National Sorry Day

Since 1998, Australia has observed National Sorry Day. It’s a day to remember and acknowledge the Stolen Generations - the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were taken from their families - and the lasting impact this has had on them and their communities. Healing and reconciliation are ongoing journeys, and on 26 May each year we also celebrate the important contributions of Aboriginal people to the Catholic Church.

National Reconciliation Week

National Sorry Day also marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. Held annually from 27 May to 3 June, it commemorates two key milestones in the reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum held on 27 May 1967, and the landmark Mabo decision handed down by the High Court on 3 June 1992.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

“The endorsement of the Uluru Statement is another step in our journey of addressing those shortcomings, but it will be an ongoing journey with First Peoples” - Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green ACBC Communications, November 22, 2021

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Team

CMCB has a team of staff working together to develop the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Facilitated by consultant Mr John Bonnice, they are currently working in smaller teams to develop the plan around Respect, Partnerships and Opportunities. In particular, the current focus is looking at ways to support treaty in Victoria. (Read more)

Basketball Joins SDP in 2027

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Steven Black as the inaugural Head Coach of our Basketball Program, launching in 2027 as part of our highly successful Sports Development Program (SDP). Steven brings a wealth of experience to the role, following an outstanding playing career in the National Basketball League (NBL) and subsequently a coaching career. Steven’s passion for athlete development and proven leadership make him the perfect fit to establish and grow basketball at CMCB. (Read more)

Community Events

In this newsletter you will find a number of articles about key events that have been highlights over the past fortnight, including Encounter Days (Years 7 and 8), the annual Careers Expo, VCE Drama Night and the Sesquicentenary Performance Gala Evening. Thank you to all current and past students, families and staff involved in organising and attending these community events.

College Production – Rock of Ages

The busy end to semester continues for the Arts with the College production cast and crew in the final stages of bring Rock of Ages (Teen Edition) to the stage. They will move into the Ulumbarra Theatre from next Tuesday. The students and staff have been working towards these performances since the beginning of the year, including after school and weekend rehearsals. It is great to see the camaraderie and support that has developed within the group. I encourage you to come and enjoy a night out at the theatre on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 June. (Read more)

Prayer

God of Love,

You are the creator of this land and of all good things.

We acknowledge the pain and shame of our history and the suffering of our peoples – especially the grief of those who were taken as children from their homes and families, taken from all they knew and loved.

We ask your forgiveness.

We thank you for the survival of Indigenous cultures.

Give us the courage to acknowledge the realities of our history so that we may build a better future for our nation.

Teach us to respect all cultures.

Teach us to care for our land and waters.

Help us to share justly the resources of this land.

Help us to bring about spiritual and social change to improve the quality of life for all groups in our communities, especially the disadvantaged.

Help young people to find true dignity and self-esteem in the ways of your Spirit.

May the power of your love be the foundation on which we build our families, our communities and our nation.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.