6 minute read
STARTING OUR JOURNEY OF RECONCILIATION
The students at the heart of leading the reconciliation journey at Ballarat Grammar reflect on what the School’s new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) means for them and the change they want to see.
JAYA FOY
“I look forward to seeing the School become a culturally diverse and safe place for everyone to be a part of. I want every student to come to school and feel they belong.”
ELIAS JARVIS
“The RAP is about creating a shared responsibility for raising awareness through all of our actions. It’s about building a strong foundation for the School to really embrace different cultures. Overall, it’s about wanting to do better. I’m excited about seeing the School become a really inclusive place that is truly enriched by better understanding.”
TOM MACKENZIE
“The important thing isn’t just having a RAP, but for all members of the School community to be consciously aware of, and understand what’s in it, act on it, and to keep returning to it and improving on it. The biggest impact will come from developing a widespread understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture and history.”
JAMES O’SULLIVAN, CO-SCHOOL CAPTAIN IN 2021
"Reconciliation is about everyone coming together and respecting different cultures. It’s great seeing students getting more and more involved as we strive towards reconciliation.”
“The RAP provides a platform for so many voices to be heard. The RAP Working Group brings together different perspectives and ideas in an ongoing conversation to continually develop the School’s contribution to reconciliation. I hope to see the School as a place where every student can reach their potential.”
Annie Trotter, Old Grammarian and Co-Vice Captain in 2020, Elias Jarvis, Jaya Foy, and James O'Sullivan (Co-School Captain in 2021) were all involved in the establishment of our Reconciliation Action Plan.
In December 2020, the Australian, the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander flags were all raised together for the first time at Ballarat and Queen's Anglican Grammar School, both at the Junior School entrance, and at the Gate C entrance on Forest Street.
Ballarat Grammar’s long-established Indigenous Program focuses on scholarships and developing long-term relationships with Aboriginal communities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The RAP is quite different to the Indigenous Program; the RAP allows the School to consolidate its approach in order to deliver a broader benefit to the whole school community.
Having a RAP in place is something that aligns strongly with Ballarat Grammar’s values of compassion, respect, justice and aspiration. Headmaster Adam Heath says, “it is vital that all the School’s policies, actions and behaviours reflect our values. As a whole school community, we need to commit to clear goals and actions and be accountable for our efforts towards reconciliation.”
The RAP is an effort by our school community to build understanding and appreciation of one of the richest and the oldest living cultures in the world, so all our students benefit. As Adam explains,
“All young people are better for understanding and valuing other cultures. Their lives are richer for it. They are more empowered.” “Looking forward, we want to build a holistic program that supports local and non-local indigenous students. We want to create a culturally safe environment for all students. We want to make sure our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students feel there is sufficient recognition of the value of their culture so they have a real sense of cultural identity and belonging at Ballarat Grammar. We want to connect more strongly with the First Nations community. We want to improve the cultural support we provide to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students when they come to us so they can embrace the opportunities on offer with confidence. We want to increase two-way learning opportunities. Through our efforts in these areas, we enrich the lives of all of our students and families.”
The RAP Working Group consists of students, parents and staff members and is strongly guided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in our community.
Head of Nevett House and Indigenous Student Coordinator James Castles believes that the most important part of his role is to ensure the RAP reflects authentic voice. “While it is fully supported from the top, we are clear that the work must be led by those with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, both students and parents.”
School parent and member of the RAP Working Group Nikki Foy says reconciliation starts with learning.
“I’m so proud to see the School on this cultural journey, approaching the learning of culture respectfully and with honesty, and led by the students. They are young leaders who are creating change and being the change by exploring what reconciliation means to them as young people and putting words into action. It’s important that the work and responsibility is shared.
We need to support our young leaders who are paving the way. As a whole school community, we need to ask ourselves how we can embrace this learning and build our own understanding. I encourage everyone to be part of the journey. Come along to an event. Let’s start a conversation about what reconciliation means for you. "
Nikki describes a special experience to come out of the actions from the RAP. “Junior School students formed a guard of honour
between the smoking ceremony held at the Junior School to the flag raising ceremony at the Senior School. It was a humbling and emotional experience to see the respect shown by the Grammar students.”
Jaya, Elias and Annie have been part of the Working Group from the start. Elias says that in the early stages they were focused on identifying what they wanted to achieve.
“Now we’re working on implementing the actions in the RAP.”
The students are excited about the changes that have already happened. They all agree that having the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander flags flying next to the Australian flag at School entrances is particularly ‘brilliant’ and sends a powerful leadership message about what the whole School community stands for.
Elias says one of the most important things for him has been the proactive approach and overall commitment shown by the School and the support shown by students, staff and parents.
“There’s been such a willingness to be involved by everyone from the Headmaster down. Whether it’s seeing the three flags flying together, watching students and staff enjoying the activities during NAIDOC Week, or hearing Acknowledgement of Country in House gatherings, it makes me really proud to see my culture being embraced in a meaningful and respectful way.”
Jaya encourages everyone to come along on this learning journey.
“Just start. Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Even if you’re not ready to take action, becoming aware is a powerful start and it makes a big difference.”
The three flags being raised together at the Gate C entrance to the School on Forest Street.
Smoking Ceremony and Guard of Honour
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Ballarat Grammar’s reconciliation journey is ongoing. We encourage all members of the school community to get involved. To find out more please contact one of our working group staff members: James Castles (james.castles@bgs.vic.edu.au), Shane Woodrow (shane.woodrow@bgs.vic.edu.au) or Monique Forrest (monique.forrest@bgs.vic.edu.au)
You can download the Ballarat Grammar RAP at bgs.vic.edu.au/about/publications
