RECONCILIATION WEEK

National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) was acknowledged as we celebrated how far we have journeyed as a school community toward raising awareness and appreciating our culture. As a School, we embarked on an Indigenous Scholarship programme in 2019 and currently support 24 Indigenous students representing each Year group from the Senior School, most of whom are boarders. The opportunity to share culture and to share learning has been transformative.

– Stuart McNeill, Director of Active Education

IN ASSEMBLY, WE INVITED YEAR 12 ABORIGINAL STUDIES STUDENTS TO SHARE PERSPECTIVES. ISOBEL AND EVA FROM YEAR 12 ENCOURAGED US TO LISTEN:

“This week, we have the chance to inform ourselves better and celebrate all aspects of Indigenous culture and how each element helps to create and foster such a cohesive community. If one sees the value of culture and the beautiful complexities of it, they are more likely to stand alongside those who are a part of that culture. We are here today, celebrating the survival and thriving of First Nations people.”

“While the theme this year is to be a voice for future generations, perhaps this means we, as non-Indigenous Australians, must listen. Listen to what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to say. They are the knowledge holders; we are not here to speak for them or fix them but to listen and support them.”

“Aboriginal culture is complex and ever-evolving. It is not something of the past but something of the future. There are many beauties within the culture that are not taught in schools and are not reported by the media. Reconciliation is for all Australians to come to terms with our shameful colonial history. Aboriginal people have no need to reconcile. It is for us as an Australian population to recognise the hurt and pain we have caused the traditional owners of this land.”

POEM BY KOUPER MILES, YEAR 11

In a land of sweeping plains and ancient lore, I share a tale of a haunting score, Where frontier wars in Australia’s past, Brought darkness deep, an ominous cast. Through my eyes, I witnessed a time so grim, When white colonists arrived, prospects dim. They sought new lands, their fortunes to seek, But at what cost did their conquests speak?

Amidst the chaos, Aboriginal souls stood tall, Protectors of the land united for all, Their spirits strong, connected to this place, They faced the storm with courage and grace. But the settlers came with their guns and might, With greed and power, their hearts took flight, Their eyes devoid of empathy and care, As they claimed the land, they forced to share. The abhorrent truth of this painful past, Is the reward they reaped a drink to last, For every life lost, for every soul slain, The colonists raised their cups in refrain. Beer, a bitter token stained with disgrace, A chilling reminder of that dreadful chase, A liquid libation to toast their success, While Aboriginal lives were torn to distress.

They never forgot who they were, And where they came from and said, We walk tomorrow for a greater war,

But let us not forget the resilient fight, Of those who stood against the unjust might, For justice, truth, and reconciliation’s call, To heal the wounds and mend the fall. Today, we honour those silenced by time, Their stories whispered through nature’s rhyme, With open hearts, we strive to amend, The sins of the past, and the wounds to mend. For in this vast land, we must unite, Embrace the darkness, seek what is right, Let empathy guide us on this path anew, For a future where justice and peace shine through.

MIKAYLA, ONE OF OUR YEAR 12 STUDENTS, SHARED HER PERSONAL STORY:

“My name is Mikayla, and I’m a proud Ngiyampaa woman from the Dryland country of Central NSW. I have been privileged to grow up on Walbunja and Murramarang country on the coast and am now living on Ngunnawal Country.

For the past 235 years, Aboriginal Australians have shown remarkable resilience. Although they faced significant decreases in their populations, were put on missions and were taken away from their families, we still maintain our culture to this day.

My Great Nana, Dr Aunty Beryl Carmichael, is a respected Ngiyampaa Elder who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of Aboriginal peoples all across Australia. Aunty Beryl (Yungha-Dhu) holds an Honorary Doctorate, which she achieved at Tranby Aboriginal College. She is the custodian of the Dreamings, Healing, and calling for Rain.

When her children were attending primary school, they experienced racism on a daily basis. This pushed Aunty Beryl to work with schools across NSW for 40 years, giving students lessons in Aboriginal culture and respect. She is an inspiration and role model to me.”