The Long Walk  

Reconciliation Week 

 ‘Be a Voice for Generations’

National Reconciliation Week, held every year from 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. 

The students at Great Ryrie have been involved in activities this week to acknowledge Reconciliation Week in their classrooms.

 The Year 3 and 4 students Oscar, Matilda and Peace, respectfully delivered an acknowledgement of Sorry Day at assembly last week, in the Captains absence at Gala Day.

The Long Walk 

In 2004, former AFL legend Michael Long decided that something needed to be done about the plight of the Indigenous community, so he walked from his home in Melbourne all the way to Parliament House in Canberra. 

The Long Walk was born, with money raised to support Indigenous education programs across the country. 

Thank you to Aquinas College for inviting our school to participate in the Long Walk for Reconciliation on Tuesday. 

We joined The Long Walk Foundation, Fire Carrier Schools, and Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in solidarity for reconciliation and Justice. After a shared morning tea and presentations  from the Ambassadors at the Essendon Football club, we participated in a Long Walk around the surrounding streets. 

VIA Character Strengths

For children, just like adults, using their top (or signature) strengths feels energising, motivating and like we are using the best of ourselves. This builds a sense of self-esteem, competence and wellbeing that can grow over time. By character strengths, I am referring to inner strengths that are morally valued, like courage and kindness, which help us address life challenges and live a better life.

We often talk to the students about their character strengths but we also place an importance on knowing our own strengths.  On Tuesday it was our turn to workshop and celebrate the staffs character strengths with a wonderful creative activity organised by Mrs B in the Art Room.

My top two character strengths are Leadership and Team work, which I feel are essential in the role as a principal. What are your top strengths? 

Research shows that character strengths can help children succeed at school and in life

As a parent, focusing on your children’s strengths, positive qualities and future potential—rather than what they don’t do well—enables them to see the best in themselves and work toward becoming better.

Research has shown that a strengths-based approach to parenting builds resilience in children. Professor Lea Waters of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education showed that when parents deliberately identify and nurture their child’s positive attributes and qualities, it helps them create a ‘positive filter’ that makes them more able to cope with and adapt to stress.

 Prof Waters says this promising new area of research offers parents proactive ways to build children’s resources in addition to providing a balance of warmth and control. By connecting kids with their innate strengths and developing them (strengths of character, abilities or talents), we help them feel more satisfied with their life and themselves.

A Call Out for Second Hand Uniforms

Every Tuesday morning our school Chaplain Mr Silverwood, his wife Bonnie, and volunteers run the Toast Tuesday breakfast program including our second-hand uniform donations for sale. 

The schools second-hand uniform provides an opportunity for families to buy quality second-hand uniform items at a fraction of the cost of new. It also provides an opportunity for families to donate uniforms they no longer require. All funds raised are put back into the student welfare fund to assist families in need. 

We are desperately seeking winter uniform donations from families that no longer require the uniform or if they are too small. Please hand in donations to the office or Alan Silverwood if you are able to assist.

Curriculum Day Friday the 9th of June 

Just a reminder to our families that there is a Curriculum day on Friday the 9th of June followed by a public holiday, the Kings Birthday on Monday the 12th of June. 

Team Kids will be running a full day program on Friday so please book online if you require care for the day. If you are having any difficulty with bookings please don’t hesitate to call .

Have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends 

Karen Rouda 

Principal