National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme, Be a Voice for Generations, urged all Australians to use their power, their words and their actions to create a better, more just Australia for all of us.

During library sessions, Foundation - Year 6 students explored and discussed a range of picture books written and illustrated by First Nations authors and illustrators. 

Foundation students listened to Respect by Aunty Fay Muir, Sue Lawson and Lisa Kennedy. This book is designed to welcome and introduce children to important elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Students enjoyed writing and drawing some ways that they can take care of Country. 

The 1/2 students read the picture book Found by Bruce Pascoe and Charmaine Ledden-Lewis. Found is a gentle story set in the rugged Australian bush about a small calf who becomes separated from his family. Students responded to this story by writing and drawing some of the key messages. 

The 3/4 and 5/6 students listened to and discussed the song The Children Came Back by rapper Adam Briggs. Students also enjoyed reading Our Home, Our Heartbeat which was adapted from Briggs’ celebrated song. This picture book is a celebration of past and present Indigenous legends, as well as emerging generations, and at its heart honours the oldest continuous culture on earth.

Listen to The Children Came Back here: 

Georgina Laming

Library/Digi Tech Specialist Teacher

glaming@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au