"When I stand before God at the end of my life; I would hope I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me'." Erma Bombeck

A new year invites us all to consider the ways in which we are engaging in and contributing to the world in which we live. Over the past few weeks, I have spent time planning for the year ahead with our student Veritas Leaders and I am excited by the numerous possibilities we are creating within each term to use our education, our voices, our privileges, our gifts and talents to make the world a kinder, more accepting and fairer place for all.

Next Monday, our student FIRE Carriers (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) will be invited to gather with members of staff to reflect upon the significance of Apology to the Stolen Generation as we mark the anniversary of this speech. We will discuss the progress we have made in Reconciliation since 2008 and consider how we can, as FIRE Carriers in the Siena community, work towards Reconciliation through embracing the College theme for 2022, In Truth and Action.

In collaboration with St Dominic’s Parish and members of their Welcoming the Stranger group, we will once again be supporting the work of the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP) by donating grocery items to BASP this term.

For those unfamiliar with the work of BASP, through their work they aim to:

• Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum
• Actively network with like minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for asylum seekers
• Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum
• Engage in education about asylum seekers’ issues

Further information about BASP can be found on their website.

Students will soon receive information about the grocery items they are requested to donate. All donations will be collected in House Group and handed over directly to BASP to distribute to families in and around Melbourne.

All students are warmly invited to attend meetings of the Eco Warriors (our Student Environment Group) and our newly formed Justice Group. These meetings will be run by members of the Veritas Student Leadership team. Details including meeting day, time and venue will be posted on Siena Central soon.

As Dominicans, our students are encouraged to be inspired by St Catherine to preach their faith, their beliefs and values through not only their words, but also their actions. This is how our students will set the world on fire!