Wellbeing & Inclusion 

at Willy

Reconciliation Week

Next week as a school, we will acknowledge and celebrate Reconciliation Week. 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. National Reconciliation Week—held every year from May 27th to June 3rd—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.

May 27th marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. June 3rd marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title—the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation. The day before National Reconciliation Week, May 26th, is National Sorry Day, which was first held in Sydney in 1998 and is now commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations.

With many students here at Williamstown Primary School identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, it is crucial that we stand with these families to show our support and understanding, and to also show that their cultural and emotional wellbeing is important to us. Students in every grade will learn about the significance of this week, and will engage in age appropriate activities and books which highlight the reason we need to work towards reconciliation. We are lucky to have many beautiful picture story books in our Marrung collection in the Library, as well as classrooms being well-resourced with books written from indigenous perspectives. 

National Reconciliation Week resources for you and your children

To find events in your area, and further information from Reconciliation Australia 

-  The National Reconciliation Week website  

-   Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education hub by Reconciliation Australia is a great resource for schools and families.

For child-friendly history lessons and conversation starters

The Reconciliation Bridge Walk Anniversary - Behind the News video gives background information on the events leading up to the Reconciliation Bridge Walk in 2000.

You can watch Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s 2008 National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples (ABC News).

For things to watch, read and listen to with your children

“From Little Things Big Things Grow” by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody is an iconic Australian protest song that can help start dialogue for young listeners about reconciliation. 

Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe. The same research that went into Pascoe’s book Dark Emu has been recast for younger readers, presenting a different view of Australia’s history prior to 1788

Welcome to Country: An Introduction to Our First Peoples for Young Australians by Marcia Langton explains the history and culture of the First Nation people for younger generations

Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy is an introduction to the practice of Welcome to Country (for ages 5+)‍

Kind regards,

Lisa Leydin                                                                 Anna Swan

Assistant Principal                                                   Learning Specialist

Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing                         Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader(Wed–Fri)