Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week at Reservoir High included a week long event of activities to promote an understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culture and history. Activities were created to include all people so that we could all work towards reconciliation together. 

By receiving a grant from Reconciliation Australia we were able to have ex AFL football star Jamie Bennell come and speak with our students about the adversaries that he has faced in his life and career, and how he was able to overcome them. It was important for us to get someone in to be a voice for generations. Students were engaged during the entire speech, ready with many questions and pens for signatures at the end. We were lucky enough to have Mason showcase his talents and culture by playing the didgeridoo to Years 7-9 students. 

In addition to the assembly, we held a Reconciliation tournament where we had our Koorie students versus our non-indigenous students in various games. These games included netball, football and traditional games. This tournament was designed by our Koorie students who wanted a chance to show off their skills as well as work together to increase friendships and have a bit of fun. 

Clubs this week included a reconciliation theme. Garden club cleaned up the Indigenous garden, ensuring that our yarning circle is in prime condition. Yarn club started a weaving project for Reclaim the Void. Book club read poems from ‘Living on Stolen Land’. Chinese club made native animal origami. Craft club coloured gum leaves. Lastly, RAH (Reservoir Against Hate) Club created a time capsule while listening to First Nations music. 

All clubs invited all students to join in and were supplied with chocolates and Clothing the Gaps stickers for those who participated. Throughout the week we displayed prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been and continue to be a voice for our people and future generations. Students were given the chance to display their message for future generations on our Reconciliation wall. 

We had a marvellous week and hope for bigger and better next year. Thank you to Reconciliation Australia for making this happen. 

Kindest regards, 

Ms Swain

Wiradjuri

Koorie Coordinator & Year 9 Coordinator