27 May–3 June – National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is an ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation conversation and reflect on shared histories, contributions and achievements. It is held annually from 27 May to 3 June and is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. Preceded by National Sorry Day on 26 May, National Reconciliation Week is framed by two key events in Australia’s history, which provide strong symbols for reconciliation: on 27 May 1967—the referendum that saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Indigenous people and recognise them in the census, on 3 June 1992—the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision which recognised that Indigenous people have a special relationship with the land.  This paved the way for land rights known as native title.  Mabo Day is held 3 June to celebrate the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo.   

Year 2 students embarked on a journey to extend and expand their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures last week. Students explored the meaning behind the colours and symbols of both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and along with ideas from Dreamtime stories, were inspired to work together (all 46 students at once) to create a mural of ‘the sea, the earth and the sky’. Students were very curious as to the foods they often hear termed ‘bush tucker’ and were lucky enough to explore some native foods through their senses of smell, touch, taste and sight.  Mrs Shirley Frid kindly spent some time sharing her family's cultural artefacts and history with us. Students were honoured to be able to touch and hold some of these artefacts including ochre, axe heads, grinding stones and cutting implements that are thousands of years old.