17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 students have been recognised for completing their schooling in Catholic Education.
The students from eight Catholic schools were awarded at a Graduation Ceremony on October 18.
The ceremony was held at the Art Gallery of South Australia, the cultural hub of Tarnanthi 2021, a nationwide celebration of First Nations art and culture.
Senior Aboriginal Man Uncle Micky Kumatpi O’Brien delivered the Welcome to Country and told stories about journeying into adulthood.
Catholic Education South Australia representatives Pam Ronan, Manager: Learning and Wellbeing, and Dr Neil McGoran, Director, also addressed the gathering.
“Year 12 students are preparing for a life beyond school,” said Dr McGoran.
“We wish them well on this journey and hope they will take their cultural, spiritual, educational and social connections with them as they become the thriving people we know they will be.”
Each student was gifted an artwork by Aboriginal artist Mali Isobel who was commissioned to create an artwork for the graduating students.
Mali was recently announced as the winner of the 2022 Adelaide Fridge poster competition – the first ever Aboriginal Adelaide Fringe poster artist.
A final blessing for the students was given by Fr Tom Gleeson, Resident Priest from Willunga Catholic Parish, who spoke in the Kaurna language.
Students were then treated to a tour of the Tarnanthi exhibition, a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the country to share important stories.
Warm wishes and many blessings to these young people as they continue their lives beyond school.
SA Health is running pop-up vaccination clinics at a number of schools across metropolitan and regional areas.
Some of these schools are hosting community clinics that are open to the wider public.
These are walk-in clinics – no appointment is necessary.
