Reconciliation Week:

National Reconciliation Week

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Last year Reconciliation Australia encouraged all Australians to take action; not just in National  Reconciliation Week but every week of the year.

We saw unprecedented response to our suggested actions for everyday and for braver action.

This year we are asking everyone to make change beginning with brave actions in their daily lives – where they live, work, play and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week—27 May to 3 June—is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Sorry Day 

On Sorry Day, our school captains Saige and Josh attended a special event for primary school leaders from Banyule and Nillumbik. They presented a Sorry Day statement, listened to stories of action and healing and participated in a smoking ceremony and Reconciliation Walk led by Wurundjeri elder Uncle Ian Hunter through Allistar Knox Park. We are extremely proud of Saige and Josh for representing our school at this important event. You can read their statement below.

Sorry Day Statement- By Saige and Josh

Today, we are here to represent the students and staff of the Montmorency Primary School community as we recognise and acknowledge the painful experiences of the First Nation people in Australian history and as something that no one should ever experience. 

 We recognise the importance of Sorry Day every year on May 26th as a time to recognise the struggles and injustices brought upon our First Nations people when they were forcibly removed from their families, forced to change their names, and weren’t allowed to celebrate their culture nor speak their language.  

 We reflect today on how events of the past caused enormous suffering for First Nations people as communities and families were torn apart and they were forced to renounce their heritage and identity. Today is a day where we acknowledge the suffering and pain caused to the First Nations people, and the enduring effects, so that we can ensure that this never happens again.  

 Sorry Day is an important time to not only recognise the past, but also move on with an understanding of what we can do to create an equal and harmonious future for all citizens of Australia. We want to create a future where we can all respect the elders past, present and emerging of this land that we all call home. The trees, plants and beautiful landscapes are all part of the First Nations’ peoples’ history- they cared for and protected this land and we are very grateful to them for this.  

 Sorry Day is a day where we can make pledges to continue to build on our understanding of this difficult time in our history and move positivity, together as a united Australia, to build a future based on and respect and trust.