Principal's Message

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Esther Cummins (Year 11), who delivered the Acknowledgement of Country on Wednesday at the Diocesan Leaders Gathering this week. Esther is a wonderful ambassador for our College and her culture.

Please find below the Acknowledgement of Country and the speech Esther delivered at the leader's gathering.

Acknowledgement of Country

Wiyabu, barraba yitirr Esther.

Ngatha Birrbay galbaan dhanbaan.

Yii Birrbay Barray.

Wanyimbu wanyimbu ganyila, wanyimbu wanyimbu ganyiy Birrbay Barray.

This always was and always will be Birrbay land.

Ngatha marrung-ngarra, I pay my respects to the ngarragal, Elders, past and present. - for they hold the knowledge and wisdom of

Birrbay, the land and our people, and will always keep us strong.

Nyiirun gathay wakulda.

We will walk as one.
We will walk as one.

This statement is one which is more important to our lives than ever before. Just last week, from the 27th of May to the 3rd of June, Australians celebrated Reconciliation Week, honouring the 2024 theme of “Now More than Ever”. This week commenced and concluded with anniversaries that commemorate key moments on our journey towards true reconciliation, understanding, progress, and celebration - the 1967 Referendum and the High Court of Australia’s 1992 Mabo Decision challenging terra nullius.

However, it is crucial, particularly within the education sector, that these discussions continue throughout the year. This needs to be a national conversation so that we can all walk this sacred land with pride at the progress that has been made and the future that we will share together.

Let us honour each other's stories and gifts and shape an Australia where everyone can know their potential, aspire to achieve their educational and career goals, and be proud of their heritage.

Marrungbu, thank you

Year 12 Students Run for Cancer

This week, I've become aware of two Year 12 students, Cora Puttick and Laura Smith, who are living out the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop in the way of “Never see a need without doing something about it”. The girls have signed up for the challenge of running 3 km every day in June, joining the mission of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation to unite the community to increase brain cancer survival and quality of life.

Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation and a leading voice for brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness in Australia who are striving to rapidly increase brain cancer survival and improve the quality of life for people living with this disease.

If you are in a position and feeling the call to show your support, please do so by donating to the cause. While the girls have created separate fundraising pages, together they are united in raising funds.

Cora https://www.facebook.com/donate/775626131381394/

Laura- https://www.facebook.com/donate/1182679079752796/1182679103086127/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Stay safe, and have a great long weekend.