St Agnes Week celebrations highlight diversity and inclusion

St Agnes Week Video

Students and staff from St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill enjoyed a week of workshops, activities and performances as part of the St Agnes Week celebrations at the end of Term 2.

"It was a week that reminded us that our greatest strength lies in our diversity, the power of sharing and listening to each other’s stories, and the profound impact of walking together in a spirit of unity, respect, and mutual understanding," said St Agnes Cultural Diversity Leader Hayley Fielding.

Workshops and activities ranged from Pasifika Islander drink-making, Middle Eastern dance and food workshops, South Asian language workshops, cultural sport, Indigenous weaving, and dot painting, all of which allowed students to share, learn and express culture.

The St Agnes school library transformed into a hub for Indigenous art, multicultural literature, and interactive storytelling, and staff and students shared food and stories during homeroom cultural picnics.

The celebrations reflect the school’s deep commitment to the values of inclusiveness, integrity, compassion and dignity, while also affirming its dedication to culture, connection, and Catholic identity.

The week was shaped and driven by the passion and creativity of student leaders and staff, where student voice and leadership was made a priority, with many of the week’s events led or facilitated by students themselves.

Students also enjoyed a pyjama day and movie afternoon where they raised funds for Jesuit Social Services (JSS) — an organisation that provides essential assistance to Australians experiencing homelessness and hardship.

On Thursday 3 July, St Agnes welcomed CSPD’s Jarara team, who made a profound contribution to the school’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

The team led students in yarning circles, delivered a powerful Acknowledgement of Country during the NAIDOC liturgy, facilitated weaving workshops and supported the community through a deeply moving smoking ceremony.

CSPD Pasifika Family School Liaison Officer Francis Nansen led an Otai Pasifika workshop.

The day culminated in a “Care for Country” whole-school clean-up, linking Catholic Social Teaching with First Nations principles of stewardship and respect for Country.