Community Events:

RECONCILIATION WEEK

As part of Reconciliation Week, year five and six students went to Columbia Park Pre School and worked with the Kinder kids to build a Sea of Hands as a physical representation of community support for reconciliation and rights of Australia's First Peoples – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At assembly this week the students leaders will say a new Acknowledgement of Country and speak about Reconciliation Week.

Here is a transcript of the Student leader speech for Reconciliation Week:

As we gather today to observe Reconciliation Week, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to acknowledge and mend the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This week, marked by the anniversaries of the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision, is a call to action for all Australians. Reconciliation Week is more than an anniversary; it is a time for honest reflection and meaningful action. It's about recognizing the contributions and resilience of Indigenous communities. It’s about listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and celebrating their culture and heritage. This week challenges us to remember the uncomfortable truths of our past and present, and to commit to a future built on mutual respect and equity.

Our journey towards reconciliation is ongoing. It requires persistent effort and genuine partnership. Each of us has a role to play in bridging the divide—whether it’s through education, advocacy, or personal relationships. Let us pledge to not only acknowledge the land’s traditional custodians but to actively support their rights and aspirations.

Together, let’s strive for a nation where every Australian feels respected and valued. Let’s turn the words of reconciliation into tangible actions and create a legacy of unity and fairness for future generations. Thank you.