On Wednesday we observed National Sorry Day. This is an important date for our school and our nation, as we acknowledge the hardships placed on The Stolen Generations. Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians - as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Reconciliation Australia states that, "National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country... We cannot begin to fix the problems of the present without accepting the truth of our history. Sorry Day asks us to acknowledge the Stolen Generations, and in doing so, reminds us that historical injustice is still an ongoing source of intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Islander families, communities, and peoples."
At Claremont College, we are proud to honour and to pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Islander families. Within our learning spaces, we aim to connect prior knowledge of First Nations histories, perspectives and culture with meaningful, topical, and current events and happenings in our communities. We encourage conversations and plan activities about the experiences of Australia’s First Nations people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures is one of the Australian Curriculum’s priorities which we embed across all learning areas. We encourage everyone in our school community to reflect on how we can contribute to the healing process for our nation.
National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June. This year’s theme for Reconciliation is, 'More than a word. Reconciliation takes action'. It urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action. Thank you to our Reconciliation Action Plan committee, comprising of Mrs Affleck, Mr Ryan and Mr Smith, who are passionate about sharing the knowledge of the histories, cultures and struggles of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We encourage you to engage in rich and meaningful conversations with your child. We recommend the following picture books for you to share with your family.
‘Tell Me Why’ by Robyn Templeton and Sarah Jackson
‘Stolen Girl’ by Trina Saffioti & Norma MacDonald
Thank you for your participation and support in this very important week. Together, we can play a part in the healing process for our people, school and nation.
Larissa Cameron
Co-Principal
