATSICC)

We acknowledge the work of our First Nations Facilitator, Mrs Ruth Hill, in organising this year’s Reconciliation Assembly.

Careers and Studies Expo

On Tuesday evening, the College welcomed families from Years 8–12 to our Careers and Studies Expo. The event featured stalls hosted by representatives from a wide range of industries, education providers, and training organisations. It gave students a chance to explore future pathways, ask questions, and discover what it might take to pursue different careers or training opportunities.

Our faculty areas also showcased their subjects with creative displays, sparking curiosity and discussion about the many course offerings available to students. A huge thank you goes to our Faculty Coordinators for developing their subject presentations, to our Careers and VET Coordinator, and to the many students involved in the evening. Special thanks to our Hospitality students, who ensured our guests were well fed with their outstanding culinary skills.

Social Media and Young People

Last week, I attended a School Regulatory and Governance Conference that brought together presentations from leading legal firms across Australia. The sessions addressed issues affecting schools today, supported by recent legal cases.

One session focused on the increasing number of parents seeking court intervention regarding online behaviour. Two case studies highlighted the dangers of unsupervised group chats on social media. In both cases, students came from homes with strong values and community involvement—one family even volunteered regularly with a local refugee support group.

Despite these positive environments, a lack of supervision online allowed concerning behaviours to escalate. Students often didn’t know how to disengage or seek support. While the court outcomes were not made public, both cases led to serious consequences, including protection orders, compensation, and legal costs.

These cases serve as a powerful reminder that our children need guidance in navigating the digital world. As one presenter said: “We wouldn’t let our children ride a bike without a helmet or drive a car without knowing how to change a tyre—yet we hand them powerful devices without teaching them how to use them safely.”

The eSafety Commissioner continues to be one of the best resources for practical advice and support. Visit the eSafety Parents Resource Page for tools and guidance to help your child stay safe online.

Mr Tom van de Waterbeemd
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing