On Monday the 4th of September, four Year 10 Students and Mr Collins attended the Annual Diocesan Social Justice, See Judge, Act day, held down in Wollongong. Representatives from all of the Catholic High Schools from around the diocese came together to collaborate and express their views. The theme being explored came from the Australian Catholic Bishops Statement for the 2023 / 2024 - Listen, Learn and Love. - A new engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Each year the Bishop’s statement reflects what's happening currently in society, This year focusing on the culture and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the many social issues ATSI communities face. We were lucky enough to attend this event to develop our understanding on these issues and how we can be more inclusive and create awareness. So that we can walk together, with our ATSI brother’s and sisters in working towards a better future for all.

On the day we were involved in numerous cultural practices, to start the day off we were welcomed with white ochre painting on our faces by the elders to show our inclusion and respect in their practices. Other activities included a smoking ceremony, yarning circles, Indigenous dances, Dot paintings and other activities/ practices. First Nations students from John Terry were central to this event, providing dance and discussions which definitely gave us a deeper understanding of their culture as they could freely talk about what it means to them. We had guest speaker Maddy Forde tell us about social injustices faced and how we as allies can help with inclusion and awareness. The day mainly focused on Listening, learning about the culture and loving everyone regardless of background. We learnt about many stories of struggle with their culture and brainstormed ways to solve this by working in small groups, we then all came together to collaborate our ideas. We listened to their views on this matter and the many struggles they faced in their lives but also the positives of their culture and the practices they follow. We learnt to come together and to help solve this social justice issue we need to help and love one another.   

Overall this day was great to improve our leadership skills, collaborate with others and go out of our comfort zone. We were educated with different views and stories to then help find solutions to them. We got to experience the strong culture of our First Nations peoples and why it's so important to spread awareness of the injustice they are facing. 

Thank you to the College and Diocese for this amazing opportunity!

 

Joel, Will, Sarah and Bella - Year 10