Principal's Report
Holy Father, god of Love
You are the Creator of all things.
We acknowledge the pain and shame of our history
and the suffering of Our peoples,
and we ask your forgiveness.
We thank you for the survival of Indigenous cultures
Our hope is in you because you gave your Son Jesus
to reconcile the world to you.
We pray for your strength and grace to forgive,
accept and love one another, as you love us
and forgive and accept us in the sacrifice of your Son.
Give us the courage to accept the realities of our history
So that we may build a better future for our Nation.
Teach us to respect all cultures.
Teach us to care for our land and waters.
Help us to share justly the resources of this land.
Help us to bring about spiritual and social change to improve the quality of life for all groups in our communities, especially the disadvantaged
Help young people to find true dignity and self-esteem by your Spirit
May your power and love be the foundations on which we build our families, our communities and our Nation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Dear Parents and Guardians
National Reconciliation Week (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.
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
In the 2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.
Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.
Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.
Last week at St Cuthbert’s we acknowledged Reconciliation Week with a beautiful Sorry Day assembly. At our assembly we learnt about the importance of sharing stories, healing, acceptance, celebrating and building a better future together.
Farewell to Mrs. Lee Carrick
This week we farewell a truly cherished member of the St Cuthbert’s Catholic School community Mrs. Lee Carrick as she retires after an extraordinary 23 years of devoted service.
Lee has worn many hats during her time with us; teacher assistant, library technician, passionate literacy advocate, and above all, a constant source of care and encouragement for students and staff alike. Her love of reading was contagious, and she was instrumental in introducing hundreds of children to the magic of books. Her quiet influence has helped shape a generation of lifelong readers.
As both a dedicated staff member and a proud parent of daughters, Laura and Erin, who attended the school, Lee’s connection to our community has been deep and heartfelt. Beyond the school gates, she has been an active and faith-filled member of the Lindisfarne–Bellerive Parish, always generous with her time and spirit.
Lee’s outstanding contribution to St Cuthbert’s has left a lasting legacy. Her great sense of humor, her gentle wisdom, and her warm presence will be deeply missed in our staffroom and across the school grounds. She has made our community stronger, kinder, and more joyful.
As she begins this next exciting chapter of her life, we offer Lee our heartfelt thanks and best wishes. May retirement bring her all the joy, peace, and adventure she so richly deserves.
You will be greatly missed, Lee. Thank you for everything.