This week, our school had the privilege of engaging deeply with the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” As we commemorate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, this theme calls us to reflect on the enduring wisdom of our Elders, the resilience of our communities, and the pivotal role of our youth in shaping the future. Our entire school had the honour of hearing from Jaelyn Biumaiwai, a self-taught illustrator of Mununjali and Fijian descent. Jaelyn shared her journey of embracing her cultural heritage through art, highlighting the importance of storytelling and representation in preserving identity. Her work, such as Heroes, Rebels and Innovators , celebrates the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heroes, weaving together history and vision for future generations.

In our yarning circles, facilitated by Mrs. Fidow, Mrs. Manoe, and myself, Year 5–8 students engaged in intentional conversations about the theme. These discussions centred on how we can embody strength, envision a harmonious future, and contribute to a lasting legacy of respect and unity. Students reflected on the implications of this theme on both a personal and school level, recognising the power of their voices in advocating for positive change.

Proverbs 4:25–27: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gase directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”

These verses remind us to stay focused on our values, to walk with purpose, and to lead with integrity—principles that resonate deeply with the NAIDOC theme.

As we continue to honour and learn from First Nations cultures, let us carry forward the vision, strength, and legacy entrusted to us. May we, like Jaelyn, find ways to express our stories and contribute to a future where all cultures are celebrated and respected.

We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow together during this significant week.

As we approach the school holidays, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the company of family and friends. May this break be filled with relaxation, fun, and safety. Remember to take care of yourselves and each other. Stay safe, stay active, and make this holiday season memorable.

This year marks 50 years of our nation officially celebrating NAIDOC, a milestone that reflects the resilience, culture, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In recognition of this, our college  held a week of NAIDOC celebrations, where students engaged in meaningful activities inspired by the 2025 theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.” We were honoured to welcome guest speaker Jaelyn Buimaiwai to our school assemblies. Jaelyn, a published illustrator of three Indigenous children’s books, shared her powerful journey and insights about walking forward with cultural pride and a deep sense of purpose. Her message encouraged students to recognise their place in a continuing legacy — one shaped by the strength of past generations and carried forward through vision and action. Adding to the celebration, Year 7A performed a beautiful medley combining Torres Strait Islander and Yorta Yorta songs, showcasing the richness of First Nations cultures through music and unity.

Throughout the week, Senior Student Leaders embraced their roles by reading and sharing First Nations stories with younger students in the primary school space, modelling how knowledge and values can be passed on through storytelling. Another key moment was the Years 5- 8 yarning circle, led by Mrs Fidow, Mr Lett, and Ms Manoe, where students came together to listen, reflect, and speak from the heart in a space of mutual respect. This experience highlighted the importance of community voices and learning across generations.

In a collective act of creativity and reflection, students also contributed to a healing tree, decorating it with hand-crafted leaves that expressed their personal hopes, strengths, and dreams for the future. Now displayed proudly in the college, the healing tree stands as a living symbol of connection, culture, and the strength of the next generation as they carry forward a legacy of respect, unity, and pride.

Last Friday our Amazing Stage 2 students and teachers put on a Pancake and PJ Day fundraiser was such a fun time! The students and teachers loved coming to school in their PJs, and there was such a great atmosphere all day. We had pancakes going in the morning, and then heaps of fun stalls throughout the day, which included coin toss, hot chocolates, lollie jar, photo booth and ping pong toss. Both primary and high school students got involved, and it was awesome to see everyone enjoying themselves. Big thanks to all our amazing volunteers who helped out, you made the day run so smoothly. Can’t wait for the next one!

Year 6 Explores Stories of Migration and Resilience at Liverpool Powerhouse

Last week, our Year 6 students had the opportunity to attend Escape from War – a powerful Treehouse Theatre production held at Liverpool Powerhouse. The performance featured real-life stories shared by high school students who came to Australia as refugees and migrants.

As part of our English unit this term, Year 6 has been exploring themes of freedom, migration, and the refugee experience. We’ve delved into the reasons people leave their home countries, the challenges they face, and the strength it takes to build new lives in unfamiliar places. This moving performance brought these lessons to life, offering students a deeper, more personal understanding of the journeys and resilience of those who seek safety and hope.

Mr Goldfinch and Mrs Maua

Our Year 12 Studies of Religion students recently deepened their understanding of Islam through an enriching excursion to the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque. The visit included a guided tour of the stunning place of worship, where students observed Islamic architecture and traditions in practice. This was followed by an insightful seminar hosted by ISRA, exploring the Islamic practice of prayer and ethical teachings, directly supporting their HSC studies. Students were also treated to a delicious Turkish lunch provided by the academy. The experience was both educational and memorable, with students asking thoughtful questions and gaining a deeper appreciation for the lived expression of faith within the Islamic community.

This week, our Year 11 and Year 12 PVDI students were privileged to hear from Jaden McTernan, our school's talented Marketing Coordinator, who generously visited both classes to share his perspective on storytelling through documentary filmmaking.

Jaden captivated students with a showcase of his previous work, including high-impact cinematic footage from his automotive series and a powerful film created during his time in Papua New Guinea, where he documented local stories as part of a church conference initiative.

Adding to the excitement, Jaden brought in some of his professional documentary gear, giving students a hands-on experience that sparked both curiosity and creativity. The room was buzzing with inspiration, and many students expressed their excitement about the possibility of collaborating with him in the near future. A huge thank you to Jaden for taking the time to engage with our students and offer such a valuable glimpse into the real-world process of documentary and film production!

Year 12 Market Day – A Real-World Business Experience

On Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, our Year 12 Work Studies class successfully hosted a vibrant Market Day stall as part of their Start-Up Challenge project. The aim was to provide students with an authentic opportunity to explore self-employment by developing, launching, and evaluating a small business in a real-world setting.

Students applied entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service skills as they planned and operated their stalls. They also used digital tools to promote their products and reflect on their performance and future career goals. This hands-on experience helped them better understand the role of self-employment in career and life planning.

Importantly, all funds raised from the event will go towards supporting the Year 12 Samoa Service Trip, helping students contribute to an international service initiative while developing leadership and cultural awareness.

The event was a fantastic success, with strong support from teachers, parents, and students across the school. It was a wonderful example of collaboration, creativity, and community in action.

Year 12A/B

Work Studies Class.

Mr Raj and Miss Nair

Year 7 Folk Music Incursion – A Celebration of Culture and Heritage
As part of their Folk Music unit, our Year 7 students had the special opportunity to wrap up their learning with a lively and meaningful incursion. Miss McEwan’s relative—another member of the McEwan Scottish clan—visited the school to share their passion and knowledge of traditional music. Students were treated to live demonstrations of Scottish pipes, Irish pipes, and whistles, as well as stories about family history, traditional dance, and the cultural significance behind the music. It was a fun and engaging way to explore how music connects us to our heritage and to each other, and a powerful reminder of why it’s important to celebrate different cultures.

NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about the history and culture of Indigenous communities.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.

NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities and is a great opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Families are encouraged to join in and support young people in learning the significance of NAIDOC Week.

This Special Report offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://macarthur-adventist.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-naidoc-week