The Institute’s Specific Issues Committee, Indigenous Concerns, draws your attention to a recent decision by the Australian Government concerning Indigenous people. What do you know about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples?

In the last “Website Bytes” update, you were informed about how to participate in web meetings using the Adobe Connect programme. For those who would like to utilise this facility, here’s what you will need to do.

The annual celebration of Earth Day is an opportunity for us to be reminded that we can make a difference. When each one does a little, a great deal can be achieved. However, there are differing points of view regarding the ‘official’ date and history of Earth Day. Do you celebrate Earth Day in March or April? What is the relevance of such recognised days in our calendar?

The Institute Leadership Team is pleased to announce that the following sisters have accepted appointment to the new RCC: Eileen Ann Daffy (Melbourne), Rose Marie Glennen (Ballarat), Elizabeth Hartley (Grafton), Maryanne Loughry (Adelaide) and Helen Mary Peters (Townsville).

Sister Rosie Carroll RSM, Executive Officer of Mercy Works Inc., was recently invited to give a presentation to Singleton Sisters of Mercy and their friends about Mercy Works Inc., the Institute’s agency for local and overseas relief and development. Sister Liz Callen RSM (Singleton) reports.

Sister Veronica Lawson RSM (Ballarat East) offers a reflection on the readings for the Easter vigil (Year B). To access this reflection, click on "MORE" and then click on the picture of the Bible where you can read the Scripture as well as the reflection.

After 45 years in Catholic education, Parramatta Sister of Mercy, Veronica Powell, is retiring to take much-needed time out for herself and catch up with family and friends. Last term was the last for Veronica, who said it had been a privilege to spend 24 of those 45 years as Principal of Holy Cross Primary, Woollahra. To read the article, download the March 2009 edition of About Catholic Schools, the magazine of Sydney's Catholic Education Office. The article is on page 25.

The biennial conference of the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) will be held in Perth from July 1-4, 2009. The theme of the conference is taken from Catherine McAuley: “The blessing of unity dwelling amongst us is the true spirit of Mercy flowing on us.” AMSSA says the conference programme aims to “honour the beginnings of our Mercy story, celebrate our growth and unity and be challenged to revitalise Mercy for the future.” Download the conference brochure from the Association’s website.

Two schools in Brisbane were among the many communities that celebrated Harmony Day on March 21. Brisbane Sisters of Mercy, Bernadette Ahearn and Veronica Ekerick are Student Pastoral Ministers at Our Lady of Fatima School, Acacia Ridge and St Francis Xavier School, Goodna, respectively. Here they reflect on the celebration in their school communities.