iServi News | 31 May 2019 | Term 2, Week 5
We celebrate National Reconciliation Week from 27 May-3 June. The theme this year is Grounded in Truth, Walk Together in Courage.
Australia’s Chief Executive Officer for Reconciliation, Karen Mundine speaks out about reconciliation, stating that “Reconciliation is ultimately about relationships and like all effective relationships the one between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians must be grounded in truth. There can be no trust without an honest, open conversation about our history.”
At Servite, we strive as a community to recognise and appreciate the cultural diversity of Australia. Students have participated in a number of activities throughout Homeroom this week celebrating reconciliation.
What is National Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme is “Grounded in Truth, Walk Together in Courage”. I interpret this theme as signifying that at the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth. National Reconciliation involves building positive, respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians, enabling us to work together to close the gaps, and to achieve a shared sense of fairness and justice. In homeroom throughout the week we have been discussing what National Reconciliation means to us, what we can do to support this, and we also participated in dot painting inspired by Aboriginal art and culture. – Aria Cozza (OLS2)
Reconciliation is the act of restoring and renewing relationships with others. To me, reconciliation is an opportunity to rebuild my relationships with those around me and an opportunity to strengthen and develop them. Reconciliation in Australia is a chance to have a fair society and to bring justice and honour to our land’s first inhabitants, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Through Reconciliation, the restoration of a positive relationship between Australia’s indigenous inhabitants and all those who have migrated to Australia is possible. As a community, we all can help to restore the past broken relationship between the Indigenous and European settlement by working together in fostering positive racial relationships. I believe learning about reconciliation is important for young people and the younger generations as we are able to create an equal society built by strength, trust and forgiveness. Reconciling with the Indigenous is as simple as saying an acknowledgement of country to recognise and honour our first inhabitants of our land. – Jasmine Dimovski (SC1)
What does Reconciliation mean to you?
Reconciliation, to me, is the coming together of two parties who were previously not on good terms. This week, we celebrate National Reconciliation Week, where we honour our country’s commitment to fostering positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader community. Around our school, small signs have been put outside classrooms, encouraging us to remember the traditional owners of our country and the land on which our school is built upon. It is important that we, as a community, celebrate this, in order to better understand the culture and history of our country and its many people. National Reconciliation Week is an important week for all Australians, and one which our College should continue to recognise and honour. – Anastasia Delos-Reyes (AN4)
To me, Reconciliation means to have the opportunity to reflect on sins against the Ten Commandments. It is important to celebrate national Reconciliation Week because it creates a positive relationship, in support for Aboriginal people. Young people face many new distractions and so this is good for them to consider others and become less self-centred. Acknowledging Country is a way to respect our past. It is an obligation not to forget, and not to excuse disrespect to the Aboriginal community. – Sophie Tse (OLS5)
Ms Melissa Plant
(Acting) Head of Learning Area – Religious Education