Student RAP Committee 2023
Our Student RAP Committee share some of the highlights of 2023 and their hopes for the year ahead.
Sea of Hands Exhibit
As part of recognising National Sorry Day in Term 2, all Form classes wrote messages of apology, reconciliation and recognition of the loss of identity, culture, and livelihood in relation to the devastating history of Indigenous peoples in Australia on the Acrylic hands. Hands in the colours of the Indigenous flags were displayed in a wave shape designed by Jade Brennan paying tribute to the Gadigal People who are known as the Saltwater people. First installed outside parliament house in 1997, the Sea of Hands has become a powerful symbol of Reconciliation and solidarity with Australia’s First Nations People. It’s a way for communities around Australia to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s issues and events, to recognise the injustices faced and learn from past mistakes. Today nearly half a million Australians have planted a hand in support of reconciliation, Indigenous rights and respect.
Flowers for Sorry Day
On Sorry Day in 2023, SCEGGS students participated in making the Sorry Day paper flowers during Form. Having Form classes creating these purple flowers, allowed it to be more interactive and a way to involve everyone, but also to educate them about the importance of the purple hibiscus flower and Sorry Day. This native hibiscus was approved by the National Stolen Generations Alliance as the official symbol for Sorry Day. It was chosen because it is found widely across Australia, and it is a survivor in the harsh conditions found here. It recognises the resilience and strength shown by people who have been removed from their country, language, culture and family. Its purple colour denotes compassion and spiritual healing. Our flower displays were put up around the school in important places including: Mr Lee-Lindsey’s office, Ms Connolly’s office and the library, all places SCEGGS students visit frequently. One of our RAP committee’s goals for 2023 was to not only commemorate important dates such as Sorry Day but to find ways to integrate these powerful symbols in places across the school where we can all be reminded of our commitment to reconciliation.
Creating Artworks with our Elders
Aunty Kath commissioned artworks for SCEGGS, with the help of the school body, for the school to keep representing the Indigenous voices within our community. Not only were these made for NAIDOC week, but to also raise discussion on the Indigenous peoples surrounding the SCEGGS community, aiming to form deeper connections with them. Aunty Kath came into the school with her artworks, one of which was to acknowledge the theme of NAIDOC for 2023, ‘For our Elders’. The picture had a heart at its centre saying “Let your light shine” and students from across the entire school were invited to place their painted fingerprint onto the canvas, and an artwork dedicated to the Indigenous students that allowed them to trace their handprint onto the canvas. Aunty Kath brought them to an assembly in Term 4 once they were finished and explained the idea and meaning behind the artworks, allowing the school to reflect on what they have contributed and to remember our Elders who, across every generation, have played and continue to play a significant role within Indigenous communities and families as the leaders, survivors, and advocates for First Nations Peoples.
Plans for the future
We are very excited to be in the process of constructing a new Student RAP Committee for 2024. We plan to develop our own vision at the start of next year to help guide our Committee’s actions. We hope to continue working together on activities that raise awareness and further promote reconciliation.
Coco Espie (Year 9), Grace Rock (Year 10) & Ebony Colliss (Year 10)
