Loreto College celebrated National Reconciliation Week with the blessing of its Indigenous Garden, Mika Kurruru (Kaurna for ‘Open Circle’); a beautiful addition to the College’s Heritage Garden. It was the culmination of a two-year project, which saw collaboration between the College’s Science faculty and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) group with a Scientist in Residence, Mrs Dolores Amos, and Aboriginal artist, Mr Chris Crebbin. Mika Kurruru is a positive step in working towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Encouraging the girls to experience a connection with the land, Scientist in Residence, Mrs Dolores Amos guided the girls in selecting, understanding and planting species, many of which are found on Kaurna land. The formation of rocks from Kaurna land, arranged in the shape of the letter ‘C’ to form an ‘open circle’, hold pride of place in the garden. Majestic ironbark trunks strategically placed within the ‘open circle’ were burnt with traditional Aboriginal symbols narrating personal stories. This work was led by talented local Aboriginal artist, Mr Chris Crebbin. Chris’ address at the liturgy was not only very powerful and moving, but reflected a spiritual man, passionate about his heritage and culture. A beautiful quote from Loreto founder, Mary Ward, ‘be such as we appear and appear such as we are’ is burnt onto the centre trunk, to acknowledge Loreto women of the past, present and future. It also recognises the Loreto values of freedom, justice, sincerity, felicity and verity, held deep within the heart of all in the Loreto community.
Beginning with a traditional welcome by student Kaurna descendent, the liturgy was celebrated by St Ignatius parish priest, Fr Paul Mullins, SJ. The haunting call of the didgeridoo, played by Alistair Black, immediately invited us to a deeper place within ourselves and yet connected us to the past and the present in our own space. Participation in the liturgy encompassed the youngest members of the Loreto community, through to old scholars and community representatives. The song, Ngurra Burra Ferra, was beautifully sung in Yorta Yorta language by two senior students, and acknowledged that Australia is truly diverse in place and culture but together “we walk as one”.
Unhampered by rain, and accompanied by the didgeridoo, at the conclusion of the liturgy, Fr Paul blessed the garden after the final planting. Preserving long-standing knowledge held by Indigenous ancestors whilst fostering a place of reverence and mutual respect, Mika Kurruru is one-step in the reconciliation journey for the Loreto College community.
Four Catholic schools across South Australia have been awarded $6.34 million in grants for capital works to improve learning spaces, increase opportunities for disadvantaged students and cater for more diverse learning needs.
The State Government grants — $6.34 million for Catholic schools and $6.38 million for independent schools — are for building projects to commence over the next year.
Introduced in 2018 to ensure all students have access to a first-class education, the latest funding under the scheme has been approved for four projects at Catholic schools and 103 smaller projects at independent schools.
