Dean of Identity | Mr Terry Thompson

Heal Country

A warm welcome back to Term 3 for the Terrace Family. I hope your son/s managed to recharge the batteries from what was another busy Term 2. Just when I thought we were back to some normality, we were faced with another lockdown. I hope it did not affect your holidays too much and that your families were safe during this time. I particularly pray for those who are suffering from this terrible pandemic. We are fortunate to live in Queensland.

Last week, our country celebrated our annual National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' history, culture, and achievements. It is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and society. NAIDOC Week is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities but by Australians from all walks of life.

The theme for NAIDOC week this year is ‘Heal Country’. Today our world needs healing – environmentally, spiritually and socially. We must all come together as a global community to fight the injustices of inequality, racism and environmental damage.

At our assembly on Tuesday, we welcomed Sammy Leone (uncle to Thomas Weatherall – 8 Barrett), who led an acknowledgement of country and unpacked what NAIDOC week means to him. Sammy identifies as a Gara-wa and Butch-ulla Man with Tongan and Southsea Island Heritage. Sammy has lived in the local community of Brisbane Northside since the age of eight and has strong connections to the local First Nations People and community of Brisbane. Sammy’s insights were fascinating and moving, and we are so grateful that he took the time to share them with us.

A Prayer for NAIDOC Week

Lord, we come before you during NAIDOC Week to celebrate the successes, achievements, and resilience of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters. We recognise those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who are using their talents to enrich our communities and inspire us all in many ways. We honour First Nations peoples who fight every day for rights, culture and land. They reveal the true meaning of strength and survival. Amen.

Magee House working bee

A massive congratulations to the 77 Magee men who gave up the first day of their holidays to attend a working bee at their House Friendship Group, St Mary of the Cross School, Windsor. They filled a four cubic metre bin full of weeds, moved five cubic metres of mulch, made a fairy and gnome garden and used eight litres of stain on the fence. A big thank you to Mr Anthony O’Shea (Magee House Dean) for leading this great initiative with the Magee House students.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever

St Joseph’s…Pray for us.