National Sorry Day & 

National Reconciliation Week

This week, Mackellar Primary School will be acknowledging National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week through classroom discussions and learning experiences.

National Sorry Day is recognised on 26 May each year. It is a day where we remember and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken away from their families many years ago. These children are known as the Stolen Generations. National Sorry Day helps us reflect on the sadness and hurt this caused and reminds us of the importance of kindness, understanding, respect and healing. In 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to the Stolen Generations on behalf of the Australian Government. This apology was an important step towards healing and reconciliation.

Following National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week begins on 27 May. This year’s theme, “All In,” encourages all Australians to play an active role in building respectful relationships and creating a more inclusive future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Throughout the week, teachers will be exploring these important topics through activities delivered as part of a petite inquiry. These learning experiences will encourage students to reflect on Australia’s history, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and consider how we can all contribute to reconciliation in our everyday lives.

There is another important week in July called NAIDOC Week, which provides an opportunity for our school to further explore and acknowledge the histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.