Reconciliation Week 2026

The theme for this year’s Reconciliation week is All In. It is a powerful call to action for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. It serves as a reminder that meaningful change requires shared responsibility, urging individuals, communities, and organisations to step away from the sidelines and actively participate in creating an equitable Australia.

At school, we choose to approach the topic of Reconciliation in an age appropriate manner, threaded through our cross-curricular theme of Embracing Place. This can often mean more actions than words as we lead and encourage Respect, Wonder and Awe for this Ancient Land that we live, work, learn and play in. This year, the staff have chosen to take action by caring for a very special place behind the school, lovingly referred to as Crystal Mountain.

Many years ago, Doris Stuart, a very important traditional custodian of this place, wrote a story for our children. This story explains how the site of our school was chosen by Mparntwe custodians, and what our responsibilities are for continued care and awareness of Country. The story talks about Irrernte-arenye, the Little Spirit People of this land. Crystal Mountain is a place of significance for these Spirit People who watch over Country. It is therefore with permission and deep respect that we visit this area.

The land is singing after all our lovely summer rain, however, so is the Buffel grass. So on Thursday, many staff members from across the faculties, headed out to work together to de-buffel the Crystal Mountain area before the children visit this special site again. We are also very grateful to Nicco who forged a path through the thick grass on the flat plain leading to Crystal Mountain. Now, according to the protocol of the Special Site, Class 6 take on the responsibility they were tasked by Doris, many years ago. The task is to lead each class up the hill, introduce themselves to Irrernte-arenye, and enjoy and care for the area.

Irrernte-arenye, we have come to visit:

We come with love in our hearts. We promise to walk carefully so that we don’t disturb the ground. We promise to talk quietly to respect the spirit of this place. We promise to check your houses and move only the stones that have fallen.

We thank you for sharing your Country with us and helping us to learn. We recognise your sacred place and will help Irrente-arenye protect this place.

The staff and children alike continue to learn on Country, from Country, and with Country, as was intended by those that came before us.

Megan x