Cultural news
Reconciliation Week at Solway
Last week, we proudly participated in National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements—and to explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
Reconciliation Week is a special time in Australia when we learn about and celebrate how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians can come together with kindness and respect. It is held every year from May 27 to June 3, marking two important events in Australia’s history:
- The 1967 Referendum, when Australians voted to change the laws to be fairer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Mabo Day, which recognises the strong and special connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land, following the High Court’s recognition of native title.
We celebrate Reconciliation Week to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, show respect to the First Peoples of Australia, and work together to ensure everyone is treated fairly and equally.
Activities Across the Week
This year, students across all year levels engaged in a variety of meaningful activities that encouraged creativity, reflection, and understanding:
- Rock Painting: Students painted rocks with patterns, colours, and messages inspired by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. These rocks will be displayed in the school garden as a lasting symbol of our learning and respect.
- Reconciliation Pledges: Students created personal pledges—statements or drawings showing how they can help build a kind and inclusive community. These pledges were proudly displayed throughout the school.
- Singing "Solid Rock": Students learned and performed this year’s song, Solid Rock, which helped spark important conversations about connection to Country, strength, and reconciliation.
- Friday Assembly Presentation: The week concluded with a special assembly where students shared their learning, displayed their art, and performed Solid Rock together. It was a proud and thoughtful moment for the whole school community.
Reconciliation Week at Solway reminded us all of the importance of respect, understanding, and unity. Through listening, creating, and sharing, our students took meaningful steps toward building a future where all Australians feel valued, included, and heard.
Refugee Week at Solway Sunday 15 June – Saturday 21 June, 2025
At Solway, we will be recognising Refugee Week, a time to learn about the experiences of refugees and to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of people from refugee backgrounds who have made Australia their home. Refugee Week is a chance for us to reflect on the journeys that many people have made to find safety and a better life. It helps us build understanding, show compassion, and support those in our community who have faced great challenges and shown incredible courage.
The theme of this year's Refugee Week is "Finding Freedom", reminding us how important it is for everyone to feel safe, welcome, and included—no matter where they come from.
How You Can Help
As part of our Refugee Week activities, we are inviting all students to take part in a food drive to support local refugee families in need. Please bring in a can or packet of dried food (such as rice, pasta, lentils, tinned vegetables or soup) to donate. Donations can be placed in the collection box near the front office is now open and will be closed on 20th June.
This small act of kindness can make a big difference to someone’s life.
Why It Matters
By learning about the challenges refugees face and finding ways to show kindness and support, we help build a more welcoming and inclusive community. Refugee Week gives us the opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who have had to leave their homes and start again in a new country.
Let’s work together to make a positive difference!
Cultural Team
Theresa Tremonte, Emily Brooks, Ryoko Yamaoka
