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 National Reconciliation Week theme is “Be Brave. Make Change.”, and asks all Australians to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians.

At GLC, we’re committed to playing our part in reconciliation, and our students will continue to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements through projects, activities, songs and stories, including at formal events and activities across the week.

Last Friday, SJ students, kindergarteners, teachers and members of the school community marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week with a special gathering. We were very fortunate to have Wadawurrung Elder Nikki deliver a Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony, accompanied by local artist Norm on the didgeridoo. The event led by our captains also included songs from the Year 3/4 and 5/6 choirs.

Our AC campus community came together at a combined Primary and Secondary Assembly to recognise and acknowledge National Sorry Day ahead of Reconciliation Week. Lead by our Primary and Secondary Captains, those at the Assembly remembered and acknowledged the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all share in the healing process.