Reconciliation Action Plan 2020
Acknowledgement of Country
About the Artwork
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Inclusive Education Inclusive education at Ignatius Park College is about our students learning, growing and flourishing together, accepting the unique gift of each individual. Inclusive education at our College reflects our EREA Touchstones, where every student is created in the image of God and has on, to be included in our College educational setting. As a College community, we are all called to adapt our environment and teaching approaches to ensure genuine and valued full participation of all students. Ignatius Park community embraces human diversity and welcomes every student as equal members of our educational community.
Vision for Reconciliation
As a proud Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, Ignatius Park College aspires to be an inclusive community that provides a holistic education which enables our students to become young men who have the skill and desire to create a better world for all. The College is committed to the Edmund Rice Australia (EREA) Touchstones Philosophy As Education a proud Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, Ignatius Par of offering Liberating Education, based on a Gospel Spirituality, community that provides a holistic education within which an enables our stu Inclusive Community to Justice and a Solidarity. As such, haveand thecommitted skill and desire to create better world for all. The Colle our vision for reconciliation is for a community in which Aboriginal and Rice Education Australia (EREA) Touchstones Philosophy of offerin Torres Strait Islander students, as well as non-Indigenous students, have a Gospel Spiritualty, within an Inclusive Community committed to J equal and equitable opportunities to succeed, in which in the values vision for reconciliation is for aand community which Aboriginal and of respect, empathy, solidarity and compassion shape our daily practices. well as non-Indigenous students have equal and equitable opportun
Vision for Reconciliation
values of respect, empathy, solidarity and compassion shape our da We aim to achieve this by celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families within our school community,Aboriginal alongsideand their We aim to achieve this by celebrating Torres Strait Isla cultures, histories, our connections to Country, spirituality, stories, traditions school community, alongside their cultures, histories, connecti and continuing contributions. recognisecontributions. how much we learn how much w traditions andWe continuing Wemust recognise from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, soaim we to aim to provide Torres Strait Islander peoples, so we provide a community whe a community where all members enter relationships with Aboriginal andopen minds with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with Torres Strait Islander peoples with open minds and hearts.
The goal of Ignatius Park College in establishing a Reconciliation A The goal of Ignatius Park College inwork establishing a Reconciliation and build on the and programs that haveAction been developed t Plan is to formalise, confirm and build on the work and programs that reconciliation for our College community. have been developed towards a sustainable approach to reconciliation for our College community.
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ER EA Touchstones
From the Principal
Ignatius Park College is proudly a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition. As a College community we are committed to influence and lead a consciousness within and outside our school where equality and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is enacted through our touchstones of Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, Liberating Education and Justice and Solidarity. It is through our Touchstones that we have carefully thought and reflected upon shaping our College Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), that has brought the wisdom of many voices within our community and, more importantly, the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As we take this next step in our reconciliation journey, Ignatius Park College is committed to learn more, understand more, and to do more to ensure that Australia’s First Peoples are respected and empowered in their country. In developing our College RAP, we aim to be a united community. A community that is committed to delivering a strong sense of relationships, respect and opportunities for all people. Reconciliation requires the forming and maintaining of trusted, respectful relationships. Ignatius Park College is committed to forging partnerships and working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to create a future where disadvantage no longer exists, and equality is a feature of our lives. As an Edmund Rice school, we are called to Christ’s invitation to serve humanity and create an inclusive, just and connected world for Australia’s First Peoples.
Shaun Clarke | Principal
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Actions
Enhance teaching and learning activities by engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from within the school community. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and children to engage in activities that celebrate their cultural heritage and identities. Provide opportunities for staff to build and extend knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) from 27 May to 3 June each year. Build relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community that are founded on mutual respect, trust and inclusiveness. Establish a dedicated space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, children, families and community members within the school.
RELATIONSHIPS
Co-ordinate a Welcome to Country for significant events.
Actions Teach about the concept, history and progress of reconciliation in Australia. Raise awareness of current affairs and issues in the public domain that are of particular significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the process of reconciliation. Develop understanding of what it means to acknowledge Country, and provide everyone the opportunity to do so at meetings and events throughout the year.
Physically and visibly demonstrate respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions around the school. Fly or display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags all year round to demonstrate pride and respect for Australia’s First Peoples. Display a physical, durable Acknowledgement of Country such as an Acknowledgement plaque or mural. Hold a special event to launch the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
RESPECT
Raise awareness of, teach about, and take positive action against racism.
Actions
Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures are incorporated in curriculum planning, development and evaluation processes. Ensure policies are inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and aim to increase knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Encourage staff to be involved in the ongoing development and implementation of the RAP through staff development opportunities.
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Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and retention strategy for teaching and non-teaching staff. Celebrate RAP progress in throughout the community.
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OPPORTUNITIES
Establish avenues for acknowledging children, students, staff and community members that embody the spirit of reconciliation throughout the year.
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Ignatius Park College 384 Ross River Road, Cranbrook 4814 P.O. Box 121, Aitkenvale, Queensland, 4814 Telephone: (07) 4796 0222 Fax: (07) 4796 0200 Email: info@ipc.qld.edu.au Web: www.ipc.qld.edu.au