Dunhelen

                                                                  Mrs Francis Scuderi

Year 9 Camp

By all accounts, the Year 9 students had a great time in Broken Hill last week. It has been an absolute pleasure to listen to their stories about what they did while they were away. A very big thank you to all students and staff who went on camp. It was a great experience and one where I hope many wonderful memories were made. Students were a long way from family, sleeping in tents, facing the cold nights and mornings, eating food that they do not necessarily like, sharing bathroom facilities and enduring long coach trips. Along with all of this, they were able to spend time with friends, see beautiful places in the outback, develop new friendships, work on independence and team spirit and learn a lot about our country. Most of the students coped amazingly well away from the comforts of home and many were so willing to help others and look out for each other and their teachers. 

Broken Hill is quite a special place, and I am certain that students were able to enjoy the hands-on experience of learning. Without necessarily knowing it, students were engaged in Science, Art, Humanities and Technology. I congratulate all students on their efforts and positive attitude on this trip. I certainly hope that many of them came away with a little something. A very big thank you to all staff who gave up their time to help organise and/or attend camp with us.  Well done, Year 9!

National Reconciliation Week

The College celebrated National Reconciliation Action Week this week and were very fortunate to have Scott Darlow speaking to students and staff. Scott is an indigenous activist and World Vision spokesperson – speaking about culture, history, racial tolerance, harmony, and social matters. A Yorta Yorta descendent, Scott is also well known in the music industry as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and didgeridoo player. We certainly hope that students came away from the presentation, and the week’s activities, with some new perspectives on First Nations Peoples, their culture, traditions, and history. The theme this year was ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ One student, Liana K from Year 8, certainly did that. She wrote a speech and read it at Assembly on Monday. I congratulate Liana on standing up and reading what she wrote. 

Reconciliation Day Speech - Read by Liana K

Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearmenn koonde bik, this means welcome to the land of the Wurundjeri people. I begin here today by acknowledging the Wurundjeri people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather today and spread my sincere respect to the elders past and present. I extend respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

This week is a timely reminder to ask ourselves what is reconciliation? What is the intention, the meaning of the word? Where has it come from and where is it meant to take us?  So think to yourself what does reconciliation mean and what does it stand for to you?

Reconciliation – to reconcile was needed the moment that the country we walk upon was colonised in a time of great upheaval. It should have occurred through a process of settlement between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and British colonial forces, instead of centuries of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People being known as different, even called such things as flora and fauna and not even getting near the same rights as while Australians.

Today I give my deepest gratitude to Aboriginal Elders and their families who were affected by the Stolen Generation. I know I could never possibly know what it feels like to have people in my family ripped away as children, but I will try my best to learn and teach others about these horrific times.  I would like to ask each and everyone of you how would you feel? I know you don’t know what it feels like for your family to be ripped away and kicked out of your home.

I have been honestly honoured to speak here today so I would like to finish this speech by saying you can learn more about our First Generations past by watching a First Australians documentary or movies like ‘Rabbit Proof Fence.’ I would also just like a round of applause for everyone who has worked to make this week happen, including Mr Lawless and our First Nations Club.