Religious Education

Last week we recognised National Reconciliation Week (NRW). It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.  Students were asked to wear a touch of red, black, yellow, green or blue- the colours in the  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, to acknowledge this week. Students from Year 6 also shared some indigenous stories with grades throughout the school.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue. 

Further to NRW, our amazing Yr 6 Teacher Mrs Traynor, organised a Little Long Walk for our school to be involved in. 

The Little Long Walk was instigated by Michael Long, an AFL footballer. 

On 21 November 2004 Michael Long embarked an historic trek, walking from his home in the suburbs of Melbourne all the way to Parliament House in Canberra – more than 650 kilometres away. After returning home from yet another Aboriginal funeral, Michael decided that something needed to be done about the plight of his people. He took it upon himself to get Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues back on the national agenda and resolved to meet with Prime Minister John Howard to discuss his concerns… even if he had to walk all the way to Canberra to do it.Michael was joined on the road by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal supporters from all over Australia. Some walked in support for an hour, some for a day and some took the journey all the way to Canberra. As the walkers passed through the Victorian countryside, local people came out to meet them, offering encouragement, support and assistance.Seeing both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people rallying together, Michael’s Long Walk became a mission of hope. The troupe started walking out of frustration and pain but as they walked they began to understand that Australians from all walks of life had been looking for a way to express their support for Aboriginal culture for a long time.

By participating in our own Long Little Walk, we are showing our support and raising awareness of issues faced by many aboriginal people.

Through these celebrations, we are reminded that God’s dream for humanity is one of justice and equality, of compassion and understanding, of forgiveness and mercy, to be shared by all peoples on earth. We pray that we walk together in a spirit of reconciliation and unity. 

Let us pray, 

God of love and compassion, you are the creator of this land and of all good things. We pray for your strength and grace to forgive, accept and love one another and to see you in the faces of all those we meet. May the spirit of reconciliation fill our hearts, our minds and our deeds. We ask this through Jesus, our model and guide.

Amen.