Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander News

National Reconciliation Week was recently recognised across our nation from 27th of May to the 3rd of June. This very significant week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. The O’Connor Community publicly recognised Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day at our Assembly on Thursday 29th May. The Assembly was very capably led by Aboriginal students from a range of year groups. Of particular note, Year 12 student Paicey Noakes spoke proudly of his cultural heritage and learning journey, particularly around language. Paicey also spoke passionately about why Reconciliation is so important and of the importance of us all being involved in moving forward together.

Reconciliation was also the theme for an extra special PRIDE Session where O’Connor’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students had the opportunity to invite a friend to join us for the session. Over 70 students were present to reflect upon and discuss the significance of Reconciliation, particularly how they individually can make a difference. It was fantastic to see students from many different backgrounds engaging in challenging conversations, working together and having fun - a wonderful and powerful example of Reconciliation in action.

Mr James Russell

ATSI Focus Teacher