National Reconciliation Week

Each year, our young First Nations students (the Koori Club) plan, prepare and execute more for us all to share here at Shore and in our wider community during National Reconciliation Week.

This year, the idea of increasing our input in the classroom took momentum. Mr Braydon Mundy (’21) worked closely for several months in nine academic areas to increase the focus with intention on Culture in the Curriculum. For the entire week, Years 7 to 11 had guest speakers, learning, and exploring as much as they could about First Nations knowledge in Science, Art, Music, History, English, Business and Christian Studies, PDHPE and Indigenous Language.

Staff enjoyed a scrumptious tasting of Indigenous sweet and savoury treats on Tuesday at morning tea with the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge from the Library east tables.

For the third year, we have invited our First Nations families to stay and celebrate with Shore and their sons for the Indigenous Round of Sport (previously only Rugby but now also includes AFL and Football). A lovely Friday night was spent on the Boarders’ Terrace, sharing yummy food and desserts with over 50 family members and some key staff. The families watched a slideshow of their sons years at Shore and a sneak peek at the Indigenous Dance they had been learning. It was truly inspiring and another first for us all. The Waratah Project funds these events, and we appreciate the ongoing support from the AISNSW and the federal government.

Saturday was incredibly wet!!! We needed to scramble and adjust the Reconciliation formalities. Mr Jye Peters (’23) played Digeridoo, Luke H gave a beautifully personal Acknowledgment of Country, and Dr Collier welcomed our families and the Newington community. The game was not the result we wished for, but the players gave their all and wore their jerseys, socks and shorts, designed by Jack H, with pride.

Until next year, thank you for all the support.

Top image: Guest speaker from Bush to Bowl

The Koori Club

Mrs C Camden
Indigenous Programme Coordinator

Mr B Mundy
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Student Support