This week we welcomed our newest members to the St Michael’s community. Our amazing Kindergarten students have had a seamless start to their school year. Each day we see their bright smiling faces and they are ready for the day ahead. Thank you Kindergarten parents for your understanding and support as we have had an unusual beginning to the school year. Welcome to our new families across our school this year, it is a pleasure to have you join our community and we look forward to working with you as your child journeys through St Michael's.

This weekend we see the commemoration of National Apology Day it encourages remembrance of -and apology to – the Stolen Generations and those whose lives have been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.

On 13th February 2008, the first sitting of the new parliamentary year, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally acknowledged the immense suffering experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people due to past government policies of forced child removal and decades of mistreatment of Indigenous Australians.

The National Apology to the Stolen Generations remains a momentous turning point that demonstrates the importance of historical acceptance in paving the road to reconciliation.

National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes. It is a step on the path to reconciliation. It is a commitment to right the wrongs of past injustices and is about building a bridge of respect between all people.

At St Michael’s each class will mark this day with a prayer, liturgy and or learning experience. 

Loving God, Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming,

You who created all people in your image and likeness,

May we listen with care to all people of this land and treat all with respect.

Source of all creation and unity, bless us in our endeavours to live as one in

Christ.

Amen.

God Bless

Belinda Hughes - Principal