RECONCILIATION WEEK

RECONCILIATION WEEK

Be Brave. Make a Change.

It’s an inspiring mantra for this year’s Reconciliation Week which occurred from May 27 – June 3. The 2022 theme is a challenge for all Australians to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

It is extremely inspiring to see that our Senior School Reconciliation Committee has over 40 students. Including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, the committee aims to provide some education and understanding about Australian Indigenous matters, as well as create an authentic and inclusive community for all.

When the committee first formed under newly appointed Indigenous Liaison Coordinator, Karrene McLernon, one of their first tasks was to review St Hilda’s Acknowledgement to Country. It was reworked by the committee to reflect St Hilda’s core values: Imagination, Authenticity, Belonging and Excellence.

We officially launched Reconciliation Week at the Senior School with a Welcome to Country from Robyn Collard, an inspiring Indigenous Elder. This was livestreamed to the Junior School classrooms so that they could participate in this significant event. Robyn was joined by her grandson Tryse Rioli who played the didgeridoo. For the remainder of the week, activities were spread across both our campuses. They included:

Year 7 Yulunga Games

During Year time, members of the Senior School Reconciliation Committee ran Yulunga Games with the Year 7s. Yulunga Games are traditional Indigenous Games from all over Australia, aimed at school children from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The girls took part in five traditional games: Boojur Kombang, Buroinjin, Kai Wed, Jirrakayi-ku and Tha’an.

Senior School Art Mural

Senior School students participated in a collaborative art piece. The individual handprints from the students were in the colours of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, creating a beautiful statement piece on the Great Court.

“Rabbit Proof Fence” Screening

Students had the opportunity to watch the “Rabbit Proof Fence” in the hall during lunchtime.

Junior School Rotation Stations

During House time, Year 1-6 students took part in one of four activities, including:

• Yulunga Games –Traditional Aboriginal Games

• Noongar Seasons Art Project

• Reconciliation Hands Activity

• Indigenous Storytelling

In Weeks 7, 9 and 10, the Houses rotated through each of the activities, learning about Indigenous culture and the importance of National Reconciliation Week. Members of the Senior School Reconciliation Committee came down to support the running of the activities. St Hilda’s continues its commitment in providing educational scholarships to West Australian Indigenous girls through MADALAH. Next Semester, Indigenous Liaison Coordinator Karrene McLernon and key stakeholders in the community will begin to formulate St Hilda’s Reconciliation Action Plan which will be shared with the wider St Hilda’s community. There is still a long way to go, but St Hilda’s is committed to creating change and providing exceptional educational opportunities for Indigenous girls who have the potential to lead and inspire within the community.