Cultural News
New - Apology Breakfast
Tuesday 13th of February was the Anniversary of the National Apology given by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd in 2008. This was 16 years ago.
Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.
The journey to National Apology began with the Bringing Them Home report – the findings of an inquiry instigated by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1995.
Some of our indigenous students and their families from Grade 3 and 4 attended a breakfast held at the Queens Gardens in Shepparton at 8 am. The smoking ceremony was presented by Keegan Atkinson and Jarra Lovett from ASHE. The guest speaker was Dierdre Roberston, she has been an active member of the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group for many years. She spoke of the importance of people honoring the message of Kevin Rudd and to acknowledge the pain, suffering and hurt of the Stolen Generation. She encouraged all people to read the Bringing Them Home Report from 1997. Though it has been twenty years since the report was published, Bringing them Home remains significant today. Many of the reports recommendations have not yet been implemented, members of the Stolen Generations and their families continue to be affected by the trauma caused by forced removal and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are still removed from their families at a very high rate.
Cr Shane Sali also spoke of the importance of reconciliation. Bricky B also provided a performance of a rap. Our students were very respectful and listened to each guest speaker. As a staff, we reflected on the speech by Kevin Rudd during our staff meeting and we shared key words that touched us.
NEW - Indigenous Education Around the Rooms
Each class has an indigenous focus that they will explore in more detail during the term. Teachers have set up a space in their classroom with artifacts, books and a copy of an Acknowledgement of Country.
A reminder that Assembly next week will start at 2:15 pm due to the commissioning of our 2024 FIRE Carriers. The aim of the FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carrier Project is to promote respect, fairness and inclusion for Aboriginal people. The FIRE Carrier Project promotes enculturation and reconciliation in Sandhurst schools. The FIRE Carrier project Covenant is like a Reconciliation Action Plan.
All are welcome to attend.
REMINDER - Opening The Doors Foundation
Grant Applications are Open for 2024!
The online application form is at the bottom of this email or alternatively with your Authorisation via the attached form, St Mary's School can apply on your behalf.
Before you apply online, here are some things you need to know:
Applications will take 2 to 3 weeks to process, if all information is provided.
Applications close: 12th April
Maximum grant amount
Prep - $750 Grade 1-6 - $600 Year 7 - $1,200 Year 8-12 - $1,000
Approved applications are final.
Before your application is approved by Trustees it must list all suppliers which you would like OTDF to fund for your child. New suppliers will not be added once the application is approved.
For further information please contact OTDF via email or phone number listed below - enquiries@openingthedoors.org.au or 0401 487 414.
Are you affiliated with any Victorian Tradional Owners?
This question is new on the application form as you may be eligible for other funding from Traditional Owner groups with Native Title or Registered Aboriginal Party status. We will notify you if you are eligible for other funding. OTDF will not cover funds where school scholarships will cover costs. To apply for a grant, click the button below.
Or fill in and sign the Authorisation Form below for St Marys to apply on your behalf.
REMINDER - Ganbina Scholarships Open
Ganbina’s Primary School Education Scholarships are designed to help cover some of the education expenses incurred by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
The 2024 Primary School Education Scholarship applications are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait children from Foundation through to Grade 6 who are attending Primary School in the Goulburn Valley.
2024 Application Date
Applications open on Thursday the 1st of February2024 and close on Friday the 15th of March 2024.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for a Ganbina 2024 Primary School Education Scholarship please email klarindah@ganbina.com.au or call Klarindah on 0438 217 336 / 58217333.
To register you will need the following:
• Proof of school enrolment & semester 2 2023school report
• Proof of address (i.e. a letter or bill)
• Proof of identification (drivers licence, birthcertificate, health care card)
• Confirmation Of Aboriginality will berequested based on individual circumstances.
For further information regarding Ganbina please visit - www.ganbina.com.au
Acknowledgement of Country
At St Mary’s Primary School Mooroopna we Acknowledge the Traditional people of this land. The Yorta Yorta Nation are the Traditional Custodians of this area and we remember their elders, past, present and future. We remember that the Aboriginal people of Australia will always be the traditional owners of the land on which we gather today. We continue to grow through education and reconciliation to a better future for all Australians.
