Celebrating Diversity
Australia is a country of diverse communities. Each community across this great nation is unique. Through the contribution of so many diverse cultures, as Australians, we are proud to celebrate such richness of diversity.
Today our College celebrated NAIDOC Day. Traditionally, NAIDOC celebrations occur from 5 July. This year due to concern for the community as a result of COVID-19, NAIDOC Week will be marked from 8 – 15 November. Today, students took the opportunity to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.
Today’s NAIDOC celebrations provided a valuable opportunity for our students to participate in a range of activities and show support for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This year’s theme ‘Always was and always will be’ recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65 000 years. The theme was chosen to encourage all Australians to embrace the true history of this country. ‘Always was and always will be’ elevates the continuity of Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices as things all Australians can be proud of.
During recess and lunch, the Mercy walk was abuzz with students who participated in a variety of activities, giving them the chance to share in the rich history, traditions, and stories of Indigenous Australians. Engaging with the language, painting, dancing, music, and history of Indigenous Australians enriches the lives of our students. It unlocks the imagination by creating wonder and appreciation for the First People’s successes. It leads to a better and shared understanding of where this great nation came from. Â
Today also presented students with a great opportunity to develop and enhance ongoing relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and local communities for more engaged and enriched future learning. Discovering more about the inspiring stories and deeply spiritual and cultural connections Aboriginal People have with the land will lead to a greater understanding and acceptance of the First Nations.
What A Term! So Many Opportunities – Jennifer Oaten
As I look back on the past nine weeks, I am so grateful for who we are as a community and what we have achieved. Through the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students, we have established new connections, immersed ourselves in opportunities and worked through challenges.
From the President: April 2024
President Gemma Varone, welcomes you to the April edition of the OGA Blog.
The Holiest Time of the Year
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, signalling the conclusion of Lent and ushering us into the holiest time of the year.
- Compassion, ConnectingLearning2Life, Featured, Respect
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.