Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – A new, tuition-free Jesuit primary school for Aboriginal children is set to open its doors in Sydney in 2011, providing disadvantaged children with a quality, holistic education which responds to the needs of local families and draws from the students' own culture. The Rector of St Aloysius' College, Milsons Point, Fr. Ross Jones SJ, says that the NSW Board of Studies has granted initial registration of the school, and the City of Sydney Council has also approved the development application for the refurbishment of the presbytery at St Vincent's Catholic Church in Redfern, where the school will be housed. Named Jarjum - which means “children” in the Aboriginal Bundjalung language - the school will be sponsored by St Aloysius' on behalf of the Jesuit Province. “The formation of children in this school will be intensive and holistic,” said Fr. Jones. “Jarjum will be for children who need it most, those experiencing greater disadvantage, those who, through no fault of their own, have slipped through the system.” Fr. Jones says the project will embrace before-school care, including breakfast where necessary, lunch and after-school activities such as sports, clubs and tutoring. Individual pastoral care will include the students' personal, emotional and physical well-being, including regular health checks in association with the neighboring Aboriginal Health Service. This mission is to draw from, and share with, its students and their families the very best spiritual ideals and moral values, knowledge and learning skills, discipline, and character formation. The Jesuit Order in Australia has long worked in favor of the aborigines. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 8/7/2010)
