National Reconciliation Week invited our College community to pause, listen and reflect on our shared journey towards reconciliation. As a Josephite community, reconciliation is not simply something we acknowledge for one week of the year; it is a commitment we seek to live every day. Inspired by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and guided by our College Reconciliation Action Plan, we strive to build relationships grounded in truth, respect, justice and a willingness to walk together.
A highlight of the week was our whole-school National Reconciliation Week Assembly, where students and staff came together in prayer, storytelling, music and reflection to engage with this year's theme, All In. Thoughtfully planned and led by our Student Leaders, the assembly reflected both their outstanding leadership and genuine commitment to reconciliation. A particularly powerful moment was our choir's moving performance of Beds Are Burning as part of our Voices of Reconciliation. We were also privileged to welcome parent guest speaker Amy Crookes from EY, who shared practical insights into supporting First Nations businesses and communities, reminding us that reconciliation is not simply an idea, but something lived through our everyday choices and actions.
Our Year 12 Student Leaders joined students from other Josephite schools for the Walking Together in Truth excursion. Thoughtfully organised by Sr Marianne Zeinstra and Sr Geraldine Larkins, and guided by proud Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman Melissa Brickell, students visited the memorial site of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner near RMIT—an important place that many people pass each day without knowing its significance. There, they learned the story of two Aboriginal men from Tasmania who became the first people executed in Melbourne in 1842. Through this experience, students were invited to reflect on the importance of truth-telling, justice and acknowledging often overlooked chapters of Australia's history. The day concluded with a Reconciliation Prayer Service, exhibition and shared lunch at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre.
Throughout the week, students and staff engaged in a range of activities including Chapel Prayer, native cooking experiences, message stones, quizzes and fundraising initiatives. Our Morning Tea for Culture was a wonderful example of community spirit in action, raising $1,135 for the Opening the Doors Foundation, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attending Catholic schools across Victoria.
Visit our fundraising page HERE
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who embraced National Reconciliation Week. Being an ally is more than simply supporting First Nations peoples in words; it is about listening deeply, learning continuously and walking alongside one another with respect, humility and a genuine commitment to justice. This reflects the very heart of the Gospel call to love our neighbour. Thank you to all who continue to show up in this space, helping to create a community where reconciliation is not merely acknowledged, but actively lived.
June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion deeply cherished by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The Sacred Heart reminds us of God's boundless love and compassion for all people, especially those most in need, and continues to shape the Josephite charism that guides our College today. We were blessed to begin the month by celebrating a beautiful Chapel Mass with Fr Joshua McDermid. As we journey through June, may we be inspired to share Christ's love through simple acts of kindness, compassion and care for those around us.
As we near the end of term, our Year 10 students will participate in their annual Reflection Day on 25 June, themed Interfaith Encounter. Building on their learning in World Religions, students will engage with different faith traditions through authentic encounters, guided tours and meaningful conversations. The day will begin with an Aboriginal cultural experience led by the Djirri Djirri Women's Dance Group before students visit a range of faith communities, sacred places and museums, including the Jewish Museum of Australia, Islamic Museum of Australia, Hindu and Sikh temples, a Greek Orthodox parish, St Francis' Church and the Mary Glowrey Museum. In a world crying out for peace and unity, days such as these remind us that peace begins with understanding, respect and genuine encounters with others.
Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the recent release of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). While much of the media attention has centred on artificial intelligence, the encyclical invites us to consider a much deeper question: how do we protect what is most human about us in an increasingly technological world?
Pope Leo reminds us that technology is a gift when it serves human dignity, strengthens relationships and promotes the common good. For schools, families and young people, it provides an important opportunity to reflect on how we use technology wisely and ethically. It is a timely and thought-provoking document that I encourage you to explore.
Visit the Vatican's publication of Magnifica Humanitas HERE
Mrs Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity
