From the Acting Headmaster

Greetings Blue Mountains Grammar School Community. 

I would like to reflect on the message that I shared this week at our NAIDOC assembly. It was so nice to be joined in the Senior School by many of our Junior School students and staff. There was wide agreement that we should look to do this more often, and so we will. 

This assembly, like all we hold at our school, recognises and pays respect to the elders’ past, present and emerging of the Gundungurra and Dharug people. Of course, the First Nations people of the Greater Blue Mountains, of which our schools serve, also include the Darkinjung, Dharawal, Wonnarua and Wiradjuri people. As a community we acknowledged that sovereignty has never been ceded.

Our community was blessed to be joined by Aunty Jacinta who gave us a genuine and heartfelt welcome to country. Auntie Jacinta shared her humour, heart and hope for the future of our nation and the First Nations people. In particular, she shared her musical talent with us by singing a song that was sad; confronting yet hopeful. It was a special experience for those in attendance. 

This year, the theme for NAIDOC week is GET UP! STAND UP! SHOW UP! It is designed to be a celebration, and it is my hope that at our school this celebration of First Nations people is something that extends beyond one week in the year - and is deeply embedded in our culture.

I shared with our students that for generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been calling for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of their culture and heritage. Yes, we have made progress, but we have not yet completed the course. Through education, exploration, and action I am sure that our BMGS community can walk alongside the local indigenous communities and have influence in this cause with our neighbours. 

I am challenged and encouraged by King David, the writer of the Psalms when he writes “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1

As a school, we will work towards and hope for such harmony - and we will, as a school, keep this in the forefront of our learning, our work, and our community.

Enjoy your week.

Mr Steven Coote

Acting Headmaster