We have all been appalled by recent reports of the plight of many children in remote Aboriginal communities.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference recently released a statement calling for ‘urgent and sustained action'.

The statement expands the area of concern to encompass child poverty in all its forms, and challenges governments to embrace a national poverty strategy with a special focus on children.

Reminding us all that the need is urgent, the bishops quote the late Pope John Paul II: ‘What has been done cannot be undone. But what can now be done to remedy the deeds of yesterday must not be put off till tomorrow'.

Well, what can Catholic educators do today?

It has never been more timely for all school communities to focus on local issues relating to education of Indigenous children, education about Aboriginality, and education which counters racism and discrimination in all its forms.

The theme of education towards understanding, tolerance and inclusion has an important and enduring place in our curriculum, our programs of pastoral care and professional development, and the exercise of leadership. It is important to re-visit it in a focused manner from time to time.

What is one relevant, local issue that we can profitably discuss as a staff or as an executive team?