The 11^th Annual Riverina 2021 ANZAC Day writing competition highlighted talent across our regional Catholic schools.

The competition is an initiative of Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, to showcase students in the Riverina. The winning students’ compositions have been published in an ANZAC Day commemorative booklet that was distributed to households throughout the Riverina.

Sarah Miller in Year 7 at Hennessy Catholic College, Young, and Carus Grey, Year 6 student at St Anne’s Central School, Temora, were awarded first place. Sarah’s moving poem ‘The Day That They Left’ was selected as the Eastern Riverina Region winner, while Carus was selected as the Western Riverina Region winner for his short story, ‘Landings at Gallipoli’.

Mitchell Dunstan, a Year 8 student, also from St Anne’s Central School, and Lucinda Shields, Year 6, from Sacred Heart Central School, Cootamundra, were ‘Highly Commended’ for their entries.

Deputy Prime Minister McCormack visited the schools of winning students to present them with their awards - a book prize.

He was impressed with the quality of the work. Having received over 900 entries from 47 schools across the Riverina, he said the winning entries stood out for their reflection on the significance of ANZAC Day and how different last year’s commemoration was due to COVID-19.

“Everyone who took part should be proud of their work and those who wrote winning and highly commended entries should be especially happy with themselves,” he said.

‘The Day That They Left’
Sarah Miller, Year 7
Hennessy Catholic College, Young

Steel-toed boots tapping against the tar as they run
The beat of the music as they march in line
Proudly holding their slouch hat and gun
Flowing past the houses, leaving loved ones behind.

They pull to a halt – fear hidden by a stern face
Not a single tear will we see from them
They stand tall, at attention, ready to brace
Mothers, wives, daughters – weeping over the loud drum.

The boys stand, ready to depart
Alert to the cruelty of nature
Boots, uniform and pride in their heart
They stamp their feet as orders come from their Major.

Convoys arrive and they jump in with speed
The trucks rumble off with defiance
Those left behind struggle as their hearts bleed
Left only with memories and silence.

Memories dwell for the families as loss gathers
Supporting each other amidst the agony
Husbands, sons and fathers
The day ends in silent prayer and reality.

They are expected to stay alive
The pain that families suffer
At home, they work to survive
So the men can return to the homes to recover.

For the day those courageous boys marched away
Was, and will forever be, commemorated
We remember the brave souls who fought and kept the enemy at bay
This is the enduring memory of the ANZAC legend.

‘Landings at Gallipoli’
Carus Grey, Year 6
St Anne’s Central School, Temora

After training for four months in Egypt we were going to see action, at least we think so, they still haven’t told us where we’re going. All we know is that we’re going to Europe.

It’s 0450 hours on 25th April, they say we’re landing soon. They put us on small boats with our 101 rifles and send us out, thousands of us, all on boats. Our craft lands and we’re moving up the beaches.

I can hear machine gun fire everywhere shredding apart my friends and brothers in arms. I take shelter behind a rock on the beach and try to get my stuff together. We are the first of four waves, we are supposed to bunker in further up the beaches so waves two, three and four can get cover when they land.

Four more months of gruelling fighting and the Turks want a truce to bury both sides’ dead.

Our 101 rifles stood no chance against the Turks’ machine guns, they shredded us.

After eight months of fighting, we decided the fighting at Gallipoli was pointless and we decided to leave, so two kerosene tins were placed one above the other, the top one full of water and the bottom one with the trigger string attached to it, empty.

At the last minute, small holes would be punched in the upper tin; water would trickle into the lower one, and the rifle would fire as soon as the lower tin had become heavy.

‘Home’
Mitchell Dunstan, Year 8
St Anne’s Central School, Temora

Nate stood in front of the old oak door, he struggled to believe that he was finally home after all the hell he’d been through.

He was home, at last, home to see his wife and his two girls who he had missed so dearly. He took a deep breath in and out as he mustered the courage to knock. He could see his breath swirling in the frosty air as he breathed out. Nate finally decided to knock…

It had been weeks since Emma had heard from Nate. Every time Emily or Mia asked when their Dad was coming home, she would smile and make up a lie when on the inside she was crying. Emma had read about the war coming to an end in the local newspaper, but she never believed it. She tried to keep herself preoccupied with jobs around the house.

