Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Report

National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day is an annual observance in Australia that takes place on 26 May. It is a day to acknowledge and remember the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to express remorse and apology for the harms that have been inflicted upon them. We will be discussing the significance of this day at a School Assembly on Thursday 25 May.

The origins of National Sorry Day date back to 1997, when the Australian government established the "Bringing Them Home" report. The report detailed the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations, and the devastating impact that this had on their lives and communities. The report also included a recommendation for a national apology to be made to those affected by the Stolen Generations.

It wasn't until 2008 that a formal apology was made by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The apology was a significant moment in Australian history, as it acknowledged the pain and trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples, and recognised the ongoing effects of colonisation and dispossession.

National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the past and to work towards reconciliation and healing. It is a day to listen to the voices of Indigenous peoples, to learn from their experiences, and to acknowledge the ongoing impact of historical injustices.

As students, parents and educators, we all have a role to play in reconciliation and healing. National Sorry Day provides an important opportunity for us to come together, to learn from the past, and to work towards a better future for all Australians.

Ms Claire Nailon

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning