Indigenous Education

Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week is from Monday 26th May to Monday 2nd June. Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

We are looking forward to recognising this week with a few activities during the week.

Monday- Reconciliation Week prayer and commissioning our Grade 6's as FIRE Carriers in a ceremony.

Sorry Day Prayer and Commemoration

Wednesday

• Damper Making
• Collaborative Boomerang Classroom Art Piece

Theme song

The Theme song for Reconciliation Week this year is Solid Rock. During Huff and Puff, the students will be creating dance moves to the lyrics in the song. Together we will create our own music video.

We will also have Fundraiser on Wednesday led by our FIRE Carrier leaders! Bring along some coins on Wednesday if you would like to purchase a milo or chocolate crackle.

During the week, classes will also engage in various other Reconciliation Week-themed classroom activities, including Indigenous texts, music, dances, and shows. 

FIRE Carriers 

For those who may not know, St Joseph's joined last year as a FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carriers school. The story of FIRE Carriers began with a dream to bring Aboriginal culture, history, and spirituality to the forefront of education in Catholic schools. It was essential to teach the stories of the oldest living culture to our youngest generations to ensure the living truth, the dreams, and hopes of our Indigenous people were heard. This would be a genuine pathway to reconciliation. 

The FIRE Carrier program is closely linked to the Opening the Doors Foundation. The Opening The Doors Foundation is a 24-year-old First Nations-led organisation supporting educational opportunities for First Nations children. It provides First Nations children from regional, remote and urban communities across Australia with educational opportunities within Victorian non-government schools - enabling them to participate fully and equally in education by supporting families to make their own choices about their children’s future for their entire education journey from foundation to Year 12.  It is the only First Nations organisation supporting children throughout their 13-year educational journey. 

Our 2025 FIRE Carrier Leaders are Darcy Hill and James Hinds.