National Reconciliation Week

Throughout National Reconciliation Week this year, Thornbury High School held a series of lunch-time events run by First Nations students, aimed at sharing and celebrating their cultures with the THS community. On Monday May 26 - National Sorry Day - the week’s events were introduced by Giann Mitchell’s Acknowledgement of Country, and Meerah Sehgal’s overview of the importance and relevance of Reconciliation Week. This was followed by a beautiful traditional dance, performed by the First Nations girls, which set the tone for the rest of the week.

On Wednesday, a range of activities were on offer for the whole school to participate in. Students could make badges using special artworks by some of our First Nations students, design a Reconciliation Week t-shirt, and get their face painted by Gymea Wickey or Edie Slater. It was a heartwarming experience to see a range of students from across year levels coming together through their art.

Finally, on Thursday, there was a staff vs. student event, where First Nations students competed against Thornbury High teachers in a game that is a cross between touch footy and netball, which the First Nations students often play together. Despite the teachers’ lack of experience (and lack of fitness), and the students’ far superior skills, it was all tied up at full time and, in a dramatic golden-goal tie breaker, the teachers managed to win by one point (it’s unlikely they’ll be so lucky next year). 

A huge shout-out and thank you to all the students that helped out and participated in the events. I look forward to continuing along this path of Reconciliation and Bridging Now to Next with you all.

Henry Ralston 

First Nations Student Coordinator