Reconciliation Week

This Sunday, Catholics across Australia will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday. Please click here to view information about engaging with th day.

The Merici Reconciliation Week procession saw PC leaders holding the colours of important flags aloft like giant sails, tying in with our 2026 school theme ‘Set sail into sisterhood’. This connects well with this year’s Reconciliation Australia theme, ALL IN, which asks us to take our part in striving for Reconciliation. Just as setting sail is an action we do together, this 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 reconciliation in Australia. The theme also reminds us that reconciliation isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long. That’s why every student was invited to commit to Reconciliation by signing their name on their ALL IN  PC circles. 

This assembly saw the launch of our St Ursula’s Acknowledgement of Country video featuring our First Nations students walking on Dharawal Country at Audley where they practiced Dadirri (quiet still awareness and deep listening). The experience of watching gave our whole community a greater appreciation of the local flora and fauna and the amazing history of Aboriginal cultures right on our doorstep. Many thanks to Ms Cranston for creating this video.

Some Australians may ask why we need to be ALL IN. Our St Ursula’s community was reminded of Australia’s history of colonisation and stolen generations and presented with the facts of inequality in our country today. They were shown how Pope Leo and the Australian Bishops have led the way in advocating for First Nations people as a witness to Jesus’ message ‘whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.’ Students watched as ex-student, Jasmine Lattouf, explained the need for the Sydney University Freedom Rides during Australia’s time of segregation. They also heard from College Co-captain, Olivia Holt, who passionately shared her awakening knowledge of the importance of totems to the identity of Aboriginal Australians. She encouraged everyone to learn more about their fellow Australians, who are part of the oldest continuous living culture on earth.

Other highlights include the Year 12s enthusiastic rendition of this year’s theme song, Midnight Oil’s Beds are Burning whilst on retreat and the rousing live performance by Year 9 as they danced and sang Taba Naba to embrace a part of Torres Strait Islander culture.

Students were shown examples of ways St Ursula’s has been ALL IN over the years and how they can take action today. Ask your daughter about what you can do to make reconciliation a part of your everyday life so Australia can be a fairer place for all to live in harmony.

Karen Horder
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Support Teacher