School News
National Sorry Day – Tuesday 26th May, 2020
Yesterday we acknowledged Sorry Day; a day to remember and recognise all those who were affected by the ‘Stolen Generations’, as well as the impact of Australian government policies, practices and attitudes towards the Indigenous people of Australia throughout history.
Students in all classes participated in learning and prayer activities to deepen their knowledge and understanding of this special event and its importance. Many students heard or read ‘Sorry Day’ by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler, listened to songs such as ‘They Took the Children Away’ and ‘Stand Together’ and considered the Apology Speech by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
National Reconciliation Week
This long weekend, we celebrate Reconciliation Day (the beginning of National Reconciliation Week) and the theme of ‘In this Together’. Reconciliation Week 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 National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year as they commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Next week our school will celebrate National Reconciliation Week with learning and prayer activities in all classes. As for community events, this Reconciliation Day event in Canberra will look a little different as it adopts a new format to allow adherence to public health restrictions around mass gatherings and physical distancing. A range of free and family-friendly activities designed to promote conversation and foster a deeper understanding of our national story and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, will still be on offer in Canberra. Further information about these activities can be found at http://www.events.act.gov.au/reconciliation-day.
