From the Principal 

Be Brave, Make Change

This week we focus on reconciliation with our first nation people.  At school we always use this national event to focus on progressing the important agenda of closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This goal is encapsulated in our Core values of respect, compassion, and integrity.

Our current students are a generation of Australians who know more about the history and culture of Indigenous people than any other.  Since the 2008 Melbourne Declaration which was the statement of intent from Education Ministers across Australia that developed into the Australian Curriculum, students in every school in Australia are taught about the heritage of this country and its first people.

Within the Australian Curriculum, which is taught nationally from Kindergarten or Prep through to Year 10 are three Cross Curriculum priorities which must be taught in all subjects.  One of these priorities is the teaching of Indigenous Australian history, culture and spirituality.  This generation is better placed than any other before to work for reconciliation and to close the gap between our first Nation peoples and other Australians.

While Australia has been talking about the disadvantages our First Nation people face, we still have so much to change.  Our Indigenous young people (those between 10 and 17 years of age), continue to feature in alarming statistics.  For example, on an average night during the June quarter, half the young people incarcerated are indigenous.  Our education system for Indigenous youth has improved since 2008 and we now see 66% of First Nation people complete Year 12 or the equivalent qualification.  These numbers remain much lower, on average, than those for non-indigenous Australians.

We must continue to work to close this gap and we look to the generation who are students at Moama Anglican Grammar to lead this change.  They have begun this process here over the last few years and we continue to develop a shared understanding to bring about true inclusion.

In 2017, the Uluru Statement from the Heart was published and shared with Australians.  This is a part of the statement born from a consensus of First Nations people for recognition in Australian history.  They write, “Proportionally, we are the most incarcerated people on the planet. We are not an innately criminal people. Our children are aliened from their families at unprecedented rates. This cannot be because we have no love for them. And our youth languish in detention in obscene numbers. They should be our hope for the future. 

We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.”

Our students walked together on Thursday, their aim to show solidarity with all Australians for respect and dignity and to commit to walking together, to be brave and to seek true recognition.

Mrs Carmel Spry

Principal