FIRE Carrier Presentations
FIRE Carriers - Fanning the Flames of Reconciliation
On Wednesday morning, our current Grade 6 FIRE Carriers visited the Grade 5 classes to share their experiences of being a FIRE Carrier at our school.
Our FIRE Carriers are fanning the flames of reconciliation as they inspire a new group of students to become FIRE Carriers in 2027.
What is a FIRE Carrier?
FIRE stands for Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education.
The FIRE Carrier program aims to promote respect, fairness and inclusion for First Nations Peoples in education. Through learning and sharing culture and spirituality, the program helps build awareness, understanding and a commitment to reconciliation within Victorian Catholic primary and secondary schools.
What does a FIRE Carrier do?
This year, we have 28 Grade 6 students and 18 staff who are commissioned FIRE Carriers at our school. Their role is to promote reconciliation and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by developing their understanding of Aboriginal cultures and spirituality and sharing this learning with our school community.
Our FIRE Carriers were commissioned through a Smoking Ceremony and presented with a FIRE Carrier badge, which they wear proudly. Throughout the year, they have worked alongside school staff and Catholic Education Sandhurst leaders to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal cultures and spirituality.
Throughout the year, our FIRE Carriers have had the opportunity to share their learning and passion with the wider school community. They have played an important role in supporting the message of National Reconciliation Week, ‘ALL IN’, and have demonstrated wonderful leadership throughout the year.
Our current FIRE Carriers shared that they became FIRE Carriers because they wanted to:
- Show respect for and learn more about Aboriginal cultures.
- Work towards fairness and equality for all while challenging racism.
- Walk in solidarity alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Develop their leadership skills.
Becoming a FIRE Carrier for 2027
If you have a child in Grade 5 who is passionate about social justice, equality and making a difference, becoming a FIRE Carrier could be a wonderful opportunity for them.
Application forms are available from the Grade 5 teachers. Alternatively, please contact Natalie Shearer at nshearer@sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au, and I will be happy to forward an application form.
Applications close Friday 9 October 2026.
We look forward to seeing our new group of FIRE Carriers continue to fan the flames of reconciliation in 2027!
Natalie Shearer
Aboriginal Education Coordinator
