PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

National Reconciliation Week Assembly

This year, the National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) theme is 'Don’t keep history a mystery: learn, share, grow'. It invites us to explore and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.   On Tuesday, 30 May, during National Reconciliation Week, Ms Lisa Chiuchiarelli arranged an assembly for middle school students.    Students were privileged to meet and hear from an Elder from our local Koorie community Mr Arbup Peters.  Members of our local council including Mayor Andrew Conlan as well as Koorie Engagement Support Officers were also in attendance.

I was given an opportunity to speak during the assembly.  I shared my learnings from researching the reconciliation website including the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are the longest surviving cultures and have been continuously practised for many thousands of years.  New archaeological evidence to support this is being unearthed each year.

Being an avid fan of Richmond Football Club, I look forward to the annual ‘Dream Time at the G’ game against Essendon. I learnt that Australian Rules football is thought to have its origins in a traditional game, known as Marngrook, from the Western District of Victoria.

I also have a keen interest in the kinship system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as it is significantly different to how most of us view our own families and relatives.  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship goes back to belonging and connection to the land.  Under this system it is possible to have many mothers, fathers, uncles, aunties, sisters and brothers. I was so proud of our students. Students displayed our Doncaster values by being attentive and respectful throughout the assembly. 

On a personal note, my grandson Kalem Abbott is being raised in Alice Springs.  On his father’s side, the Abbott family founded Wallace Rockhole – an outpost of the Lutheran Mission at Hermansberg. 

It will be important for my grandson to grow up developing an understanding of what it means to be a Southern Arrente (or Aranda) man and a member of the Pertame tribe.  As his grandmother, I hope that he always feels safe, respected and included no matter where he may choose to go to school, work and settle later in life. 

Éva McMaster

Principal