Each year from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week invites Australians to reflect on our shared history and commit to building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, challenges us to carry the lessons of the past into a future of justice, healing and hope.
At OLMC, we recognised National Reconciliation Week through a series of thoughtful and engaging activities that encouraged learning, prayer, service and community.
We began on Monday 26 May with a whole-school prayer and an introduction to the week, shared over the PA during Pastoral.
On Tuesday 27 May the school gathered for a special National Reconciliation Week Mass during Lesson 3. At lunchtime, the Horizon Team hosted a bake sale to raise funds for the Stars Foundation, supporting the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls.
On Wednesday 28 May Year 7 students participated in a fun and educational Reconciliation-themed scavenger hunt during lunch.
On Thursday 29 May students explored the stories of significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders through the ‘Famous Faces’ activity, using supplied materials to guide reflection and discussion in each class.
Today, Friday 30 May, our pastoral groups led a short National Reconciliation Week prayer, followed by a Kahoot quiz designed to reinforce key messages in an engaging and student-led way.
Our commitment to reconciliation continues into next week. On Monday 2 June students from 9H will participate in ‘The Long Walk’, hosted by Aquinas College. Then on Friday 6 June all Year 8 students will engage in a special First Nations Encounter Day.
We thank all students and staff for embracing this important week with open hearts and minds. May our actions this week be a step forward in building a community grounded in truth, justice, and respect.
Image from: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/