Around The College
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 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.
The dates for National Reconciliation Week are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June.
These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
27 May 1967 On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
3 June 1992 On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
From <https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/about-nrw/>
Donations to State Schools Relief
State Schools Relief is a not-for-profit organisation that improves the lives of tens of thousands of disadvantaged Victorian students every year. 1 in 10 Victorian State Schools are supported by State Schools Relief.
State Schools Relief values are as follows,
Unity: Working together to support every young person.
Equality: Supporting equal life chances and access to opportunity for all young people.
Dignity: Making sure every young person can participate with the same pride and dignity as their peers and
Belonging: Fostering young people’s sense of participation, inclusion and belonging to their school community.
State Schools Relief programs and ongoing resources improve the learning and wellbeing of our students who are experiencing Financial Hardship.
The philosophy at State Schools Relief is Participation in education is the main way out of poverty and this pathway must remain open to every child. State Schools Relief services ensure that all students can attend school in warmth and comfort with a greater sense of belonging.
Brentwood Secondary College is an important part of this vital process. Every year our school donates money through student activities such as profits raised from BBQ sales on Athletics Day and other fundraising conducted throughout the year.
In 2022 on behalf of our Community we were able to donate profits from Market Day, Athletics Day, Valentines Day Roses and VCAL Raffle - a total of $4697. A wonderful result from these fundraising efforts, thank you to all of the students and staff who organised these events.
Robyn Geshev, Business Manager.