PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Kerang Technical High School Year 7 Students Take Part in Reconciliation Week Events:
As part of Reconciliation Week (July 26th May – June 3rd), our Year 7 students had the enriching opportunity to participate in a community celebration of culture, history, and unity. The day began at the Gannawarra Shire Offices with a respectful flag raising ceremony and an Acknowledgement of Country. This reminded all attendees of the importance of recognising Traditional Custodians of the land.
Following the ceremony, students joined in the Reconciliation Walk to the Kerang Town Hall. This walk served as a powerful symbol of the community’s shared commitment to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
At the Town Hall, students were introduced to a traditional Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony. They learnt about the cultural significance of the leaves used and the reasons behind the ceremony itself – a welcoming ritual to cleanse the space and allow safe passage through the land.
Once inside, the students had the privilege of listening to an Aboriginal story read by Aunty Ester. Her storytelling provided a window into Indigenous culture and tradition, fostering a deeper understanding and respect among the students. They were also treated to songs sung in both English and an Aboriginal language, further immersing them in the richness of First Nations heritage.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the Year 7 students who attended. Your engagement, respectful behaviour, and curiosity throughout the day were commendable. Your participation reflects the school’s commitment to learning, understanding, and contributing to reconciliation in meaningful ways. Well done!
Courage to Care:
On Thursday, Year 7 and Year 8 students were treated to a powerful life experience when they participated in the Courage to Care Program. Courage to Care is a day dedicated to spreading kindness, love, and compassion to everyone around us. Celebrated annually, it aims to bring people together to show appreciation and care for one another.
The program also refers to a film that profiles both Jews who were rescued during the Holocaust and the individuals who rescued them in countries such as France, Holland, and Poland. It explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by these rescuers.
Courage to Care aims to inform and educate Australians about the dangers of prejudice, racism, and discrimination. It encourages individuals to be upstanders, not bystanders, when they witness discrimination of any kind.
Lunchtime Sports Activities:
These continued this week with an indoor soccer tournament played by year levels. The week culminated with a staff-student match. All up it was a bit of fun with the students having the opportunity to interact with one another on a different level. Well Done to Mr Laursen for organising it.
Regional Cross Country:
I would also like to acknowledge the students’ efforts who participated in the regional cross country. In particular Xander Miller who had a very commendable third placing.
Well done to all!
Principal, Dean Rogers
