RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
REC Update – W6 – T2
EARTH CARE - PEOPLE CARE - FAIR SHARE
An absolute cracking day was had by Year 4, Aaron and myself (aka 'The Rain Dodgers') on Tuesday of Week 5 in The Living Classroom. With the help of Aaron, the girls and boys built an incredible MRSFC (mineral rich slow ferment compost), which utilised probably in excess of 200kg of weeds that have been pulled out of the garden since late last year ('create no waste'). Made by using several layers of carbon (straw, dead leaves etc) and nitrogen (weeds, green leaves etc) and repeating this several times over, we will have a massive pile of finished compost ready to use in our garden in about 6 months.
Aside from this, the students harvested massive banana bunches, chopped and dropped banna grass and even sharpened some cutting tools. A great day was had by all!
NATIONAL RECONCILIAITON WEEK
Each year our country celebrates National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
As Catholics we understand deeply the concept of Reconciliation. We have the Sacrament of Penance which invites us to reflect on those times when we have missed the mark in how we live and then calls us to repair and restore the broken aspects of our lives and relationships with God, people and all of creation. During National Reconciliation Week we are called to repair and restore the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and all Australians, recognising the history of what has been and moving forward together in a spirit of love.
he National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme is Be Brave. Make Change. and is a challenge to all Australians to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. It is a challenge to individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
2022 is marked by significant national anniversaries of brave actions.
50 years ago: In January 1972, a group of brave young men began the longest protest for Indigenous land rights, sovereignty, and self-determination by planting a beach umbrella and signage proclaiming the Aboriginal Embassy across the road from (then) Parliament House in Canberra.
30 years ago: In June 1992, the ten-year fight of a group of Torres Strait Islanders, led by Eddie Mabo, over ownership of Mer (Murray Island) resulted in a High Court decision that recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to land – rights that existed before the British arrived and can still exist today.
Also, in 1992 on 29 May the Torres Strait Islander Flag was officially presented to the people of the Torres Strait Islands at the sixth Torres Strait Cultural Festival.
25 years ago: In April 1997 the Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families was released, a testament to the bravery of thousands who told of the impact of forcible removal from their families, cultures and communities.
Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful changes like these, future gains, such as the realisation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort. This Reconciliation Week we are invited to make change beginning with brave actions in our daily lives – “where we live, work, play and socialise”.
Two actions to consider:
- Commit to pray for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters - for healing, justice and Reconciliation.
- Learn more about the Uluru Statement of the Heart and raise awareness of the issues in your own circles.
All the best,
Mr Sam Mattas
Religious Education Coordinator