Ms Fiona Sandeman, Strong Sisters Coordinator on left with ex-student Shanaya Donovan, a proud Dharug Woman, and Strong Sister students.
Catherine McAuley concluded the school’s Reconciliation Week celebrations with a smoking ceremony in Mercy Square.
Led by The Strong Sisters the ceremony took place via live stream to all Homerooms, who then proceeded to walk through the smoke as the students walked to their first class for the day.
A smoking ceremony is an ancient Aboriginal custom that involves smouldering native plants to produce smoke. This smoke is believed to have both spiritual and physical cleansing properties. Thank you to Dharug Women - Shanaya Donovan, Class of 2021 and her mother Ms Clarke-Jones, who performed the smoking ceremony.
Ms Clarke-Jones, mother of former student Shanaya and a Dharug Woman, addressing the school assembly.
Year 12 students walking through the smoke at the smoking ceremony.
On Friday, 27th May as part of the Reconciliation Week events Year 8 Strong Sisters student Jordan B. represented Catherine McAuley at the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service held at the ANZAC Memorial, Hyde Park. This moving ceremony celebrated the contribution of indigenous veterans.
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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