QANTAS Naming Ceremony – Honouring Horn Island / Ngurupai
Today, our school captains proudly represented Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at the official QANTAS aircraft naming ceremony. The newly named aircraft, Horn Island Ngurupai, pays tribute to the deep cultural and historical significance of the region.
The event celebrated the unique identity of the Torres Strait, acknowledged the long history of Horn Island Airport, and reflected on QANTAS’ historical ties to this part of Australia. It was also a powerful moment of cultural recognition, contributing to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
Joining our captains at the ceremony were Mrs Peta Mawn, our dedicated Leader of Diversity, and Mrs Christine Benjamin, Indigenous Liaison Officer, both of whom continue to support strong cultural inclusion in our school and community. We were also pleased to be joined by Ms Bernadette Barker, EALD Consultant from Catholic Education, Diocese of Cairns, whose presence reinforced the importance of language, identity, and belonging in our educational context.
We are grateful to QANTAS and the Torres Shire Council for inviting our students to be part of this meaningful occasion, one that not only celebrated history, but also looked to the future with respect and pride.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School
7 Normanby Street
Thursday Island 4875
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kaurareg people, the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our school is built, the first to meet, learn, and celebrate here. We honour their enduring custodianship and the care they continue to give to this place. We respect their history and stories, which continue to sustain and inspire all who call this place home. We turn to God, Creator of all, who gives us strength and wisdom, guiding us to discern and pursue a better way in all that we do.
There are 10 weeks in Term 2