Principal's Post

Our school captains in Sophie Hammond and Walter Jackson recently shared personal reflections to a wider audience. Sophie, was invited to reflect upon Reconciliation Week to over 300 people within St Joseph’s Church at the Sandhurst initiated Reconciliation Mass. The audience continued online as this liturgy streamed to the 50 primary and secondary schools across the diocese. Whilst Walter Jackson, spoke eloquently yesterday at our whole school assembly. I share excerpts of their speeches with you today:

Sophie on Reconciliation: “I see reconciliation as acceptance. It’s about facing the truth of our history and acknowledging the ongoing impacts of those actions. We give space for the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. It means understanding that healing is a process, not a moment, and that the effects of the past continue to shape lives today.

Acceptance also means recognising that reconciliation is not a simple or linear path. It involves acknowledging the complexity of emotions, like anger, grief, and frustration, that many still feel. It requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their journey. It’s about creating a space where their voices are heard and their experiences respected, not just as stories of the past, but as living realities that shape our present and future.

Reconciliation isn’t something we achieve in a week or with a single gesture. It’s a journey that takes time, honesty, and a willingness to keep learning. We can’t undo the past, but we can make sure we don’t repeat it. For me, acceptance is the first step toward a future where we all stand on a foundation of respect and understanding. It’s how we begin to build a community where everyone belongs and has a voice.”

Walter Jackson, reflecting on our 2025 theme of companionship: “What I’ve come to realise is that companionship isn’t about being someone’s best friend. It’s about being present, genuine, and kind, especially when there’s nothing in it for you. I once heard someone say: companionship is walking through life, not just next to someone, but with them. That means being there when things are going great—and when they’re not. It’s lifting each other up, not because you have to, but because you care.

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It also takes courage to reach out to someone new, to invite them in, to be vulnerable yourself. These brave moments can build the strongest connections—and make someone else’s day, or week, or year. Here at FCJ College, we talk about values like justice, gentleness, courage and confidence. But companionship is what brings those values to life. Without companionship, a school becomes a place full of people with no connection.”

Well done Sophie and Walter. Brilliant.

Pro Deo Semper

Joseph Mount

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