Youth Ministry Reflection Day, Years 10–12 Thursday 15 May at Buninyong

Our Youth Ministry Reflection Day for Years 10, 11, and 12 was held on Thursday 15^th May in Buninyong, and what a meaningful and memorable day it was. Despite the cold weather, students were fully engaged in a rich program focused on First Nations culture, connection to Country, and spiritual reflection.

We were fortunate to be joined by the team from BADAC (Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative), who led us through a series of hands-on cultural activities. Students had the opportunity to learn the skill of boomerang throwing, take part in leaf painting using First Nations symbols, and participate in educational sessions on traditional tools and weapons. These sessions deepened our appreciation for the knowledge, history, and skills of Australia's First Peoples.

Following this, students engaged in a series of games (Yulunga Games) developed by the Australian Institute of Sport in collaboration with Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They explored the origins and cultural significance of the games, learning how they were used to teach life skills, build community, and pass down traditions. Teams then played the games, demonstrating great teamwork, energy, and respect for the cultural context of each activity.

The day concluded with a group prayer, thoughtfully linking Indigenous spirituality and the Catholic Social Teachings of stewardship and care for creation. Students reflected on their experience and contributed to the Youth Ministry Retreat Program with a written reflection, considering how they can live out reconciliation and ecological justice in their own lives.

A heartfelt thank you to all students who participated with such openness and enthusiasm. Special thanks to the team from BADAC for sharing their time, culture, and knowledge with us, it was a privilege to learn from you. Thank you also to the staff for organising such a valuable day. Together, we continue the journey of reconciliation through learning, prayer, and community.

Year 11 Reflection Day

Our Year 11 students had the opportunity to participate in a Reflection Day held at Damascus College on May 15^th, 2025. During this incursion students were engaged in Aboriginal Spirituality, History and Culture. We were fortunate enough to be joined by Peter-Shane Rotumah and Tristian “Pancakes” Harris, who are both First Nations Men, to help guide our day of learning and reflection.

Throughout their full day incursion students had the opportunity to engage with Aboriginal Culture through meaningful conversations and interactions. Students spent time telling, and sharing, their own stories using Aboriginal symbols to explore their own past experiences. This valuable experience allowed students to link their own history with Traditional Aboriginal Cultural ideals. Students also had an opportunity for

tactile interaction with historical Aboriginal tools and innovations. They gained insight into hunting and ceremonial practices from the last 65,000+ years in Australian’s ancient civilisation.

Students also had the opportunity to add their hand or fingerprints to a piece of art that Peter-Shane created specifically to represent our time joined together in reflection.

The most prevalent moments from the day stemmed from the open forum style conversations facilitated by Peter-Shane and Pancakes. In this space students were encouraged to ask questions free from hesitation or judgement. The open dialogue session encouraged all students to meaningfully reflect on their own understanding of Aboriginal History and Culture and broaden their understanding of these ideals with immediate answers to their important questions.

To finish the day students were invited to participate in a reflective meditative Didgeridoo performance lead by Tristian “Pancakes” Harris. Students were able to close their eyes and reflect on their own Spirituality and the transcendence of peace through Culture and understanding.

Thank you to all students who participated in this reflective day with respect and Cultural integrity.