St John the Evangelist Catholic High School Nowra eNewsletter

NEWS FROM GOOROON

ST MARY'S STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL - NAIDOC CELEBRATION

On Thursday 25th July 2024 the Garindja Dancers were invited to perform with the Aboriginal Education Assistants and students of St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School at Milton as part of their NAIDOC Celebration.

KYARA SIMMS - EX ST JOHN'S STUDENT (GRADUATED 2020)

In Year 11 & 12 Kyara participated in a school based traineeship with the Commonwealth Bank and on completion they offered her a position at the Nowra Branch for 12 months, after which time she could apply for a transfer anywhere in Australia. She choose to go the Sydney and took up a position as a mobile lender. This year she was seconded by HR and lead the team for school based traineeship for the whole of Australia.

Below is an article on Kyara published by the Commonwealth Bank. Congratulations to Kyara on the continuing success in her career.

NAIDOC WEEK 2024 ASSEMBLY AND MORNING TEA

On Friday 2 August, we held our NAIDOC Assembly at St John's. National NAIDOC Week is held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for National NAIDOC Week 2024 is 'KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD'.

This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

"Blak, Loud and Proud" encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.

Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.

We were honoured to have Elders and community members join us for our assembly and morning tea.