Justice

Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June

Academy staff and students marked Reconciliation Week with Professor Michelle Foster, Director of the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness, Melbourne Law School, presenting on the importance of this year’s Referendum on a Voice to Parliament.

Ribbons with information tags were made and sold to mark this significant event with funds raised for the Opening the Doors Foundation. The Opening the Doors Foundation is an Aboriginal-led community organisation supporting educational opportunities for Aboriginal children. As a committed FIRE Carrier school, Academy staff and students raise money for this organisation each year. FIRE Carriers are friends igniting reconciliation through education.

We also enjoyed a lunchtime making a variety of bracelets in the colours of our indigenous flag and listening to music performed by Aboriginal artists.

Student Reflections

‘Having Professor Foster come to speak to us was such an amazing opportunity! I already had an idea of the upcoming referendum, but she explained it in a way that was so clear, comprehensive and informative that I am now very confident in my ability to talk about and explain the importance of the referendum, and am inspired to discuss my findings with others.’

Harriet Berman Year 11.

‘…to explain why it is important, the history of referendums and what the upcoming one is about, and the constitution made me feel even more informed and aware. She was also very engaging and aware of her younger audience.’

Ellen Daffey Year 11

‘…having someone …so…passionate about the issue gave me a greater understanding of what is happening and how I can help myself.’

Hava Marcelin-Moura Year 11

‘I didn't know what 'The Voice of Parliament' was until this talk and Professor Foster told us and she gave a very good overview of what it was and after this I understood what it was.’

Eima Kirk Year 7