Nate knocked; Emma was startled to hear someone knocking on the door at this time in the morning. She opened the door to an unexpected sight. Emma jumped into Nate’s arms through joy, after a few moments, they let go and Emily and Mia walked in. “Daddy,” they screamed with delight. The family was finally reunited after years of being apart, at last, Nate was home.

‘Grandpa’
Lucinda Shields, Year 7
Sacred Heart Central School, Cootamundra

It’s a long, cold, bitter walk from my house to the park, but it’s nothing compared to what my grandfather went through when he served in the war for two years. As the gravel in our driveway crunches under my gum boots, I remember the letters he sent that my family had kept, about how cold it was, even inside the big trucks.

Birds perch on the powerline and I look up towards them. It reminds me of when Dad spoke about Grandpa’s countless stories about birds and their adventures in the sky. As I cross the road, I pass a house with a beautiful front garden, the tips of the petals frosty, but the bright colours still poked through. Grandpa always said in his letters that there were hardly any flowers in Germany.

A big, loud truck rumbles by, pulling me from my thoughts. I dive my icy hands into my pockets, but it doesn’t make very much difference. I imagine warming my hands by Grandad’s brick fireplace, the smell of rosemary filling the house. Granny always cut rosemary from her bush this time of the year, gathering it together in small bunches. I can hear a trumpet playing in the distance. My beanie itches the back of my neck, and I can hear the trumpet getting louder. The trumpet is playing ‘The Last Post’.

I reach my destination and join the gathering, quiet, sombre crowd. 

“Happy ANZAC Day, Grandpa,” I say quietly, “I’m proud of you.”

Making Jesus Real is a student-centred, positive behaviour model at Trinity Catholic Primary School, Murrumburrah. Each week, certificates are awarded to students who display exemplary behaviour and values within the school community.

Students can ‘Make Jesus Real’ within the school community by picking up rubbish, helping other students and making sure Trinity is a safe and happy place.

Each week the students nominate their peers, who they believe are deserving of a ‘Making Jesus Real’ award. Their names are passed along to Religious Education Coordinator, Donna Wade, who selects the weekly winner.

Jemima Mergard, Year 6 student and ‘Religious Education Minister’, wanted to encourage other students to display the ‘Making Jesus Real’ values at school. Inspired by their Parish Priest, Fr Lolesio, and his love of food, Jemima baked cookies to give to students when they receive their 'Making Jesus Real' certificate.

Each week when the award recipient is announced at assembly, Jemima presents them with a special ‘Making Jesus Real’ cookie.

Principal Caz Perryman said that she was proud of Jemima for taking the initiative.

“I was in awe of Jemima when she asked me whether she could move forward with her idea,” she said. “Every week when she stands up with more biscuits, I thank God for her and other students like her.”

Evana Rabi, a Year 12 student at St Francis Xavier College, Florey (SFX), has been nominated for the ACT Australian School-Based Apprentice of the Year Award. The Award is presented to students undertaking Certificate II or above qualifications as a part time Australian School-based Apprentice. It recognises students’ commitment to their formal studies at school and in the workplace.

Evana is currently completing her Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure, and is an active participant in the National Association of Women in Construction’s ACT Pathways Program. The program places high school students on construction sites for 12 weeks and provides them with the opportunity to work across a variety of trades including electrical, plumbing and carpentry.

“I was introduced to the Women in Construction Pathways Program through my School Careers Office and the Australian Training Company,” said Evana.

“The program has increased my networking through the various rotations I am placed in and exposes me to different sectors in the construction industry and how they work,” she said. “It also allows me to know what my strengths, challenges and interests are, and the variety of jobs will help me determine the job I would like to do.”

Evana, who dreams of being a Civil Engineer, is one of 40 students from around Canberra participating in the program. Evana said the program has helped her understand the industry and establish a clear career pathway to achieve her dream. She hopes to start a full-time apprenticeship next year.

“Once I complete my apprenticeship, I will then apply for university where I can use my experience and skills in learning and also support myself financially,” said Evana.

Evana enrolled at SFX in January 2020 after arriving in Canberra from overseas when the bushfires devastating the region. She had to adjust to the Australian education system having never been to an Australian school before. The pandemic presented further challenges for Evana as schools switched to remote learning.

“I had not had a lot of access to technology before, so I had to learn how to interact online,” she said. “Enrolling at SFX has given me a chance to pursue my dreams. I am very lucky to have a wonderful and supportive family who are always there for me. It is because of them that I am able to balance everything.”

Evana hopes to be a positive role model for other young women hoping to enter the construction industry. She advises women who may be thinking of studying a trade to “Try the program. A short trial period is provided at the beginning for new recruits. If you love it then you continue with it.”

Catholic Education wishes Evana the best of luck for the award and also in her future endeavours.

Evana Rabi, a Year 12 student at St Francis Xavier College, Florey (SFX), has been nominated for the ACT Australian School-Based Apprentice of the Year Award. The Award is presented to students undertaking Certificate II or above qualifications as a part time Australian School-based Apprentice. It recognises students’ commitment to their formal studies at school and in the workplace.

Evana is currently completing her Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure and is an active participant in the National Association of Women in Construction’s ACT Pathways Program for Women in Construction. The program places high school students on construction sites for 12 weeks and provides them with the opportunity to work across a variety of trades including electrical, plumbing and carpentry.

“I was introduced to the Women in Construction Pathways Program through my School Careers Office and the Australian Training Company,” said Evana.

“The program has increased my networking through the various rotations I am placed in and exposes me to different sectors in the construction industry and how they work,” she said. “It also allows me to know what my strengths, challenges and interests are, and the variety of jobs will help me determine the job I would like to do.”

Evana, who dreams of being a Civil Engineer, is one of 40 students from around Canberra participating in the program. Evana said the program has helped her understand the industry and establish a clear career pathway to achieve her dream. She hopes to start a full-time apprenticeship next year.

“Once I complete my apprenticeship, I will then apply for university where I can use my experience and skills in learning and also support myself financially,” said Evana.

Evana enrolled at SFX in January 2020 after arriving in Canberra from overseas in the middle of the bushfires. She had to adjust to the Australian education system having never been to an Australian school before. The COVID-19 pandemic presented further challenges for Evana as schools switched to remote learning.

“I had not had a lot of access to technology before, so I had to learn how to interact online,” she said. “Enrolling at SFX has given me a chance to pursue my dreams. I am very lucky to have a wonderful and supportive family who are always there for me. It is because of them that I am able to balance everything.”

Evana hopes to be a positive role model for other young women hoping to enter the construction industry. She advises women who may be thinking of studying a trade to “Try the program. A short trial period is provided in the beginning for new recruits. If you love it then you continue with it.”

Catholic Education wishes Evana the best of luck for the award and also in her future endeavours.

Mother’s Day is always a special occasion for our Archdiocesan Catholic schools. It is an opportunity to reflect and give thanks to the special women in our Catholic school communities.

Trinity Catholic Primary School in Murrumburrah, welcomed mothers, aunties, grandmothers and carers to the school for a Mother’s Day breakfast and pampering session. The special guests were treated to facials, massages and manicures, whilst enjoying a coffee and croissant with their children. Principal Caz Perryman said it was a great way to show appreciation for all of the important women in the school community.

Sts Peter and Paul Primary School, Garran, celebrated Mother’s Day with a ‘Donut Drive’. At school drop-off, mothers, grandmothers and carers were given a special donut and all students took home a small plant to present as a gift. Kindergarten students were asked to share, on camera, their favourite thing about their mum. The footage was compiled into a touching video and shared with the school community.

On Mother’s Day, the Merici College, Braddon, Dance Troupe performed at the Haig Park Village Markets dedicating their performance to the special women in their lives. The College also welcomed special guests to the school for a Mother’s Day Liturgy and breakfast.

Trinity Catholic College in Goulburn held a Mother’s Day Liturgy to reflect and give thanks for the special women in their school community. Students were encouraged to tie knots into pieces of wool in their house colours to mark memories of significant women in their lives. These pieces of wool are currently displayed in the College’s front office.

To all the special women in our Archdiocesan school communities, we would like to thank you for all that you do.

The Annual Catholic Education Support Staff Dinner was hosted by Merici College this year, at their very own full service a la carte dining experience, the Bridge Restaurant.

The evening was supported by the National Catholic Education Commission who provided prayer cards for the guests. The event acknowledged the valuable contribution that support staff provide to our ACT Catholic Secondary Colleges including St Mary MacKillop College, Tuggeranong; St Francis Xavier College, Florey; St John Paul II College, Nicholls; St Clare’s College, Griffith; Daramalan College, Dickson; Marist College, Pearce and St Edmund’s College, Griffith.

Narelle Patrick, Enrolment Officer at Merici College, said it was a wonderful way to get together as one community and celebrate Catholic Education. “Our Support Staff dinner is held every year and it gives us a chance to connect with our colleagues and those that work in other colleges,” she said.

Senior Merici hospitality students served guests entrées of beetroot cured salmon with an apple and cucumber salsa and horseradish cream, or fig and goats cheese tarts with a sesame dressing.

For the main course, they chose either roasted chicken supreme served on bread and butter pudding with a burre blanc sauce, or, braised pork belly on miso pumpkin puree with a walnut and apple salsa.

Dessert featured PX Ximeno cheesecake with citrus crumb and strawberries, and chocolate sticky date pudding with salted caramel and ice cream.

“It was so much fun preparing the dinner and meeting so many support staff members,” said Year 12 Hospitality student, Sara Blakey. “I particularly enjoyed hosting the evening and hope our guests had a great time,” she said.

Principal Anna Masters said, “Merici was thrilled to host this special dinner, especially as we are celebrating 200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia this year.”

Next year’s dinner will be hosted by St Francis Xavier College, Florey.

The Trinity Catholic College Sheep Show Team were announced as Grand Champions of the School Exhibit at the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show with their Corriedale Ewe, Trinity Dixie.

The team spent months before the show preparing their Corriedales for competition, feeding, tracking, shedding them when it rained and training them to be led and stand in the ring without a halter.

The Trinity Corriedales originate from the Prell family’s Gundowringa bloodlines. The Prell family established a Corriedale stud farm at Gundowringa near Crookwell in 1904.

“At the show, final preparations included washing their faces, a little fleece clip and removing any straw from their fleece,” said Trinity student, Hannah Smith.

Trinity Dixie won the 'Champion Schools Ewe', the 'Grand Champion School Exhibit' and the 'Terry Goldrick Memorial Prize'. The College also won the Schools Interbreed Competition for the best pair of Ewes featuring, Trinity Dixie and another Corriedale called Trinity Delta.

Trinity’s Agricultural Teacher, Rachel Smith, said the Trinity Corriedales shone in the Schools Interbreed Ring. “The judges were impressed, describing Trinity Dixie as the complete package and an excellent example of what the industry is looking for,” she said.

The team also had continued success in the Corriedale ring exhibiting for Trinity College and Glen Esk Corriedale Studs.

“The students worked so well together to ensure that the sheep looked their best both in and out of the ring,” said Rachel. “I could not be prouder of them all.”

Catholic schools across the Archdiocese have celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime this year, gathering at 11am to dive into the world of ‘Give Me Some Space’, written by Australian author, Philip Bunting.

Back for its 21^st year, the event promised to be an intergalactic experience. ‘Give Me Some Space’ was read by astronaut, Dr Shannon Walker, and broadcast live into Australian classrooms and libraries, from the International Space Station. 1,980,280 people from 33,418 different locations participated in National Simultaneous Storytime this year.

Each year, the Australian Library and Information Association selects a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author, to be read simultaneously throughout the country. It is a colourful, fun and vibrant event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy.

Students from St Joseph’s Primary School, Adelong, enjoyed reading along with Dr Walker. They learnt some interesting facts about the solar system and reflected on the key message from the book – the importance of looking after planet earth.

St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Kambah, welcomed Nicole Lawder MLA, Member for Brindabella, who read ‘Give Me Some Space’ to the students. Principal Ursula Jamieson thanked Ms Lawder for visiting St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, noting how much the students had enjoyed the story time this year.

Drama students from Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn, and their teacher, Ms Anne Keene, visited the Goulburn Mulwaree Library to perform their interpretation of ‘Give Me Some Space’ for local children.  

At St Vincent’s Primary School, Aranda, students had the opportunity to experience space during their library lessons. Mrs Rachel Donnelly, Librarian, decorated the school library with fairy lights and planets for the event. “Thank you to our librarian, Mrs Donnelly, for our amazing space-themed simultaneous story time setting,” said Principal Lina Vigliotta. “It was wonderful to see the students truly immersed in the story and celebrating their love of reading,” she said.

Good Shepherd Primary School in Amaroo have partnered with St Pius Preparatory School in Kenya, through the Global School Partners Program.

Global School Partners is an organisation that facilitates partnerships between schools in Australia and schools in developing nations to enable students from across the globe to connect, share and learn from one another. They work to alleviate poverty through education and supporting children. The program also raises awareness and understanding of different cultures.

Simon Carroll, CEO of Global School Partners, visited Good Shepherd and spoke with students about their new partner school. Each class wrote a letter to St Pius students and learnt about water shortages in Africa.

Good Shepherd has been involved in the Global School Partners Program since 2015, originally partnering with the School of Hope in Kenya. The fundraising efforts from the school community contributed to building a new classroom for students at the School of Hope. Due to the effects of COVID-19 in Kenya, the School of Hope recently closed. The organisation was then able to then connect Good Shepherd with St Pius Preparatory School.

“At Good Shepherd, we are the hands, eyes, voice and feet of Jesus,” said Principal David Austin. “Through our work with St Pius Preparatory School and Global School Partners, we hope to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and live out his mission in our daily actions,” he said.

“In Term 3, Good Shepherd will raise money to pay for bricks to build extra classrooms at St Pius,” said Anthony O’Connell, Religious Education Coordinator. “There are several classes who learn outside because there is not enough space in the present classrooms. There is also a need for a toilet block and classroom learning resources. We will work towards providing St Pius with these over the coming years,” he said.

Representatives from Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn, St Clare’s College, Griffith, and Lumen Christi Catholic College, Pambula Beach, recently attended a live recording of ABC’s ‘Q+A’ program at the Canberra Theatre.

Students had the opportunity to hear from Senator Jane Hume, Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy; Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Shadow Treasurer; Senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters and Senator for Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie, as they discussed the Federal Budget and current Australian issues.

Kate Van Landeghem, Lumen Christi Catholic College student, said it was exciting to experience an environment where every day Australians were encouraged to speak their minds on significant topics.

“The discussion highlighted the importance of young minds to Australia's political outlook, which I found particularly relevant looking towards my own future,” she said.

Lumen Christi student, Liliana Watters, said while the experience of sitting in the live audience was exciting, she was disappointed that she did not get a chance to ask the panelists her question on why funding for First Nations people was not included in the Federal Budget. Liliana had opportunity to speak to Paul West on ABC South East Radio giving her thoughts on tertiary education and the housing market.

“It was actually a really great opportunity, the experience of seeing them all in person, the whole dynamic of the show. The presenter was great and there was even live music before the show. It was a great experience,” Liliana said.

Catholic Education Office staff came together to enjoy a cup of coffee and cake in support of the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. It was an event that held personal significance for many of our staff, having been impacted by cancer in some way.

Office staff baked up a storm, providing many tasty treats for the occasion. Over $1,500 was raised, with much needed funds going towards vital research, support services, prevention programs and advocacy for those impacted by cancer.

Carmel Blake, Inclusion Officer, helped organise the Morning Tea alongside Christine Wanjura, Senior Officer Disability, Wellbeing and Inclusion. She said the occasion was very special as it was the first time staff had been able to gather since the beginning of the pandemic.

“It really touched me that my colleagues congregated to support this worthy cause as it is so close to all of us,” she said. “Each and everyone of us is affected by cancer in some way, whether they have gone through this battle themselves, are about to begin the journey, or have cared for and lost a loved one.”

“It is always important to reach out in this way even for a small donation,” she said.