I am writing this on the day before the Voice Referendum and, like you, I will read it again next Monday after the country makes a decision. Regardless of whether the Referendum is successful or not, on Monday we will still be living in a nation where the process of Reconciliation needs urgent attention. We will still be living in a country where most indigenous people face much worse consequences for health outcomes, poverty, life expectancy, living standards than non-indigenous Australians. We will still be living in a country where some people live with the fantasy that ‘we are all equal’ and we all get an even start in life. We will still be living in a country that requires healing from aspects of our history.

History is a powerful determinant of the present. It is still fundamentally true that those who don’t learn the lessons of history are bound to repeat the mistakes of the past. We see that constantly around the world. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity earlier this year to spend time in Israel. It was a fantastic experience. But I did come away from that without a lot of confidence in the future of that part of the world. It was pretty clear to me that neither Palestinians or Jews seemed to have much inclination to recognise the pain and hurt caused to each other over generations. When people are treated poorly, over long periods of time, reconciliation just keeps becoming more urgent and more vital for a better future. So, with however we voted on Saturday, I hope that in our part of the world, we will say ‘Yes’ to treating people with dignity and respect and we will say ‘Yes’ to addressing the mistakes of the past – not out of guilt – but out of a sense that this is the only positive way forward. Vote ‘Yes’ for the future.

Awards Night is on Tuesday evening commencing at 6.30pm in the Sports Centre. It will again be a fantastic showcase of academic, sporting and cultural excellence. All are most welcome to attend.

Year 12 Graduation will be celebrated on Friday which is the last day of classes for Year 12 students. This is earlier than in previous years as it recognises that for a significant percentage of our cohort who have no External exams to complete, this is the end of their time at Shalom. We will celebrate that journey well as we always do. We wish all of our Year 12s every best wish as they embark on External exam block and the new pathways that each of them will forge. Thank you to their parents for the privilege of allowing Shalom to share that journey with them.

From the Diocesan Indigenous Education Team to all students –

Recently a referendum on the voice to Parliament was held. The outcome of this referendum may have had a significant impact on you, peers, family, community. The Voice to Parliament provided Australia with an opportunity for deep conversation, to listen deeply, to be heard, to be reflective, to engage with a multitude of viewpoints and perspectives. We acknowledge that people will come to different conclusions and differing opinions and we respect each other’s rights to express them.
As people of faith, we believe in the inherent dignity and worth of each individual. This is a time, more so than before to rally together as children of God and his likeness. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbours (Mark 12:31) and to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9).
Reconciliation is about striving towards a more just, equitable nation by championing unity and mutual respect. It is about loving hearts, minds, and actions of all Australians as we move forward. Together we work to build a nation that is strengthened by respectful relationships and a community where all cultures are valued, respected and affirmed across all areas of society. As a school community we are reminded that we are, one in land, one in spirit, one in faith united in God’s love.

Pray:
Creator,
You beautifully, wonderfully make us,
May we go your way of love.
Christ,
You lead us to reconciliation.
May we go your way of justice.
Spirit,
You move us on the journey.
May we go your way of breath.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com