Dean of Identity | Mr Terry Thompson
Everyone Belongs - Buckley Brother
God of all people, God of love,
Just as the colours of a rainbow
Blend and merge to form one rainbow,
So too may the colours of our different cultures and beliefs
blend and merge in our families, our communities and throughout our world
through mutual respect and acceptance
so that we may come together in true harmony. Amen
Last Sunday, Australia celebrated Harmony Day. Harmony Day celebrates Australian multiculturalism based on the successful integration of migrants into our community. Harmony Day is about inclusivity, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. Harmony Day is celebrated every year on 21 March.
Early this month, Buckley House launched their renewed vision for their House, the Buckley Brother. This vision encapsulates the continuing message of Harmony Day - everyone belongs.
Mr Anthony Baruksopulo (Buckley House Dean) has kindly shared the details of the launch and the Buckley Brother vision:
On 4 March, Br Barry Buckley, Buckley House students and Pastoral Care Mentors, and other guests were all present in College Hall to launch the Buckley Brother concept. The purpose of this renewed vision is to give students of the House further identity as to who we are and what we stand for, along with an innate sense of belonging.
Driven and created by current students, Buckley House alumni and in consultation with Br Barry Buckley, the Buckley Brothers A.R.E vision was developed. This stands for Brothers of Action, Brothers Who Respect and Brothers with Empathy.
Brothers of Action
Brothers of Action are men of motivation, proactivity, a sense of purpose, courage and integrity. As a Buckley Brother, we are called to action every day. We strive to not only talk the talk but walk the walk and hold each other accountable for it. Whether it be in the classroom, playground, at home, or in our community, we contribute to positive outcomes and leave the place in a better state than when we found it.
Brothers who Respect
Brothers who Respect are men who respect themselves, the environment, diversity, values as a House and our fellow brothers. Brothers who respect strive to live by the golden rule of treating and respecting others how we would like to be treated. This can be achieved through politeness, kindness, listening and being present in conversations and in class. Respecting others can also mean making decisions based on what is right for the greater good.
Brothers with Empathy
In Buckley House, we know that every student has a unique story. Buckley Brothers strive to be men of empathy with the ability to walk in someone else’s shoes. We aim to be inclusive of others and look out for our fellow brothers in all that we do. In being empathetic, we aim to see and seek to understand what others are going through and then act appropriately. It may be offering our seat on public transport, sticking up for someone, sitting next to a student if they are alone, helping someone in the classroom, or reaching out and be a positive influence.
Br Buckley spoke at the launch and left the students of Buckley House with the following quote
Do not walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Do not walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my brother.
To celebrate the launch, Francis Nona (First Nation representative and parent of Iona in Year 8) presented Buckley House with a gift of a didgeridoo. This was a gift to Buckley House for their recognition of Reconciliation of Australia’s indigenous and first peoples. This will be used at House assemblies as an alternate way to pay our respects to the land's traditional owners.
Inspired by Br Buckley, it is hoped that the students of Buckley House practice and live to be brothers who A.R.E.