2016 Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to contribute to building a reconciled Australia. National Reconciliation Week aims to give people across Australia the opportunity to focus on re-establishing friendly relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It is a time to ‘reflect on achievements so far and on what must still be done to achieve reconciliation’.
On Friday 27 June, Kadina Memorial School held a whole school assembly to mark the start of National Reconciliation Week. ATSI students from all year levels spoke about the importance of celebrating National Reconciliation Week and told us what Reconciliation means to them. KMS students enjoyed listening to our ATSI students playing the didgeridoo, stomp box and clapping sticks.
During the assembly the Aboriginal and Australian Flags were raised in unison, representing our two cultures coming together as one. It signifies that we can move forward as one in the knowledge that our diversity makes us richer, and that together, we are stronger. Once the flags were raised, a minute of silence followed to acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation.
Achieving reconciliation involves learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, therefore over the following week all students at Kadina Memorial School participated in events to learn about the culture and history of Indigenous Australians. On Friday students attended sub school assemblies and shared their new knowledge of Aboriginal artwork, bush tucker, music and dance and dreamtime stories.
Kadina Preschool Centre and KMS Early Years students were treated to a wonderful performance of the Rainbow Serpent, written by Nigel Raymond and presented by Year 5 and 6 KMS ATSI students.
Kadina Memorial School students also transformed the heart of the school with an Aboriginal Flag comprising 1,200 coloured hands. Our students’ hands, which are the national symbol of reconciliation, reflected both the coming together of cultures and extending our hand to everyone. Each hand carried the signature of the child who made it, which showed the commitment that each KMS child has towards reconciliation.
KMS is committed to building positive, respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians and believes it is a part of everyone’s life, every day of the year.
