National Reconciliation Week at ENPS – All In
Throughout Term Two, ENPS proudly celebrated National Reconciliation Week, embracing this year's powerful theme: ALL IN. This theme calls on all Australians to reflect on the steps already taken toward reconciliation, and to look ahead with determination and commitment to continue building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.
This year's theme highlights the importance of every individual and community playing a role in reconciliation through truth-telling, listening, learning, and action.
Special Assembly
Last Friday, we held a special whole-school National Reconciliation Week assembly, expertly hosted by our fabulous School Captains, Georgia and Ethan. At Essendon North Primary School, we strive to develop international mindedness through a strong sense of self and an acceptance of other cultures, countries, and customs.
Dance Performances
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Miss Morgan and Mrs Koepke De Angelis for their dedication and passion in guiding our students through the beautiful art of truth-telling stories and traditional dances. Across Years One to Four, students embraced dance and movement as a powerful form of creative expression, with a meaningful focus on Dreamtime stories, Indigenous music, and storytelling through movement.
Year One captivated audiences with a retelling of the iconic Rainbow Serpent story, weaving together movement and narrative in a truly memorable performance. Selected students also shared their personal 'footprint' and reflected on what it means to be All In for inclusivity - a message that resonated deeply with all who watched.
Year Two (2SB) brought the Soldier Crab to life through expressive and joyful movement.
Year Four (4IW) immersed themselves in a captivating Movement Story, demonstrating just how powerfully the body can tell a tale.
Year Three (3VM) rounded out the performances with a stunning Willie Wagtail Dance, exploring the significance of the Willie Wagtail in First Nations cultures and showcasing the grace and storytelling tradition of this beloved bird.
Together, these performances were a beautiful celebration of creativity, self-expression, and deep respect for First Nations stories and traditions. We are so proud of every student who participated, and incredibly thankful to the teachers who made it all possible.
Student Reflections
A heartfelt thank you to all the student representatives from every year level who stepped up with courage and confidence to share and reflect on their learning. Your willingness to speak boldly in front of the school community exemplifies the very spirit of reconciliation - honesty, pride, and the courage to have your voice heard. We are so proud of each and every one of you!
Foundation
Four students, one from each class, proudly shared their maps of Australia and flags with the school community. Sebastian (FJC) also spoke about what Reconciliation Week means to him, sharing a thoughtful reflection on the importance of respect, understanding and unity.
Year One
Students shared their learning from the text response Finding Our Heart. Through this unit, students explored the meaning of reconciliation and decorated handprints to represent their understanding, connections and hopes for a shared future. As students spoke, representatives from each class proudly displayed their collaborative posters.
Year Two
Selected students shared their ‘footprint’ and explained how they are ‘All In’ for inclusivity, respect and caring for Country. They spoke confidently about the actions they can take to help create a more welcoming and connected community.
Year Three
Year Three students proudly shared their learning from our Reconciliation Week inquiry. Students from 3KO presented their Australian Flags, 3MG shared their understanding of different perspectives on Australia Day, 3SM reflected on the significance of the National Apology, and 3VM spoke about their Footprints Mural and what it means to be 'All In' for inclusivity and caring for Country. The students spoke confidently and respectfully, demonstrating their growing understanding of reconciliation, respect and belonging.
Year Four
Selected students shared their Indigenous guernsey designs. As part of their learning, students investigated how art can be used to tell stories, express identity and communicate important messages. They created their own guernsey designs to reflect their family, personal experiences and what they have learned about Indigenous cultures and perspectives throughout the term.
Year Five
Year Five students shared reflections on their learning about the impacts of European colonisation on First Nations Peoples. Through their inquiry, students developed a deeper understanding of the historical and ongoing effects of colonisation and reflected on the importance of truth-telling, respect and reconciliation.
Year Six
Year Six students shared their learning about the significance of the lyrics in Beds Are Burning and explored the messages of justice, land rights and reconciliation conveyed through the song. They reflected on how music can be a powerful way to raise awareness and inspire change. Following their presentation, Beds Are Burning was played for the audience.
Whole-School Collaborative Artwork
As a whole-school response to the "ALL IN" theme, students contributed to a collaborative artwork inspired by the official #NRW2026 artwork, Gaagal, by Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey. The artwork explores connection, movement, belonging, and the idea that we all have a role to play in reconciliation.
A special thank you to Imogen Westcott for initiating and driving our whole-school mural.
Closing the Assembly
To conclude our special assembly, a big shout out to our Year Six students Seb (guitarist) and Lara (vocalist), accompanied by the wonderful Mr Andrew Nunns, as our whole school community joined together in singing Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil. The commitment of every year level to learn the lyrics was a beautiful reflection of the spirit of unity and collaboration that makes ENPS so special.
A Shared Responsibility
National Reconciliation Week is more than a series of events. It is a reminder of our shared responsibility. It encourages us to confront the truths of our past, celebrate the strength and achievements of First Nations peoples, and explore how each of us can play a part in building a fairer, more equitable Australia.
Reconciliation is about teaching the truth about Australia’s history.
Reconciliation is about equipping our students with the knowledge they need to make positive changes for Australia’s future.
Reconciliation is about all Australians coming together to acknowledge our past and working together for a brighter future.
- Rhys McIntosh, Year Three Classroom Teacher and Marrung Champion Team Member
Reconciliation to me is an attitude. A commitment and considered choice about how my actions can serve reconciliation. Much of this I see in my role as a teacher, to inspire and educate my students, having open and honest discussions, inquiring into our history and perspectives of Indigenous people.
I value my role in modelling a reconciliatory attitude for my students and hope I carry this through to my life outside of the classroom as an Australian citizen.
- Imogen Westcott, Year Four Classroom Teacher and Marrung Champion Team Member
As a school community, we are committed to fostering a spirit of respect, truth-telling, and unity, ensuring that the lessons of the past inform a brighter, more inclusive future. By engaging our students in this important national conversation, we empower the next generation to become active participants in reconciliation, bridging the gap between where we are and where we strive to be.
Kind Regards,
The ENPS Community Engagement and Cultural Inclusion Team, and Marrung Champions