Over the past couple of weeks, our Ganmana Adara students have been busy with a range of creative activities. They designed Father’s Day cards decorated with Aboriginal symbols and shared in the joy of storytelling through the beautiful new text Goodnight Daddy by Gregg Dreise, a proud Kamilaroi and Euahlayi author and artist. These experiences continue to deepen students’ appreciation for culture and connection through story and art.

Indigenous Literacy Day & Book Week Donation

Last week, each class shared a First Nations text and enjoyed stories together in the Library as part of our Indigenous Literacy Day celebrations. It was wonderful to see students engaging with such meaningful stories.

A reminder that families can still support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) by bringing a gold coin donation to our Book Week Parade. ILF is a national charity that works to improve literacy in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through programs like Book Supply, Book Buzz, and Community Publishing.

St Clare’s Receives Recognition in First Nations Education

Last Thursday, Helen, Emily, and I attended the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Liturgy at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. At this event, the Townsville Catholic Education First Nations Education School Recognition Award for 2025 was presented. Our school was one of three schools nominated, alongside St Margaret Mary’s and Ryan Catholic College, and we were blessed to win this award.

We have been privileged to be nominated three years in a row, which reflects our ongoing journey in First Nations Education — a journey grounded in respect, relationships, and learning together. This year, St Clare’s was commended for fostering high-expectations relationships, supporting the holistic development of our community, and embedding the Stronger Smarter Philosophy.

We are especially proud of the initiatives we have undertaken over the past year. These include embedding First Nations perspectives across our curriculum, developing a prayer pilgrimage that incorporates First Nations spirituality, working alongside Traditional Owners to establish Ngurra Yaba, our ‘Talking Place,’ and engaging with community members who share their wisdom and enrich our celebrations.

We accept this recognition with humility and gratitude — not only for the honour, but for the opportunity to continue walking together in respect, reconciliation, and shared learning.

Well done, St Clare’s!

Holiday Fun – North Australian Festival of Arts

The North Australian Festival of Arts will run from 24 September – 12 October and offers a wide range of events for families to enjoy. There are many wonderful First Nations performances and exhibitions to explore over the holiday break.

We would especially like to highlight an event featuring one of our very own parents, Clare Jaque Vasquez. Clare is part of Woven Together: Undivided We Rise – a powerful and inspiring celebration of culture, resilience, and storytelling through art.

This is a wonderful opportunity to support a member of our community while also experiencing the richness of First Nations creativity during the festival. More information can be found here.

Mrs Deanne Guerra