Indigenous News

We acknowledge Dja Dja Wurrung, the Djaara people, as the traditional custodians of the land on which St Joseph’s Primary School is built.   We pay our respects to the elders, past and present, and pay tribute to the unique role they play in the life of this region.   At St Joseph's school we are inspired by the world’s oldest living culture and celebrate their continuing contribution to the life of this region and the sharing of knowledge.   We call on the spirit ancestors to walk with us always as we share and learn together as one.

Next week we will acknowledge Reconciliation Week (May 27 - June 3) by holding Liturgies in our class recognising "National Sorry Day" which falls on May 26.  Our FIRE Carriers and staff will work with Tanika Thorton from CESL in learning more about the importance of the FIRE Carriers role. 

The FIRE Carrier Commissioning Ceremony will be held on Thursday June 4 2.30pm.  Our school community is invited and very welcome to join us for this celebration. 

Our Fire Carriers have all contributed to this painting, which showcases their understanding of this year's Reconciliation Week theme, "All in".  The artwork will be on show at the CESL Reconciliation Mass to be held at St Mel's in Shepparton on Wednesday May 27, 2026.

"The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is 'All In', a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. 

'All In'  makes it clear that Reconciliation is not a spectator sport; that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change. 

The theme also reminds us that Reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us."   (CESL 2026)