Catholic Education and Church leaders engage with First Nations
The National Catholic Education Commission’s (NCEC) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education network group met in iutrwita (Tasmania) in nipaluna (Hobart) recently to progress their national work plan.
The network collaborates with state and territory Catholic education peak bodies to support closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in literacy and numeracy, while promoting a sense of belonging and expectations for success at school.
Hosted by Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) under the leadership of CET programs system manager Rosa Connell and musician, artist and curator AJ King, the network visited kunanyi (Mt Wellington) to be welcomed to Country by Tasman Langford.
NCEC acting deputy director Joanna Mackie said the network meeting was an opportunity to extend the practicalities of the national work plan addressing Catholic identity and First Nations spirituality, learning and teaching, and family and community partnerships.
Meanwhile, Australia’s bishops and leaders of more than 30 religious institutes gathered in North Sydney recently to pray together, reflect on their ministry and discuss issues of mutual relevance.
Each year, the Church leaders meet during the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s May plenary meeting.
Part of the agenda was dedicated to participation in the Cultural Competency in a Catholic Context course designed by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council.
‘In our Australian setting, and as we prepare for the referendum on the Voice to Parliament, it was a fitting time to reflect on the unique place of First Nations Peoples in our nation and in our Church, and how we can walk with our friends in effective and appropriate ways.’
Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council John Lochowiak welcomed the chance to engage with the Church leaders and present the course.
‘We hope that the signal of those leading the Church in Australia taking time to participate in this course will encourage other Catholics to take up the invitation.’
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Upcoming parent webinar: Online relationships and consentDid you know eSafety research found seven in 10 young people aged 14-17 have seen sexual images online and one in five have been asked by someone on the internet to send sexual pictures of themselves?
The Online Relationships and Consent: sending nudes and sexting webinar covers how to recognise and respond to requests for sexual images, set boundaries and report incidents if they occur.
Find out more.
Momentum building in the quest to find out more about ADHD
Two organisations are looking to gather more information to improve support for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The ADHD Foundation is seeking input from school staff who support students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to inform their research. Teachers can fill in the short, anonymous survey today. The foundation is also holding consultations with several staff. If you’d like to give more in-depth information, email [email protected].
Meanwhile, Macquarie University is looking for parents of children with primary ADHD to help them understand the nature of social difficulties experienced by some children with ADHD. This research may help develop more effective interventions for children with ADHD to improve long-term social and academic outcomes. Email [email protected] for more information.
Find out more.
What’s On:
Young Voices Awards (YVA) 2023: The theme is ‘Climate for change’. Find out more.
Australian Catholics Education Hub Q&A session: ‘Jesus as a model for embracing diversity in Catholic school communities’. Date: Tuesday, 23 May 2023; Time: 4.30-5.30pm (AEST). Subscribers can find out more here.
Summit23 (18-20 May): This three-day event is the principal gathering of the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
IM23 I am a tree of life: A convocation of people with spiritual exercises, forest contemplations and conversations, using the life of a tree as a metaphor for an organic spirituality. This is an International and Australian Laudato Si’ Week Event. Online Sun 21, Mon 22, Tue 23, Wed 24 May. Find out more.
National Reconciliation Week 2023 (27 May to 3 June): NRW 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. Find an event here or add yours to the calendar.
Laurel Blow Speaker Series with guest Thomas Mayo (Uluru Statement of the Heart): Are you aware of the conversations happening around the Voice to Parliament but not really sure what it’s all about? The first session of the Laurel Blow Speaker Series this year will help you understand what's really being asked and navigate the noise surrounding the issue.
Date: Thursday, 1 June
Time: 10am-12.30pm
Location: Gadete Centre, ACU, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo
RSVP by: Monday, 29 May
Register here.