ATSI Partnerships We would just like to share a couple of activities we have done this year as part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. To start the year we had a BBQ with our families, ATSI staff and students from the four Catholic schools at Sacred Heart College. A highlight was our first ‘Young Peoples Camp’ with Clonard, Sacred Heart and St Ignatius Colleges. The camp was a trip to Halls Gap where we learned some of the local stories of the Bunjilaka people. We also visited the Cultural Centre and a taste testing of crocodile, kangaroo, emu and turtle.We went on a few walks and visited Bunjil’s Cave. A great time was had by all. In Term 2 was the ‘Aspirations Day’ at Deakin University. Parents and students had a wonderful experience. Listening to Chris Sarra was inspirational and the fashion parade was amazing. We appreciated the opportunity to gather at Deakin and talk about our dreams. In Term 3 we had a visit to Korin Gamandji Institute, at Richmond Football Club organised by the Catholic Education Office. This was a program with different workshops set up for Catholic Secondary Schools ATSI students from Geelong and Melbourne. The workshops included singer and speaker Scott Darlow, Deadly Dancing, Fighting Fit and Speaker Sgt Rick Morris from Australian Defence. The theme for this year’s program was ATSI Games honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Servicemen and women. We have gathered together as a group at lunch times, this term we are working on some bollards for the anniversary of the apology in February 2015. It’s been a great year for us all. - Kaleb Owen - Year 7, Susan Collins - Koorie Education Worker & Kylie Pretty - ATSI Coordinator
RECONCILITATION WEEK
Reconciliation Week activities started early this year with the Reconciliation Trophy football match on Wednesday 14 May. Halls Gap Camp This annual match between St Joseph’s and St Bernard’s Colleges highlights the need for Reconciliation in all spheres of life, including on the sporting field. Following a moving pregame ceremony the match was played in tremendous spirit with St Joseph’s holding on to the trophy following a hard fought victory.
Community service in the Tiwi Islands
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Activities continued as we celebrated the diverse cultures and talents of our own Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The Reconciliation Assembly was a highlight with a traditional dance performed by our Yolongu indigenous students; Raven Marika, Dion Wunungmurra, Jerol Wunungmurra and Mabo Mununggurritj. Waadhi Conole played a piece by Hayden beautifully on his trumpet followed by guest speakers, from the Geelong One Fire Reconciliation group.
VISIT TO THE TIWI ISLANDS
On Wednesday 30 April, twelve Year 11 students embarked on a journey to the Tiwi islands. The purpose of our trip was to aid Xavier Catholic College students on the Bathurst Island by providing the children with a weekend of fun and exciting activities. As well as the Island experience, we were able to participate in multiple community service outings in Darwin. We kick-started our service efforts with the St. Vinnies sandwich van where we were able to meet and converse with the homeless community of Darwin. We handed out sandwiches, served beverages and shared stories with the new people we met. On Friday we flew over to Bathurst Island on two very small planes. Lance, from the school at Wurrumiyanga, picked us up and took us to the school where we were instantly greeted by the children. They were easier to talk to we had first anticipated. Out of the twelve of us, we were divided into 4 groups, and we were each assigned a night to cook. This was a challenge as we came to appreciate the high cost but small quantities of fresh food, fruit and vegetables available as compared to the inexpensive, and easily available, processed products we have. As the days went on we each developed relationships with children of various age groups. The children taught us more about their culture and what they are used to living on an island. When we left the island we all were very saddened by the fact that we would possibly never see these kids again, it was a real eye opener and it was well worth it. Throughout our journey we uncovered the meaning of reconciliation by giving up what we value the most to be able to share another cultural experience that completely differs from our own day to day lives. We’d like to thank Ms Goring, Mr Clohesy and Ms Hart for the time and effort they put into organising and accompanying us on this trip.
Some of the 2014 FIRE Carriers - John Harmon, Michael McAuliffe, Darcy Bennett, Simon Taylor
