the Province, two of those being at the Province headquarters. That does not reflect the presence of Indigenous people in the Australian population, who are approximately 2% per cent of the population of Australia. School communities in Christian Brothers Holy Spirit Province, along with those of us in the leadership of the Province, could well take time to reflect upon some aspects of this issue: • Does our promotion of enrolments make our schools attractive to Indigenous Australians? • Prayer and sacramental rituals, assemblies and other school rituals – do they occasionally affirm Indigenous culture and identity? • Are there icons, art pieces, musical expressions or other artistic expressions of Indigenous culture in the schools. • Are there parent groups and activities that are welcoming of Indigenous families? • Do our Board memberships reflect, and do our Board agendas reflect, Indigenous presence and issues in our schools and country? • Do our employment and industrial practices encourage application from Indigenous people (e.g how and where do we advertise, who are on the selection panels, appraisal panels etc)? Do we encourage the selection of staff who are experienced in working alongside Indigenous people? • Do our libraries contain Indigenous newspapers, magazines and literature?
• Does the curriculum accurately reflect Indigenous history and cultural issues from an Indigenous perspective? • Is an understanding of Indigenous issues a criteria for selection of non Indigenous staff? • If you are an Indigenous person reading this, how have you engaged with school staff to support the education of your sons and daughters? Other similar issues could also have been examined in detail – but one per year is enough! Every school in our Province, and the Province as a whole, has some wonderful stories of success to tell in 2002. But like the followers of Jesus 2000 years ago, and the Brothers in their 2002 Chapter, there are also stories of failure and injustice to be faced. When we do face both parts of our life and story, Jesus will walk with us, and help us into positive action … just like the follower of Jesus on the way to Emmaus. Thank you to all the students, parents and other family members, staff and leaders who have contributed greatly to the Edmund Rice Network in this school during 2002. I hope you celebrate your stories of success! And may your celebration of Christmas, the birthday of Jesus our Brother, who came to teach us how to live happy, loving and just lives – be a wonderful time for you all!! (Br) Kevin P. Ryan Province Leader
October 29, 2002
College Bursar
T
he 2002 Budget approved by the Board has enabled the College to continue to focus on improvements in education and continue the refurbishment of the campus. Some of the developments were: the refurbishment of the Primary School area outside the Chapel into a pleasant paved area for quiet reading and lunches; refurbishment of the Senior School library; and further upgrading of Camp Kelly. School Fees
This year various options were available for parents to choose so that they were able to include regular payments within their household budget. Other facilities for fee payment were offered this year, including BPAY and the Trinity College Online Store. These have proved very popular options with parents
Technology
Further improvements were made in the number of computers available to staff and students. Computers have been installed in all Primary School classrooms together with a television for on-line presentations. Staff
During 2002 we have continued to develop a team committed to the life of Trinity and I thank the ladies of the Administration office for their friendly and Mike Burgess efficient service. To the Grounds and Maintenance staff, on behalf of the Trinity Community I say thank you for your professional and committed skill and pride in your work that is evident throughout the campus. Mr Mike Burgess Bursar
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