AROUND THE COLLEGE

On Monday 27th May 23 students competed in the Division Cross Country at Eastern gardens.

All competitors showed great determination in their races, with majority of our students continuing onto the Region Cross Country in a few weeks.

Some standout performances included:

Brodie Munn 13Yr Boys – 3rd 

Ruby Flett 14Yr Girls – 3rd

Molly D’Andria 16Yr Girls – 2nd

Joshua Unthank 20Yr Boys – 1st

Jackson Unthank 20Yr Boys – 3rd

Well done to all those that competed.

Legal Information Sessions for Parents:

Regional Parenting Program:

FIRST NATIONS UPDATE

On 6th June, some of the WHC First Nations students spent some time at the Wathaurong Youth Hub. The students greatly enjoyed their time spent at the youth hub!

Anniversary of the National Apology.   13th Feb 2008 

The National Apology

The National Apology to all First Nations peoples and particularly the Stolen Generations was made on the 13 Feb 200 by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.  The apology was particularly for those who had their lives impacted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation. 

The journey to National Apology began with the Bringing Them Home report – the findings of an inquiry instigated by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1995 (www.nma.gov.au).

On 13th of February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered a formal Apology on behalf of the nation to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations.

I move:

That today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

We reflect on their past mistreatment.

We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations—this blemished chapter in our nation’s history.

The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.

We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.

We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities, and their country.

For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.

To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.

And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.

The Hon Kevin Rudd13 February 2008

21st March  - Harmony Day and National Close the Gap Day

The 21st of March is the International Day for the Elimination of Racist Discrimination.

Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

This year the theme of Harmony Day is Everybody belongs. 

The day reminds us of what it is to inclusive, respectful, and invites us to share the message that "everyone belongs.

National Close the Gap Day 

The aim of Close the Gap Day is to work towards health equity and closing the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.   On this day it is important to spend some time drawing attention to the health issues of Australia’s indigenous people and to support legislation and programs for the improvement of their conditions.

Life expectancy isn’t just a health issue, but it’s also a human rights issue. When people aren’t living as long of a life as they would’ve if they had basic access to healthcare, employment, and education then it’s an issue that must be remedied by society. And that’s the purpose of National Close the Gap Day.

It’s a day to close the gap between the haves and the have-nots and to ensure that every Australian lives a happy, healthy, and full life. People can spread the word about this awareness day by telling their friends and family or by using the hashtag #NationalCloseTheGapDay on their social media accounts. If every Australian works together, then everyone can have the basic human right of a long, healthy, and happy life. 

National Sorry Day

The first National Sorry day was held in 1998 and recognised findings in ‘The bringing them home ‘report (www.aph.gov.au). 

“This day encourages us to engage in meaningful conversations, educate ourselves about the history and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and actively support efforts towards reconciliation.

We can all play a role in fostering positive change by listening to the voices and experiences of Indigenous communities, advocating for justice and equality, and honouring the principles of the Uluru Statement.

Through genuine partnership, respect, and understanding, we can collectively work towards healing the wounds of the past and building a brighter future for all Australians” (www.lwb.org.au).

27th May Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum

Prior to 1967 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were not recognised as part of the Australian population. 

The 1967 Referendum sought to change the Constitution in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them and that finally they were recognised as equals.

‘Although the 1967 referendum was an important victory, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to struggle for their position in Australian society. (www. digital-classroom.nma.gov.au).”

27th May to 3rd June   National Reconciliation Week.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024 is - Now More Than Ever.  It is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will continue.These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— 

1. the successful 1967 referendum, 
2. The High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Mabo Day   3rd June

Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander who believed Australian laws on land ownership were wrong and fought to change them (www.nrw.reconciliation.org.au)

Australia had been declared as terra nullius by Captain Cook– belonging to no-one).   The case contesting that decision was led by Edward Koiki ‘Eddie’Mabo,, with Celuia Mapo Salee, James Rice, Sam Passi and Father Dave Passi on behalf of the Meriam people of Dauer, Waier and Mer of the Murry Island Group in the Torres Strait (www.aph.gov.au). 

The Mabo case ran for 10 years. On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia decided that terra nullius should not have been applied to Australia. This decision recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to the land – rights that existed before the British arrived and can still exist today. The Mabo decision was a turning point for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights because it acknowledged their unique connection with the land. It also led to the Australian Parliament passing the Native Title Act in 1993. Eddie Mabo never found out the result of his legal case.

He died in January 1992, just five months before the High Court made its decision (www.nrw.reconciliation.org.au). Sadly, Sam Passi and Celuia Mapo Salee also died before the court decision.

This was a milestone legal decision in Australian history. 

NAIDOC Week.  7-14th July. 

National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Observance Committee

Theme – tbc for 2024

The National NAIDOC Committee makes decisions on national celebrations each year. It has representatives from most Australian states and territories.

NAIDOC began in the 1920s with the emergence of Aboriginal awareness groups. These groups helped build an understanding of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians. NAIDOC Week is a yearly celebration that recognises the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

There are cultural and educational activities held in workplaces and schools. 

4th August National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Childrens Day

Is the largest national day to celebrate children.   

MAT program. 

We are currently running a small group session with a combination of year 9 and 10 boys. MAT combines the principles of physical and mental wellbeing with those of therapeutic martial art training, promoting self-awareness as well as social awareness. 

This program is an individualised approach to recognising one’s emotions and expressing them appropriately, building confidence and resilience, whilst forming effective communication strategies, by utilising the martial art techniques of breathing, centring oneself and self-control.  

The students have thoroughly enjoyed the session so far and are already picking up some skills to transfer into their everyday. 

We are excited to see them continue to learn and grow.           

Immunisations:

Dear Parent/Guardian,

On Tuesday 16th July 2024, Barwon Health immunisation service will visit our Year 7 students to administer the freeHPV( Human Papillomavirus) vaccine and Boostrix( Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough booster) = 2 injections 

Please read the consent information (see attachment) and then complete the online consent form via this URL link.

Please note that this link will expire 24 hours prior to Barwon Health visit.

https://portal.cirv.vic.gov.au//PrivacyCollection/?id=a3439655-20f2-ee11-904c-000d3ae1ae48&Year7 

There is also a paper consent card attached, or there are consent cards in the Administration Office, that you can collect if you prefer.

 There is some information available below, which explains why these vaccines are given to our Year 7 students.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools 

It is important to complete a consent form, whether consent is YES or NO.Barwon Health immunisation need to know that you have received the information and made an informed decision for your child, then no further contact will be required to chase up your response. If you require more information or would rather this vaccine, be given outside of the school setting, please contact Barwon Health immunisation directly on 4215 4444 or your GP.

Thank you.

Sonia Raschilla

Head of First Aid and Attendance

Canteen orders

A reminder that the Canteen will be ORDER ONLY for all main food items, such as salad rolls, sausage rolls, schnitzel burgers etc. The first 10 minutes of recess and lunch will be allocated to collection of food orders only. The canteen will then be open for any additional purchases of drinks and ice creams (Term 1 & 4).  

Canteen Menu Term 2

Library News

BOOK MARKS – WHC Library Update

OPEN during school hours: 8:30am - 3:00pm, Monday - Friday.

• Borrowing books – use your WHC ID card to borrow books from our school library. You can easily find what you want on shelves as fiction titles have been organised into genres:

Books are loaned for two weeks.

• Chess Club – Tuesday lunch times with Mr. Gray and teachers. Can you beat your teacher? The challenge is on! Timers available. You can play at recess and lunch. All levels welcome.
• Readers Raffle – If you have finished a novel besides your school novel, let the library staff know and we will put you in the draw for a small prize. The more novels you read, the more chances you have of winning something! 
• Geelong Library membership – join our public library to access all kinds of resources. You can reserve a book online, then collect it from our Vines Road Library.

Reminders:

The library is a community library and the space is shared with the public. 

Please use respectful language and behaviour.

Eating and drinking sugary drinks in the library is not allowed. Water bottles are fine.

Please do not touch the heaters or air filters. Please ask a staff member for help.

Laptop use – students are welcome to use their private laptops for schoolwork and research. Gaming is not encouraged as the library is a space for reading and quiet activities.

Mrs. Burville and Ms. Choong.