National Reconciliation Week 2021: 27 May – 3 June

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

In line with the Australian Curriculum, Guyra Central School students develop intercultural understanding as they learn to value their own cultures, languages and beliefs, and those of others. They come to understand how personal, group and national identities are shaped, and the variable and changing nature of culture. Intercultural understanding involves students learning about and engaging with diverse cultures in ways that recognise commonalities and differences, create connections with others and cultivate mutual respect.

Intercultural understanding is an essential part of living with others in the diverse world of the twenty-first century. It assists young people to become responsible local and global citizens, equipped through their education for living and working together in an interconnected world.

On Tuesday 25 May 2021, at Guyra Central School, our first Yarn Up for 2021 was held. Parents/carers and community members were invited into the school to launch the Department of Education and Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) Partnership Agreement 2020 – 2030. Thank you to those parents who came along and shared ideas with the school team. Parents/carers and guests discussed their desire to see the formation of a local AECG group during 2021. Guyra Central School has a vibrant and active Junior AECG within the school. Thank you to Eunice Blair and her Guyra Central School Aboriginal Education Team (12 staff members) Geoff Swan, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO), Carolyn Briggs, Aboriginal Student Liaison Officer (ASLO), Eunice Blair, Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) led the proceedings.

We also took the opportunity to launch to new project, Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Project. Guyra Central School has been selected to participate in this state-wide initiative. We are the first central school to be included into this initiative and are being awarded $20,000 to build the project. Tim Lloyd and Eunice Blair will head up the project. Part of this program involves members of our school connecting with schools from across the state and sharing ideas and resources.

Parents/carers and community members were also asked to contribute ideas to the school as we move towards the implementation stage of building authentic local cultural knowledge into our curriculum and classroom activities, in line with the NSW Department of Education Directive and our 2021-2024 School Plan.

I have been taking additional time during Term 2 2021, to get out and about within the school. I have been sitting with students and staff talking about the school and asking them what they like about the school and what additions or changes they would like to see actioned. The senior student leadership team and the Primary SRC and Junior AECG have been very helpful, with lots of constructive suggestions. Staff have also come on board with some amazing ideas.

Our Stage 2 and Stage 3 students produced incredible work at the Guyra Central School Multicultural Public Speaking event. Thank you to Mrs Bronwyn Paull for her efforts and to our K-6 teaching staff for their explicit teaching moments. I am aware that our parents and carers also played a great supporting role as our students prepared for this event.

Mrs Paull has been able to secure the Multicultural Public Speaking Final, and I confirm that this will be taking place at Guyra Central School MPC. Schools will be arriving at GCS on Monday morning 7th June 2021 for the ‘shoot out’. Congratulations to Rose Kliendienst, Summer Tibbs, William Vidler and Dean Rumbel our successful speakers representing GCS in the final.

On the whole Guyra Central School students do seem to enjoy coming to school. Recent statistics would indicate that student attendance and engagement figures are encouraging. We have, as a school, tried to present a curriculum pattern, within the K-12 setting, that promotes student engagement and attainment. Our goal is to provide opportunities for all Guyra Central School students to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens.

Post COVID and drought I think that everyone would agree that the school is looking a bit tired. We are currently seeking/engaging contract workers to overhaul the gardens and landscaping of the school. It is our hope/belief that before the end of 2021 the physical school will be noticeably more vibrant. We would ask any parents/carers and/or community members who would like to participate in this ‘overhaul’ to contact me and join in with a range of activities/project that we are undertaking within our Guyra Central School learning environment.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss anything to do with our school.

Michelle Nicholson

Proud Principal