From the Principal

Each year, National Reconciliation Week offers an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our shared history, acknowledge the injustices of the past, and move forward together toward a more just and equitable future. This year’s theme, 'Bridging Now to Next', speaks to that journey.

As we know, the week commemorates two landmark moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 Referendum, in which Australians voted overwhelmingly to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census, and the 1992 Mabo High Court decision, which recognised the enduring connection of Indigenous Australians to their land through native title. 

The week also honours the release of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report, a pivotal document that revealed the painful legacy of the Stolen Generations. These milestone moments remind us of the resilience of First Nations peoples and the responsibility we all share to build a more inclusive future. As it happens, this year also marks 25 years since Corroboree 2000, where First Nations leaders and non-Indigenous leaders gathered in a historic demonstration of unity and commitment to reconciliation. The significance of National Reconciliation Week, then, lies not just in its reflection, but also in its call to action, which of course aligns so well with our College motto to Seek Justice.

In the lead up to Reconciliation Week, our Year 4 students were privileged to hear from Aunty Freda and Sue Jonklassan about Whadjuk Noongar culture and, as the College observed National Reconciliation Week, our HASS learning area led our Secondary students in a series of activities designed to challenge reflection, listening, and action. I extend my thanks to our Year 4 teachers Emma Eisenmann and Emily Krikstolaitis, Deputy Principal Faith and Mission, Janeen Murphy, Head of HASS, Kalo Bell, Head of Magis, Daisy Farley, and all of our staff involved in leading the range of engaging activities both before and during the week.

Finally, I extend my thanks to the all the parents who generously provided a delicious morning tea for our staff today; it was greatly appreciated.

Daniel Mahon

Principal