From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Reconciliation is more than just a week
During Reconciliation Week the Cultural Awareness group engaged with the student community to encourage conversation about reconciliation and what it means at MLC School. There was a robust discussion of The Voice to Parliament with our Senior students and opportunity for all views to be voiced. Year 7 students engaged in an activity during Luminary time that encouraged them to think about what reconciliation means and what a reconciled future might look like. In their discussions they used words like hope, unity, respect, acknowledgement, compassion, and inclusivity. Some of their thoughts are below.
‘It is important to know about the past in order to take positive steps in the future.’
‘Reconciliation means coming together and healing the damage done.’
‘Reconciliation will mean a united country.’
‘When the gap is shut, we will be doing enough.’
One of the key themes that ran through the discussion was the need to know and understand more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. This is something we are deeply committed to at MLC School. It is threaded through learning experiences from Pre-K to Year 12 as we encourage our students to understand the history of our First Nations peoples. Year 9 students study the poetry of Jack Davis a renowned Indigenous poet and playwright. Year 8 students travelled to central west NSW as part of the Indigenous Immersive learning unit A Sense of Place. In Year 12 Theory of Knowledge students discuss the theme knowledge and Indigenous societies. This ongoing education of the next generation is an important step towards reconciliation.
As an educator I believe in the power of education to empower young people. I will walk with Aboriginal People by supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls to flourish here at MLC School and by educating our students to be agents of change for a fair and truthful relationship with First Nations peoples.
– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching
