Welcome to the New Year – I hope you all had an enjoyable and safe time as 2021 came to a close and we welcomed 2022 this morning.
Unfortunately, as you all know, the holiday period bought sadness for our College community with the drowning of Jules Lunanga at Noreuil Park on Christmas Day. Police and Rescue Services recovered Jules body last week and have informed the family.
Our thoughts continue to be with all affected by Jules death, in particular the Congolese community and Jules friends and family. We thank the Police and Rescue teams, and pay special thanks to Nelson Budederi for his ongoing support of our students and the wider community during what has been a particularly difficult time. We ask people to respect the privacy and cultural traditions of the community as they navigate the coming days and weeks.
May I also pay special thank Lana Melbourne for her tireless work since Christmas Day in coordinating and providing support to the school and wider community.
It goes without saying that as a College we have proven ourselves to be supportive, caring and resilient, especially during our difficult times. Our strength is our people, and is something we are very proud of.
With this in mind, please take time to look after yourselves, your families and each other over the holiday period.
I also wanted to take this time to share some of the wonderful ways our community have shown compassion and kindness during the last week:
The Go Fund Me page established by leaders of the Congolese community has currently raised a staggering $31,120! Simply amazing and will be of huge support to the family.
There is still time to contribute if you would like: GoFundMe Campaign
Coles Mann Central have committed to providing ongoing employment to both Chanceline Ibanda and Awezaye Lunanga to ensure both girls can remain in school and provide income to the household.
Twin City Trucks (Jules employer) who previously raised an incredible amount of money to cover the funeral costs for Jules & Awezayes Grandmother in November have continued to rally community support in the wake of Jules passing.
Various members of our community have voiced ideas to increase awareness of water safety and have begun discussing strategies to ensure the safety of all young people near water.
It really is amazing to see how our community comes together during a time like this and we thank all the individuals and businesses involved in ensuring Jules family are well supported into the future.
Please reach out if you need support, and ensure you take time over this holiday period to relax, recharge and unwind.
Warm regards,
Vern Hilditch
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