Marrung Education

As we reflect on another successful term, we are incredibly proud of the progress made in advancing Marrung Education and reconciliation at Cranbourne East Secondary College. From cultural workshops and student-led presentations to National Reconciliation Week activities, community partnerships, and the ongoing work of our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, our students and staff have embraced opportunities to learn, connect and grow together.

These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our Koorie students, staff and wider community in creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are celebrated and valued. We look forward to building on this momentum next term, with exciting initiatives including our NAIDOC Week celebrations and continued work towards our Marrung and reconciliation goals. We can't wait to see what we accomplish together next.

Harmony Day Celebrations 

Our Koorie students proudly represented their mob and shared their culture during this year's Harmony Day assemblies. Through their confident presentations, storytelling and participation, students helped foster understanding, respect and appreciation for the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences provided a meaningful learning opportunity for the school community and highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity and belonging. We are incredibly proud of our Koorie students for representing themselves, their families and their communities with pride, courage and respect.

Deadly Kultja Dance Workshops

Throughout the term, our Koorie students have enthusiastically participated in Deadly Kultja dance workshops, strengthening their connection to culture while learning traditional dance practices and stories. These workshops provided students with a valuable opportunity to celebrate their identity, build confidence and connect with peers through shared cultural experiences.

In the lead up to Harmony Day, students dedicated time to refining their skills and preparing performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Aboriginal culture. Their commitment, pride and teamwork were evident throughout the workshops and culminated in a wonderful opportunity to share their learning with the wider school community.

We are incredibly proud of our Koorie students for embracing these experiences and for representing their culture with such pride, respect and enthusiasm.

Marrung Mob Community of Practice 

Cranbourne East Secondary College was proud to host the Marrung Mob Community of Practice, welcoming educators from across the region to engage in meaningful conversations about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

A highlight of the event was hearing directly from our Koorie students, who confidently represented CESC and shared their personal experiences of school life. Students spoke openly about the challenges they have faced, the positive aspects of being a Koorie student, and the supports, programs and relationships that have helped them succeed and feel connected at school.

Their honesty, insight and willingness to share their stories provided valuable perspectives for visiting educators and reinforced the importance of listening to student voice when creating culturally safe and inclusive learning environments. We are incredibly proud of our students for representing their mob, their culture and our school community with such maturity, pride and confidence.

National Reconciliation Week

During National Reconciliation Week, students at Cranbourne East Secondary College participated in a series of Connect lessons designed to deepen their understanding of reconciliation, Australia's shared history, and the importance of building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

Throughout the week, students engaged in meaningful discussions, explored the significance of reconciliation, and reflected on the role they can play in creating a more inclusive and respectful community. As part of these learning experiences, every student across the college made a personal pledge outlining how they can contribute to reconciliation at CESC and beyond.

These pledges demonstrated our students' commitment to fostering understanding, respect and positive change. National Reconciliation Week provided an important opportunity for our school community to learn, reflect and take action as we continue our journey towards reconciliation together.

NAIDOC Week - Term 3 Celebrations 

We are excited to be hosting a NAIDOC Week celebration next term in partnership with Cranbourne East Primary School. This special event will bring together students, staff and members of the wider community to celebrate and honour the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The day will include a community morning tea, providing an opportunity for connection and conversation, as well as welcoming neighbouring schools to join us in this important celebration. Students will also participate in an Indigenous art workshop facilitated by Deadly Kultja, where they will explore cultural storytelling, creativity and artistic expression through a First Nations lens.

We look forward to coming together as a community to celebrate NAIDOC Week, strengthen relationships, and continue our commitment to learning from and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group - Semester One Update

You may have noticed that the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group has been a little quiet lately - but that's because we've been busy behind the scenes turning our commitments into action.

Throughout the term, the group has been working diligently to progress and achieve the goals outlined in our RAP. From strengthening relationships within our community to creating opportunities for cultural learning and student voice, we have been focused on embedding reconciliation into the everyday life of Cranbourne East Secondary College.

We are proud of the progress that has been made and the meaningful initiatives that have taken place across the school, including student-led events, cultural workshops, curriculum connections and community partnerships. These achievements reflect the collective efforts of staff, students, families and community members who are committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all.

As we continue our reconciliation journey, we look forward to sharing more updates, celebrating successes, and working together to make a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to this important work.