From the Chaplain
June 1, 2026 – Edition 7
All In for Reconciliation Week
The past week has been a really important one across Australia, with many significant dates and events occurring. Across our school we’ve experienced various activities that have both recognised the history of our country whilst also celebrating Aboriginal culture, traditions and connection to Country.
Sharing a Message of Respect and Understanding
Last week, we had the privilege of Uncle Mark Brown lead us in a Welcome to Country. He played the Didgeridoo (Yidaki) for us and led us in a Smoking Ceremony. Our RAP Reps represented their classes in the PAC as we marked the launch of our second Reconciliation Action Plan.
At the end of the service, Mrs Williams, Dr Jacob, our School Captains, Senior School Social Justice and Environment Captains planted a Manna Gum tree. This tree has one of three leaves used in Smoking Ceremonies and so we look forward in the future to using some of the leaves from our own school.
National Sorry Day
Right before Reconciliation Week is National Sorry Day, a day where we mark and remember the reality of what occurred in the countless Aboriginal families over decades of Government policies to remove First Nations children from their parents.
To mark this, we meet at the flag poles and have a short ceremony with the Year 6 students and RAP Reps. This year our RAP Reps, Year 6 students and some of our Senior School students created Sorry stones.
One of the most moving songs in Australian music history is ‘Took the Children Away’ by Archie Roach. If you have never heard this song, take a moment to listen to either the original or more recent version of it.
- Took The Children Away – Schools Spectacular 2016 More recent version
- Archie Roach – Took The Children Away (Official Music Video) Original Version
Creating Art and Experiencing Culture First Hand
Our Year 4 students were privileged to have Sam Richards share with them at an incursion where they were able to learn more about Aboriginal history and culture. Sam brought items that she and her family had made in traditional ways, including a marngrook (inspiration for AFL footy), clapping sticks from different trees and beautiful weavings. She also shared with our RAP Reps about Aboriginal symbolism in Art and allowed our students to use the symbols to create their own pieces of art that told a story of people and places that were important to them.
Community Celebrations
RAP Reps were excited to have their first excursion to the Cardinia shire Reconciliation event where they enjoyed a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony where they were able to hear and speak some Boonwurrung words.
They also enjoyed community activities with people of all ages, including badge making, looking at artefacts and collecting native plants. Sincere thanks to Mrs Harvie and Mr Pendle for joining this excursion.
All in Art
This year, we have celebrated the theme with several art installation projects across the school, ranging from photos to our large piece in the Chapel on the theme of Country.
Using creativity and community, it was wonderful to see the ways different groups explored the theme and responded to it. Thank you to the students, staff and parents who contributed to our celebration of Country.
It was great to see the many ways people were involved. The wrongs of the past can never be erased, and the experiences of First Nations people today are often layered.
Yet, through honouring this week and doing our best to be a community that respects First People and the deep, rich history of this land, may we take small steps towards Reconciliation.
Every blessing in the week ahead
Monique Riviere-Pendle
Chaplain
