Where are your important places?

St. John Baptist De La Salle connected spiritually and physically with important places and left behind a legacy that still has much to teach us today. Spiritually, to assist those who are less fortunate, we make it our mission at De La Salle to live by strong Lasallian ideals. To be kind to everyone, and acknowledge each other with respect.

Recently Mrs. Hellyer, a member of De La Salle College Caringbah's staff connected the school to an important place through her Acknowledgement of Country at the start of the Staff Professional Development Day. She gave a brief overview of Wadeye, one of Australia's largest remote Indigenous communities, roughly 420 kilometres southwest of Darwin. In Wadeye, Mrs Maroney, a former teaching colleague and friend of Mrs Hellyer, is taking a 12-month sabbatical from St John Bosco College to immerse herself in Aboriginal culture and, provided the presentation for us of her experiences so far this year.

Mrs Maroney’s presentation emphasised how respect is not just a social nicety but an integral aspect of Aboriginal life, shaping interactions, relationships and community cohesion. This respect is directed towards individuals and the important place of land, ancestors and cultural practices, highlighting its multifaceted nature and profound significance in Indigenous societies.

Like the Aboriginal community of Wadeye, John Baptist De La Salle also encapsulates the profound regard for respect in his quotes. Following in Jesus' footsteps, De La Salle says to "be happy, showing gentleness and respect" and to "touch the hearts of those we meet.” He recognised the poor and had a deep understanding of the struggles faced by those less fortunate, addressing the needs of the marginalised and disadvantaged in the important places of life.

Mrs Maroney and John Baptist De La Salle recognise that respect is discovered in the journey of our lives, the path that leads us to important places. A place where we are changed despite ourselves.

Taking the time to reflect on the important places in our lives, as suggested in the video "The  Important Places," can deepen our understanding of respect and its role in shaping our journeys. It's a valuable exercise for families to engage in, as it encourages meaningful conversations and fosters a deeper appreciation for the connections we share with one another and the world around us.

Source: Mr Dominic Ritchie, Acting Principal, De La Salle Catholic College, Caringbah (Edited)