St Augustine’s College says ‘Now More Than Ever’

National Reconciliation Week, from May 27 to June 3, carries the theme ‘Now More Than Ever’, reminding Australians that the fight for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue.

Before the mass, the school community gathered for a smoking ceremony outside the auditorium, observing Uncle Rick Ronnan perform this sacred Aboriginal tradition meant to cleanse and ward off bad spirits.

Students and guests walked through the smoke into the auditorium for a moving mass, led by students and guest speakers, highlighting the importance of National Reconciliation Week.

Uncle Rick Ronnan shared his thoughts on ‘reconciliation’ and his family’s painful experiences with the Stolen Generations, where children were forcibly removed from their families.

“My grandmother used to tell me that inspectors would come along with a horse and cart and grab the young girls that were only 12 and 13,” Uncle Rick said.

“And by horse and cart they would take them to Albury, and by train they would take them to Cootamundra.

“My grandma used to say that the mother’s of these girls used to cry for weeks on end because they wouldn’t see their children again.

“That was in the past, but we can always make a better future – you, children, are the future.”

School captain Isla Carver delivered a heartfelt speech on the importance of National Reconciliation Week and introduced this year’s theme.

“The theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week is ‘Now More Than Ever’,” Isla said.

“This theme exists as a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice, and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will and must continue.

“Now more than ever the work continues in treaty making, in truth telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism.

“We need connection, we need respect, we need action, and we need change; now more than ever we need reconciliation,” she said.

The Mass also introduced the 2024 Friends Igniting Reconciliation Education (FIRE) carriers, with 14 student leaders from years five and six receiving a badge of honour.

Deputy principal of Catholic identity and community, Kylie Morrissey, said that this honour is performed every Reconciliation Week to promote reconciliation and justice among the cohort.

“It was really lovely to have a combination of girls and boys from years five and six who are very enthusiastic,” Mrs Morrissey said.

“Now the work for them begins, and they will uphold their commitment to living out our fire carrier covenant.”

Formal mass proceedings followed, led by Father Uday Marneni, maintaining the theme of National Reconciliation Week.

The Mass concluded with an address from principal Jay Sutton and a rendition of ‘Hearts on Fire’ by the St Augustine’s choir, led by student Sarah Mott.