To our Sacred Heart Community
National Sorry Day (26 May)
I move:
That today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
We reflect on their past mistreatment.
We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations — this blemished chapter in our nation’s history.
This morning, the students and staff at Marcellin gathered to recognise National Sorry Day. On May 26 1997, the “Bringing Them Home” was tabled in Federal Parliament, the final report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families.
Through National Sorry Day and into Reconciliation Week, we continue to grow in our understanding of the effects that previous government policy had on Indigenous culture, family identity and the on-going implications of intergenerational trauma. It is important that we continue to engage in conversation and listen to the stories of our First Nation Peoples so that the healing process can truly occur.
We request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation.
For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.
We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians.
Excerpts from Kevin Rudd’s Sorry Speech – 13 February 2008.
The full Sorry Speech can be found here.
Game Changers La Valla Retreat
Half day retreats are a core part of the Game Changers program. Led by our Youth Ministers, Cara and Liv, and Year 9 Game Changers mentor, Matt, the La Valla track (Year 9’s and 10’s) gathered at the Seacliff Yacht Club on Tuesday. They participated in a range of activities that fostered personal and social development, team building and a greater understanding of the Marist Characteristics.
Some of the La Valla Game Changers had the following to say:
“This week’s Game Changers Retreat was an opportunity for me to learn more about the issues our world is currently facing such as homelessness and the impact of fast fashion, as well as form stronger bonds and a greater sense of community within our Year 9/10 game changers group.” – Madalyn
“Liv, Cara and Matt challenged me to show gratitude in my daily life, by waking up and thinking about one thing that I have that I am grateful for.” – Grace
“This week’s Game Changers retreat was an opportunity for me to meet new people and learn more about social justice issues that are impacting our world today. It was a really fun day and I am very grateful for all the new friendships that I formed.” – Jess
Year 8 Environment Representatives attend YELP
Amelie and Piper (Year 8 Environmental Representatives from MSol) attended the Youth Environment Leaders Program (YELP) Forum held by Green Adelaide. They spent the day at the Byards Road Wetlands where they participated in two hands-on workshops (bird watching and a scavenger hunt). They also planned their environmental project for the year which will involve creating a herb garden at the Champagnat Campus.
Belinda Barrile
Director of Marist Mission (Champagnat)
Year 9 Rite Journey High Ropes Day
On Wednesday of Week 3, the Year 9 Rite Journey students participated in the 2022 Challenge Launch Day, which involved excursions to TreeClimb Adelaide and West Beach Mega Adventure.
Challenge is a key feature of the Rite Journey program, and students are pushed out of their comfort zones throughout the year as they learn to understand their limits, persevere through adversity, and understand the benefits of leaning into challenges. The students on the day participated in high ropes courses designed to challenge their fears and physical capabilities, as well as work cooperatively in teams to complete team challenges.
The Year 9’s are building toward their final challenge in the Rite Journey program – a 3 day hike through Deep Creek conservation park in Term 4.
Well done to all the students who attended and challenged themselves, as well as the staff who supported the excursion.
Nicholas Taylor
Director of Students
Fourviere House ‘Wheelienet’ Basketball
Yesterday, Fourviere House at Marcellin participated in wheelchair Basketball via wheelienet as part of a House activity.
With a great level of enthusiasm and engagement from the students, 22 wheelchairs were shared amongst the group across 2 courts for some healthy, homeroom competition.
The experience aims to help students gain a greater awareness of the issues and challenges facing people living with disability as well as raising awareness of wheelchair sports, encouraging safe driving, highlighting the dangers of drinking, drug-taking and poor decision-making in everyday life, improving the understanding of people living with spinal cord injury, and encouraging participation.
A very valuable experience for our students to experience and empathise with those living with disabilities.
Alison Iwanowitsch
Head of House – Fourviere
Marcellin Campus School Photo Day (Tuesday 7 June)
A reminder to Year 10-12 families that Marcellin Campus School Photo Day will be held on Tuesday 7 June. Students will be photographed in Homeroom classes, individually and with the option to have a sibling photo.
For full details, please refer to the SHC 2022 Marcellin School Photo Day Letter to Parents.
Students are asked to ensure particular attention is given to their uniform and presentation on this day. Details of the Uniform and Grooming requirements of the College can be found here.
If you have any further questions regarding School photos, please contact Sue Gyles on 8350 2552.
Mask Requirements
As of Monday, SA Health have advised that masks are recommended, but no longer required in secondary school settings.
There may be certain conditions that will require the re-introduction of masks, but we will update the community should these conditions arise.
National Reconciliation Week
National Sorry Day, as mentioned above, signals the commencement of Reconciliation Week. These are both significant events on the Australian calendar and are respectfully acknowledged across the College.
This year’s Reconciliation Week theme is BE BRAVE. MAKE CHANGE! (https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/)
At Sacred Heart we aim to grow ‘Courageous Hearts’ and our 2022 Marist Theme is Known and Loved – Dignity for all! So, the synergy between Sacred Heart’s culture in being ‘A Home for All Hearts’ and the acknowledgement and celebration of Reconciliation Week ensures that our actions match our words – authentically!
Steve Byrne
Principal
