Dear St John the Apostle community, 

Many of you will have heard the news regarding the ACT Government's compulsory acquisition of Calvary Hospital. This requisition has occurred despite the fact that this hospital has provided excellent patient care to the people of Canberra and its surrounds for the last 44 years.

The Catholic Church has a long history of providing community support services, particularly medical care, to all. Often, the medical facilities provided around the world serve communities in greatest need and those who others refuse to treat.

We need look no further than the Sisters of Charity who staffed St Vincent’s hospital in Sydney during the height of the HIV pandemic of the 1980s and 90s. They were called 'saints' by those in their care and lived out theircharismm of ministering to the marginalised, poor and sick in the face of hostility. Colleagues and hospital staff treated them with fear and apprehension and received criticism from the wider society. Yet without the sisters’ witness, thousands of men would have died alone and uncared for, even ostracised by their families. This care and compassion goes beyond just medical treatment and is what we have come to know and expect when entering a Catholic hospital.

Some of you may not hold a particular position about Calvary Hospital. However, when there have been no concerns raised about the management of the hospital by the Little Company of Mary, the process undertaken of course provokes a reasonable level of caution and concern and perhaps questions about the ethics of such an action.

If you have any concerns about the process that has been undertaken you can respond by participating in an online  petition at www.savecalvarycom.au before May 31st 2023 when it is intended the legislation for acquisition becomes effective. You can also write to your ACT, NSW and Federal Government representatives to express any concern regarding the requisition.

Walk Safely to School Day

Thank you to our staff who met and accompanied students who gathered at Florey,Latham and Scullin Shops to walk to school this morning. It was Walk Safely to School Day and a great opportunity to show students how easy it is to walk to school and possibly meet companions that they can walk with in the future. Students who walked to school enjoyed a free breakfast on arrival and were provided with more information on how they can travel safely to and from school each day. If you would like more information on how your child can independently travel to and from school each day then you can visit the following ACT Government website for some excellent information:

Active travel program evaluation

Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) is undertaking an evaluation of the school active travel programs, including the Ride or Walk to School, Active Streets for Schools and School Crossing Supervisor programs.

As part of the evaluation, TCCS is requesting school communities to complete a short online survey about their travel habits to and from school. The survey can be accessed through this link or via the QR code below.

TCCS has engaged First Person Consulting FPC) – a Melbourne-based evaluation consultancy – to manage the evaluation and the surveys. FPC will not be collecting any identifiable information from anyone completing the survey, and all responses will be kept confidential and anonymous.

TCCS appreciates your support to evaluate these programs to continue to enhance the program offerings to schools.