St Joseph's came together as a community to recognise National Reconciliation week. This week marks a significant part of our shared history with Australia's first people Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The theme is “Grounded in truth and walk together in courage”.

At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds.

We also recognise Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander man who was known for his role in campaigning for Indigenous land rights and for his role in a landmark decision of the High Court of Australia which overturned the legal doctrine of terra nullius ("nobody's land") which characterised Australian law with regard to land and title.

Many thanks to everyone involved in the assembly and morning tea afterwards.

Mr Stephen Jones MP presented us with our new school flags, and we will have them flying high on our flag poles very soon.

Our wonderful choir led the National Anthem in Aboriginal Language. We were so blessed by hearing such wonderful voices sign in our First peoples language.

All students involved were amazing for their willingness to participate in the liturgy. The many sounds, calls and circular breathe on the Didjeridu was beautiful to hear.

Thank you to Josephine Ball and Uncle Mark Mongta for coming and celebrating with us today.

PERMISSION NOTES

Permission notes are due to be returned as soon as possible for the following excursions.

• Bangarra dance excursion to Sydney. There is no cost for this, however, your child will need an Opal card for the train from Oak flats to Sydney return. They will need to be picked up from Oak flats station at 5:20pm at the latest.
• Cultural sites tour. Please ensure you return your notes. We will be leaving school at 8am busses.

NAIDOC ASSEMBLY

NAIDOC assembly will be on Monday 24th June 2019 and the theme this year is 'Voice, Treaty and Truth'. The choir will perform the National Anthem in language, our students will dance, and we will celebrate with a liturgy.