Message from Principal Sally

Reconciliation Week

To highlight National Reconciliation Week, I include the following statement written by Jenny Atta, Secretary, Department of Education and Training . It eloquently describes reconciliation week's history, an action plan which is learning and Victoria specific. I admire and agree with her sentiment.

It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared history, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the deep significance of National Reconciliation Week. The timing of the week is framed by two landmark events:
the 1967 national referendum in which more than 90 per cent of Australians voted ‘Yes’ to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and allow the Commonwealth Government to create laws for them
the anniversary of the 1992 High Court of Australia Mabo decision, named after Eddie Mabo, the man who fought for recognition of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of their land and waters.
Our Department has a strong commitment to Aboriginal inclusion. This includes recognising Aboriginal culture as the world’s oldest continuous living culture and the important role of Traditional Owners and Elders in our communities.

I believe this year’s theme Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage captures the essence of what we are working toward through our Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan 2016 – 2026, which aims to ensure that all Koorie Victorians achieve their learning aspirations. Marrung supports us to take responsibility for improving outcomes for Koorie learners and to work with our principal partner in Koorie education, the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), and the Koorie community, so Koorie learners achieve their full potential.

To improve outcomes, we must have the courage to recognise the mistakes that have been made, and ensure that today, and into the future, Koorie learners have the best opportunities to succeed in early childhood, school and post compulsory education. I’m proud to work in Victoria, where the government has made a formal commitment, now reflected in legislation, to negotiate a treaty with Aboriginal people – the first of its kind in Australia.

I look forward to the Department working as part of the Victorian Public Service in supporting the Government and Victorian Aboriginal communities in the work towards Treaty. This work aligns with the vision of Marrung: where the rich and thriving culture, knowledge and experience of our First Nations peoples are celebrated by all Victorians and where every Koorie person achieves their potential, succeeds in life, and feels strong in their cultural identity and connection.
I encourage you to learn more about National Reconciliation Week and actively participate.

The work below is from the exhibition Koorroyarr at the Koorie Heritage Trust by Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong artists and sisters; Kelsey and Tarryn Love incorporating possum skin, weaving, sculpture, wood, and canvas.

Language revival is an intrinsic passion in the Love family, and the sisters endeavour to explore and revive this through their art practice. The sisters explore symbolism and use a consortium of mediums to reflect their contemporary perspective. As they constantly learn, they revive and reinvigorate tradition in exploring their own identities and individuality in a modern landscape.

Koorroyarr is on at the Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square during Reconciliation Week.

Being Mindful

As I take a minute to breathe slowly, (my watch app reminds me to do this), I reflect on this chilly Monday on how my days are unpredictable. Whilst meetings are scheduled and attended, there are those times when nothing works out as planned. This minute pause, a mindful reflection time prepares me for my work.

The day started positively with the Kiss & Drop zones moving calmly, my new warm coat worked well as I encouraged drivers to stop, bid farewell to their children and head off to their workplaces.

I also had a chat to a few of our walking families. Today required warm hats, coats and gloves but the ruddy faced parents seemed less-stressed, and were enjoying an arrival free of the tension required with finding a car park. A tram load of students and parents had also avoided parking issues.

Returning to the office , I completed a few items from my to-do lists, including some reading on mindfulness which I share with you below:

If every 8 year old is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation. Dalai Lama

In today’s rapidly changing world, children face unique social and emotional challenges. Kids are experiencing greater pressures earlier in life, and feel more stress and anxiety than ever before.
Numerous studies have shown the many benefits of teaching mindfulness to children. Through mindfulness education, kids can develop a lifelong capacity for greater self-awareness, concentration, patience, and resilience.
Meanwhile, educators face pressures of their own. Many teachers understand the benefits of mindfulness.
As the parents and educators of the adults of the future, we should take the time to reflect on what are the most valuable lessons for the children of today.

I have quoted from this article online https://www.calm.com/schools

Let’s all aim to ensure our school provides safe opportunities for all students to be treated fairly.