WHSC CULTURAL 

Reconciliation Week 2026 

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In,” reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility. At Wheelers Hill Secondary College, we are proud to continue building a school culture grounded in Respect, Creativity, and Excellence through meaningful learning experiences that honour First Nations histories, cultures, and perspectives.

Our reconciliation journey through the Aboriginal Content Curriculum (ACCur) and the First Nations Garden Project has developed progressively over the past three years. In 2024, the First Nations Garden began as a pilot initiative led by the Year 9 RISE students, who explored Aboriginal perspectives through sustainability, design, and community connection. Their work laid the foundation for a broader whole-school vision.

In 2025, WHSC expanded this work through a whole-school Year 7 cross-curricular initiative, embedding First Nations perspectives across Humanities, English, Science, Mathematics, Art, Design, and Technologies. Over six weeks, students engaged in learning experiences focused on Bush Tucker plants, native animals, ecosystems, storytelling, sustainability, persuasive writing, and caring for Country. Students connected classroom learning to authentic action through the continued development of the First Nations Garden space.

Now, in 2026, WHSC is entering the next stage of this important work — consolidating and strengthening our approach to embedding Aboriginal perspectives across the school. This includes refining curriculum practices, building staff confidence, strengthening collaboration between learning areas, and creating more meaningful opportunities for truth-telling through education.

Importantly, this work aligns with Victoria’s Treaty journey and the growing expectation that schools provide authentic, respectful, and accurate teaching about First Nations histories, cultures, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation. Through ACCur, students and staff are learning together — recognising that reconciliation requires openness, reflection, empathy, and a willingness to listen and grow.

The First Nations Garden has become a visible symbol of this shared journey. More than a garden project, it represents connection to Country, student voice, collaboration, and our collective commitment to building a culturally responsive learning environment. As students prepare for the next phases of clearing, planting, and maintaining the space, they continue to take pride in contributing to a project that honours Aboriginal knowledge systems and community learning.

As we acknowledge Reconciliation Week 2026, we thank all staff, students, families, Elders, and community members who have supported this work. Together, we continue moving forward All In — strengthening understanding, embracing truth-telling, and building a more inclusive future for our WHSC community.