NAIDOC Mass for the Western Region and NAIDOC Reconciliation Awards. 

Today I attended the NAIDOC Regional Liturgy for our CECG schools in Cootamundra. Throughout our Archdiocese we have many students, teachers and schools who are acting as excellent role models in their communities by actively involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in education across the Archdiocese.

Each year the Archdiocese presents Reconciliation awards to those individuals or groups who are judged to have made a significant contribution to Aboriginal Education in their communities.

St Mary’s Young had four students selected for NAIDOC Reconciliation Awards and it was a very special moment to witness St Mary’s Young receiving 4 of 6 awards. Tyler Malkav, Kathryn Robinson, Jonathan Eastwood and Levi Clark are very worthy recipients who have made a contribution to their local community and are excellent role models for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people across the Archdiocese.

Mrs Roberts, who is our Aboriginal Contact Teacher, put forward the nominations and below is a summary of what was announced today for each of the awardees.

Tyler Malkav Year 5: Academic Award

Tyler has consistently achieved A’s across most KLAs. He has an inquisitive mind and self-motivation to research and pursue areas of interest. Tyler has a strong mathematical mind enthusiastically engaging in extracurricular maths activities like the AMT Maths Challenge and Maths Enrichment programs. He is an example to his peers through his perseverance and strong worth ethic he displays.

Kathryn Robinson Year 5: Arts Award

Kathryn is a committed and dedicated artist, actor and dancer who expresses herself through these creative outlets. She is an original member of the St Mary's Dance Group who aims to compete in upcoming eisteddfods. Kathryn enjoys painting and expresses her culture through her brush strokes. She is very enthusiastic in art to try new techniques and extend her skills. Kathryn has been working on her line drawings at home. She has produced several mixed media pieces with a high level of detail. Kathryn is also excited to be starring in our upcoming whole school play in a main royal and is a fabulous mentor to her younger peers.

Jonathan Eastwood Year 3: Sports Award

Jonathan is an enthusiastic and determined sportsperson. He gives everything a go and will always include others. Jonathan proudly represents his teams, the Young Cherry Pickers, in rugby league and the Young Yabbies in rugby union. At school he participates in all school sporting events. His inclusivity and sportsmanship are to be commended as Jonathan represents his culture proudly in how he conducts himself on the playing field. He participates in the St Mary's stage 2 soccer tournament and recently received an award for best and fairest. He is also currently writing a book about our First Nations rugby league players, showcasing their heritage and success both on and off the field.

Levi Clark Year 6: Leadership Award

Levi is a proud year 6 leader of St Mary’s. He embraces his culture and identity and is a role model to his peers. As a year 6 leader he helps run our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group with our Aboriginal Education Worker and relishes in helping the younger students connect with their culture. He proudly leads our school community in the Acknowledgement of Country and does so with the respect and reverence it deserves. He actively serves not only our school community but the broader community as well. He currently volunteers his time at lunch to referee school soccer games and to help at the local St Vincent de Paul. He is an inspiration to his peers who often look to him for guidance and support.

We congratulate Tyler, Kathryn, Jonathan and Levi and thank Mrs Roberts for her support of our ATSI students. We appreciate her efforts to continue making St Mary’s a culturally inclusive community, where awareness and involvement in our indigenous history and culture is understood and celebrated.

Mrs Katie Thompson