CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
Running from 27th May – 3rd June, National Reconciliation Week 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 achieving reconciliation in Australia.
These dates remain the same each year to commemorate two significant milestones in our nation’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Our recognition of this special week began with our annual National Reconciliation Week assembly on Wednesday 26th May. This occasion allowed us to come together as a College community to learn more about the significant dates above, to say a prayer for reconciliation, and to listen to the words of wisdom and encouragement from our guest speakers – Ronelle Bobongie and Marion Calliope from DATSIP (Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships). We were also privileged to hear a musical performance of Took The Children Away by two of our Aboriginal students Yasmina Tomich (Year 11) and Sanije Krasniqi (Year 10). This sombre assembly reminded us all that we need to take more meaningful action on our nation’s reconciliation journey, but also within our College community as well.
We then held other activities throughout the week such as a ‘Sea of Hands’ (visible at the front of the College), where all staff and students were able to write down just one action that they would like to take towards reconciliation. We displayed a ‘Reconciliation Recognition Wall’ where members of our College community were encouraged to leave notes of thanks to those who are already taking action, in their own way. We also viewed documentaries about reconciliation and Eddie Mabo, as well as ran a poetry workshop and a yarning circle. It was throughout these activities that our whole College community was encouraged to think deeper about the actions that they take every day, and if they are meaningful on the reconciliation journey.
FROM RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
We invite you all to come on the reconciliation journey with us.
Ms Lauren Newman
CULTURAL SUPPORT PROGRAM LEADER. E: lnewman@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au
