Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of Chisholm Catholic College,
At this week’s College assembly, we gathered as a community to reflect on the meaning and importance of National Reconciliation Week.
I began by honouring our First Nations staff and students, acknowledging the privilege we have in being part of a community enriched by their culture, knowledge and presence. Reconciliation is not something confined to a particular week or event – it is a commitment we must live out each day through respect, understanding and meaningful action. Importantly too, it is not just about history or what we learn in the classroom. It is something expressed in all aspects of College life, including the arts and sport, which have been prevalent in our calendar of events over the past few weeks.
Recently, I have had the privilege of witnessing extraordinary examples of what our community can achieve when we commit to something beyond ourselves.
Our College production of The Tempest was nothing short of remarkable. The courage, collaboration and dedication shown by the students and staff involved were truly inspiring. The success of the production was not the result of individual effort alone, but of a collective commitment to a shared goal. Every member of the cast and crew played their role with unity, resilience, passion and pride. As I shared with the cast and crew after the last performance on Saturday evening, the production was mesmerising and a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together.
Similarly, our recent sporting events have highlighted the same spirit. From the Interhouse Athletics Carnival and the Year 7 NAS Carnival, to the outstanding performances of our Senior Girls Netball team and the Senior Boys AFL team, I have seen a consistent theme emerge. There has been determination, selflessness and a strong sense of commitment to team success.
We extend congratulations to our College Cross Country team, whose preparation and dedication continue to exemplify the values we uphold and wish them well for the ACC carnival later next week.
Across both the arts and sport, one idea stood out strongly: the concept of “buy-in” – that being fully committed, an idea that connects deeply with the 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘All In’.
While we celebrate excellence in many areas of our College community – sporting achievements, artistic success and public recognition – we must also reflect honestly on whether, as a nation, we have fully committed to Reconciliation. We are not there yet but we have the capacity to be.
Reconciliation requires us to acknowledge past wrongs, but more importantly, it calls us to actively choose a better future, one grounded in dignity, respect and genuine understanding.
I encourage all members of our community to reflect on their role. Each of us has a part to play in building respect, strengthening relationships and making a meaningful difference.
Because ultimately, Reconciliation is not someone else’s responsibility, it belongs to all of us.
To truly move forward, we must all be ‘all in’.
Our College Prayer guides us always;
Our Father, we ask you to bless the members of our College.
Help us to act justly to all and to treat others as we ourselves want to be treated.
As followers of Caroline Chisholm, may we serve the needs of others to make our world a better place.
Amen.
Caroline Chisholm – pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts – forever.
God bless.
Mr Simon Harvey
Principal
