Acting Dean of Identity | Mr Terry Thompson

Significant events

Last Friday saw our opening Mass and Year 12 Induction. We were fortunate to have Your Grace Archbishop Mark Coleridge leading the Terrace Family in this celebration. I always feel a sense of excitement with such an occasion. I remember my senior induction so vividly - the moment when you receive your Senior badge in the presence of your family and friends is something quite special. This badge symbolises leadership - your responsibility as a Year 12 student in the white shirt. I know all our Seniors will thrive with this challenge and opportunity. Thank you to the musicians and the Identity team for their organisation and work behind the scenes to make this such a successful and significant event for our Year 12 students and their families.  

On another note, this Thursday 13 February is the Anniversary of the National Apology. It was this day in 2008 when then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples acknowledging the Stolen Generations. It was hoped that this apology would help close the gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. 

On Thursday, 16 students will have the opportunity to attend the twelfth Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations at the Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough. Students will have the opportunity to hear stories and experiences from elders of the Stolen Generations. 

In the custom of our school, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to the elders’ past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of Australia. We must always remember that under the concrete of our school, was and always will be traditional Aboriginal land. We pay respect to them on whose land we now are, acknowledging the loss of lands, cultures and treasures; knowing the consequences for people, communities and nations; and believing we can walk together to a better future.
Vicki Clark, 2017

I leave you with you a prayer that I shared with staff during our briefing on Monday morning in a reflection of this significant anniversary:

Holy Father, God of Love, you are the Creator of all things. We acknowledge the sufferings of Our peoples, and we ask your forgiveness. We thank you for the survival of Indigenous cultures. Our hope is in you because you gave your Son Jesus to reconcile the world to you. We pray for your strength and grace to forgive, accept and love one another, as you love us and forgive and accept us in the sacrifice of your Son. 
Amen

Wontulp Bi-Buya Indigenous Theology Working Group, 1997