From the Headmaster
Journeying Towards Justice
It has become apparent that the Australian people have chosen not to pursue an enshrined Voice in the Constitution as a means to recognize and support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. While various reasons have influenced this decision, we must remember that this does not mark the conclusion of our journey towards achieving justice and equality for First Nations Peoples.
The statistics provided by the Closing the Gap strategy serve as a stark reminder that we cannot afford to maintain the status quo in a nation that values the principle of a "Fair Go." It is abundantly clear that there is an overwhelming consensus emerging from the ongoing debate on the Voice in Parliament, calling for a more concerted effort to rectify the injustices experienced by many of our First Nations people.
We must now call upon all Australians to come together in the spirit of reconciliation. It is incumbent upon us to actively seek solutions that will lead to a reduction in the inequalities that persist within our country. I firmly believe that through respectful dialogue and attentive listening, coupled with a commitment to meaningful action, we can prioritise the welfare and well-being of our First Nations people at the forefront of the national agenda.
Let us remember that as a Catholic school community, we are guided by principles of justice, compassion, and unity. In the spirit of these values, let us work together to create a more equitable and inclusive future for all, particularly our First Nations brothers and sisters.
All Souls’ Day
This coming week we celebrate All Souls’ Day, one of the days of the church’s calendar which touches people most deeply. It is a day where we are invited to remember in prayer those loved ones who are now with God.
I encourage all to find a quiet moment on All Souls’ Day to delight in the company once again with those no longer with us. To remember their faces and names. To remember the gift they were to you. To remember times you shared together. To remember a conversation, some good advice, some care; - parents, a sibling, a relative, a young one, a neighbour, a teacher, a work colleague, a classmate. All Souls’ Day is a time to delight in their company again, to thank God for their presence in your life and to commend them to God’s care.
In the gentle embrace of this day, may we find solace, healing, and the strength to move forward with the knowledge that our loved ones continue to shine brightly in our hearts and memories. All Souls' Day is not only a time for remembrance but also a moment of invitation—a call to celebrate the enduring connections that shape our lives.
Seeking Peace and Compassion Amidst Conflict
Few issues in modern history have caused as much argument, anguish, and bloodshed as the simple question: to whom does Palestine belong, to the Arabs, or the Jews? The collective failure to resolve this issue has left a profound mark on our world.
I am certain, like me, many of you have been watching the news this week and have been overwhelmed with emotion and sorrow at what is unfolding in Israel and Palestine. We know war does not solve any problem; instead, it unleashes a torrent of death and destruction, leaving behind scars that take generations to heal. This has fuelled hatred, and deepening divides between Palestine and Israel. It has perpetuated a cycle of revenge that seemingly knows no end. Pope Francis reminds us that ‘every war is defeat.’
As we pray for the people in Israel and the Palestinian territories, let us also pray for wisdom and understanding, for a world where empathy, peace, and love prevail.
Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster
