Dear Parents,

Once again, the College is buzzing with youthful energy with the return of all students to our campuses. It is wonderful to have the students back, however, things are not back to normal. COVID-19 is still a threat and the College must continue to observe the restrictions put in place by the State Government. I thank all parents for observing the new way to drop-off and pick-up students and the social distancing requirements we must all adhere to.

Each week, as part of the Secondary Campus virtual assembly, a College Prefect speaks to their fellow students on a topic they feel needs addressing. This week, the College Uniform was the focus of the speech. As a newcomer to the College, I see the uniform as an important part of what we stand for as a school. It provides an appearance common to each and every student. It is not so much about belonging to an elite club; rather, being seen to display a common set of values. Wearing the College Crest on the blazer pocket and ‘TSAC’ on the shirt pocket, close to the heart, says we belong to a community that takes pride in improving itself and stands for the values our College upholds.

Some students choose to wear their uniform incorrectly as a way to stand out in our environment of uniformity. It is wrong, not just because the uniform is incorrect, but because they’ve missed one of the most significant points of everyone dressing in the same way.

The thing that is unique to every student is their personality. Against the common backdrop of our College Uniform, who they are truly stands out. Their characteristics, quirks, individuality and difference shines through. An attempt to stand out by wearing the uniform incorrectly is a poor substitute for showing one’s true self.

As we celebrate National Reconciliation Week, I am reminded of sections of our College’s Raison D’Etre (our reason for being). We believe in the power of the human spirit to serve and connect communities and we value mutual respect, courage and diversity. The wearing of our uniform challenges us to uphold the values of the College and belong to something greater than ourselves as we celebrate National Reconciliation Week.

Best wishes

Steve.

From the Chaplain

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is held each year between 27 May and 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. This year the theme for NRW is ‘In this together’ and the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland vision for reconciliation is ‘a future of openness’. Celia Kemp, the author of A Voice in the Wilderness: Listening to the statement from the heart, states that ‘listening to the other isn’t comfortable. It risks shattering boundaries and ideas that keep us safe and make the world predictable and secure for us and those we love. But listening helps us to see our country, and ourselves, more clearly’. NRW is the opportunity to be open and listen to the stories of our nation’s first people.

Prayer for Reconciliation:

Lord God, bring us together as one, reconciled with you and reconciled with each other. You have made us in your likeness, you gave us your son, Jesus Christ. He has given us forgiveness from sin. Lord God, bring us together as one, different in culture, but given new life in Jesus Christ, together as your body, your Church, your people. Lord God, bring us together as one, reconciled, healed, forgiven, sharing you with others as you have called us to do. In Jesus Christ, let us be together as one. Amen.