Reconciliation Week 

Shore marked National Reconciliation Week with assemblies across both the Junior and Senior Schools, reflecting on the 2025 theme Bridging Now to Next and the importance of truth-telling, respectful relationships, and shared action.

At the Senior School Assembly, held under the Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian flags on 29 May, Year 12 student Luke Horwood delivered a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, recognising the Cammeraygal people, and called on our community to walk together toward meaningful change. Rev Anthony Benn led a Reconciliation Prayer, followed by a keynote address from Mr Gene Ross, a Dharawal saltwater man living on Gadigal Country. Gene spoke about the importance of cultural connection and reminded students that “we walk together because we are all part of the story of this land.” Students also marked the occasion with the presentation of Indigenous designed jerseys for AFL, Football, and Rugby, presented by Kayden O’Grady, and a symbolic presentation of the match ball to the Rugby captain, by Dominic Nagle.

In the Junior School, Luke and Kayden led a special assembly, sharing the significance of Reconciliation Week and its key milestones: the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision. They highlighted prominent pioneers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and recognition, while encouraging younger students to embrace their role in fostering respect, understanding, and unity.

These assemblies reminded all members of the Shore community that reconciliation is not just about looking back, it is about walking forward together with purpose, respect, and shared responsibility.

Mrs Paola Tamberlin
Head of Indigenous Programme