CULTURE IN ACTION
WALK ON COUNTRY SPIRITUALITY RETREAT Townsville Catholic Education staff from across the Diocese shared in a Walk on Country spirituality retreat earlier this year in Winton. The unique experience was an opportunity for staff to take time out of their daily life, to experience the
SUPPORTING MEN’S HEALTH THROUGH
vastness and openness of the channel
CULTURAL CONNECTEDNESS
Country around Winton and have an
Driven by a need for supporting Men’s
Traditional Owners visit and yarn with the
opportunity to walk on Country with local
mental health and wellbeing, Ryan Catholic
young men about how their ancestors
Elder Aunty Pearl to places that are sacred
College Indigenous Education team decided
were warriors and how they took care of
and also places of historical and cultural
to invest in a series of workshops this year.
themselves, their families and the land.
significance to Indigenous people.
In collaboration with the Traditional Owner
The topics of mental wellbeing;
Aunty Pearl Eatts and Dr Tracey Harbour
group, the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts,
connecting to all three brains (head,
guided staff members through the
workshops were created to promote
heart and gut); looking after the land;
wonderful retreat experience.
cultural connectedness. The workshops
and passing on knowledge and stories
teach young men about the importance
is very beneficial for the students.
of both mental health and overall wellbeing in traditional ways. Once a term,
CULTURAL PRECINCT
Local award-winning artist and Kalkadoon
UNDERWAY AT GOOD
Traditional Owner, Sheree Blackley,
SHEPHERD CATHOLIC
was engaged to develop a design for
COLLEGE, MOUNT ISA CATHY FREEMAN
the space. Sheree's vision promotes Kalkadoon symbols and Dreaming stories,
Past Principal, Peter Scott had the
and their connection to this Country.
vision to create a ‘Cultural Precinct’ at
The space includes water tanks, fencing,
Good Shepherd Catholic College to
pathways and connection between the
St Michaels' School partners with the
physically acknowledge and promote
water tanks and the area in front of them.
Cathy Freeman Foundation to host Family
local Kalkadoon knowledge and culture
The project is being completed in three
BBQ Nights each term at the school. The
visibly into the school community.
phases, and will be finalised in 2022.
school utilises this deadly community
Following Peter’s departure, current
gathering to showcase the current work
principal Kathleen McCarthy has
of the students, staff, and school. This
ensured this project has continued.
FOUNDATION SHINES LIGHT ON PALM ISLAND
forum allows for parent and community engagement in a constructive and welcoming environment where culture and identity are celebrated. This year, at these Family Nights, St Michael's has completed their Enhancing Catholic School Identity Project surveys with families, launched their
The purpose of the precinct is to promote Indigenous spirituality as another important aspect and resource for spiritual centering, contemplation, and reflective prayer. The project is an important goal in the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Reconciliation Action Plan, and reformed their Community Consultation Group. The night always culminates in cultural dances by students, staff, and even Fr Mahn!
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