Indigenous Family Weekend at Shore

Last weekend, Shore was proud to host our Indigenous Family Reconnect Weekend. It was a weekend filled with shared stories and activities that brought our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, students, and the wider School community together. Families joined us on campus for a series of events that reflected Shore’s commitment to our Indigenous programme and the importance of walking together with respect.

The weekend began on Friday with families joining our Koori Club for a shared lunchtime yarning session with Mr Braydon Mundy, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Support mentor, and cultural consultant Mr Gene Ross, a proud Dharawal saltwater man born on Gadigal Land. In the spirit of cultural respect and connection, we took time to introduce ourselves, share our stories, and offer reflections and ideas to help guide the future of Shore’s Indigenous programme. This was followed by an afternoon tea with the Executive Leadership Team, Boarding staff, and other key members of the School community who play a role in supporting the boys. The gathering provided a warm and informal setting to build mutual understanding and deepen the respectful relationships that sit at the heart of our reconciliation journey. In the evening, families and students came together for a relaxed BBQ dinner, where Boarders and day students enjoyed time with each other, their families and Indigenous programme staff.

On Saturday, we proudly celebrated the Indigenous Rounds of both soccer and rugby. Luke Horwood (Year 12) opened both events with a powerful Acknowledgement of Country, followed by an address from Dr Collier, who honoured the important place our Indigenous families hold in the life of our Shore community. Players from all Shore rugby teams wore socks with an Indigenous design on them, and the First, Second, and Third XV Rugby and First and Second XI Soccer teams proudly took to the field in specially designed jerseys created by Shore students.

This annual event is a highlight of our calendar and a reflection of the relationships, pride and cultural strength that continue to grow across our School.

Ms Paola Tamberlin
Head of Indigenous Programme