Dr Carmel McGrath

National Reconciliation Week 26 May – 3 June

National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us.

Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.

Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.  (Source:  Reconciliation Australia 2024, website: www.reconciliation.org.au )

Thank you to Ms Andrews for organising learning activities focusing on the significance of reconciliation and the historical events of this week.  Further learning about reconciliation will happen across the coming week in classrooms and at next week’s assembly, thanks again to Ms Andrew’s development of culturally and age-appropriate materials for staff.

National Sorry Day is Sunday 26 May; a day which acknowledges and raises awareness of the history and continued effect of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their families, communities and culture. National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

27 May 1967 - On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

3 June 1992 - On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Teneriffe Festival

Saturday 8 June many of our students and staff will be supporting our local Teneriffe Festival with a number of performances planned.  Thank you to Ms Davis and our Creative Dance staff for preparing both choir and dance students.  Parents are reminded that the performances at the Dauth Street stage will be from 11-11:30am.  Students should be there 15 minutes prior.

Gala Days

Unfortunately, due to wet weather and the impact on field conditions, the past 2 Friday sports days were cancelled.  We are hopeful that students will have 2 more weeks to attend and enjoy their competition days