Newsletter 10: 20 July 2021
Dear Colleagues,
In these early weeks of the second semester, with the COVID-19 pandemic still causing serious concerns for the health of many Australians in certain parts of the country, once again our school leaders and teachers have selflessly come to the fore. With painstaking care and hours of planning, many of our Marist schools have pivoted quickly again to offsite learning arrangements, as well as onsite provision for children of essential workers. Agility, adaptability, innovation, perseverance, resilience, enthusiasm and hope are consistently being modelled by the talented staff in our schools. Many Marist educators are meaningfully ensuring the current crisis presents a series of important and unique learning opportunities, where gratitude, ingenuity, solidarity and a “can do” attitude prevail. Let us continue to pray for one another during these most challenging times.
Over the recent holidays, Australia celebrated Naidoc week. There were many inspiring stories shared during this time by indigenous Australians, not least of which were those of our humble tennis champions , Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty. For many Marists a highlight was news of Patty Mills being chosen as the first indigenous Australian to bear the flag for the Olympic team in Tokyo. Patty attended Marist College Canberra before embarking on his professional basketball journey. Whilst one of the most successful Australian basketballers in history, Patty also inspires and profoundly influences people off the court. His generous work for others includes the charity organisations, “The Team Mills Foundation” and “The Community Water Project”, both of which have been founded to support remote indigenous communities. When questioned on his sporting success, Patty said,
"I play basketball, and I'm grateful for what the sport has provided for me and my family,
but I'm even more appreciative for the voice and platform that has come along with it.
It has allowed me to follow through with my successes on the court to inspire, support
and make change in other people's lives, especially the ones who need it most.”
Appropriately during Naidoc week were repeated references to the “Uluru Statement from the Heart” and the key sentiments expressed. The words were originally spoken in 2017 from the geographical heart of our country and from the hearts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The full text concludes with an invitation to all Australians that is worthy of deep reflection.
We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people
for a better future.
The passion these words reflect, burns among indigenous Australians. Commended to you is a brief clip from a recent ABC Q&A episode (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy-13yR4zio), during which Mitch Tambo, a proud Gamilaraay man, speaks movingly of his vision for Australia.
As we commence the second semester of 2021, may our Marist school communities continue to accept the invitation to walk with our indigenous sisters and brothers for a better future.