Principals Message

Reconciliation Week

Dear Families,

Last Friday, May 31st, during our whole school assembly, we took the opportunity to speak to our students and the school community about the significance of Reconciliation Week. 

We explained to students that this important week is observed every year from May 27th to June 3rd, because this week marks two pivotal milestones in Australian history.

On May 27th, 1967, over 90 percent of Australian voters chose 'Yes' in a referendum to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and gave the Australian Government the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This was a monumental step towards equality and recognition.

Additionally, on June 3rd, 1992, the High Court made the landmark Mabo decision, which overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius, or 'land belonging to no one'. This decision acknowledged the traditional rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land.

At our school, we believe that everyone has a role to play in reconciliation.  Through our regular acknowledgement of country and by learning about our shared history we help to build relationships and communities that value all peoples, their histories, cultures, and futures—especially those of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Below are links to to some of the current reconciliation initiatives.  We strongly encourage families to read and view this material and continue these conversations at home and in the community to support a more inclusive and understanding society.

Warm regards,

The Principal Team