Reconciliation Day 2021 is fast approaching it is a timely reminder that as a school community it is our role to embrace this day as a day of coming together as one, to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders history and culture, and also to celebrate the history and culture of everyone in our community. One of St John Paul II College’s house patrons Father Ted Kennedy was an individual who embraced respectful relationships and welcomed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture into his Redfern, NSW parish. Before he went to Redfern, Father Ted worked in the Sydney parishes of Ryde, Punchbowl, Elizabeth Bay and Neutral Bay. He was also chaplain to the University of Sydney. He was not afraid to stand up for the injustices occurring in the Catholic Church and dedicated his life to ensuring the underprivileged were cared for.

Father Ted was known as a rebellious individual, and this was well documented in his book, Who is Worthy: The role of conscience in restoring hope to the Church. The book argued that the Australian church has corrupted the basic teachings of Christ and has become a church of exclusion rather than inclusion so that a process of reformation was required. From this, it is clear to see that inclusivity is fundamental to being Christian.

Fr Ted commonly welcomed the ‘outcasts’ of the Redfern community encouraging reconciliation, inclusivity and faith in all people he interacted with. His example of personal poverty and commitment influenced other people and organisations. Father Ted was a controversial figure and not all Catholics or all Australians supported his radical views. In 2001, however, his work received direct support from Pope John Paul II which supported the work Father Ted spent bridging the gap for the community of Redfern. Father Ted also spent a lot of time working with the Indigenous community in remote areas around Australia.

Father Ted Kennedy died on 17 May 2005. His funeral was attended by thousands. He left a legacy that is still present today, but has outgrown the Redfern area showing the service that he delivered is one transferrable Australia wide.

Father Ted Kennedy’s legacy is at the forefront of our respectful relationships’ ethos at St John Paul II College and underpinned by our School Wide Positive Behaviour Framework. Our challenge as a community is to commit ourselves to encourage reconciliation and justice for all, celebrating diversity and importantly embracing respectful relationships between all in our community. With Father Ted Kennedy’s legacy and Reconciliation Day on the 31 May, it is an opportune time to remember the importance of respect and creating a positive and respectful environment for all in our community. The link to our School Wide Positive Behaviour Framework is listed below.