From the Head of Junior School

It was a privilege to have Uncle John welcome students, staff and parents to Kaurna country in our Junior School Assembly on Friday 26 May. The significance of this date is that it has been recognised as National Sorry Day since 1998. National Sorry Day is an opportunity for us to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families. Friday also marked the commencement of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2023. It is encouraging and important that our students are involved in conversations focused on promoting respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There is evidence of our students connection to Uncle John and his relationship with the School, particularly as the number of students who confidently join him in singing his welcome song grows, year on year.

Considering NRW, it was timely that our Years 5 and 6 combined choir was introduced to their finale piece, From Little Things Big Things Grow, recorded by Paul Kelly and the Messengers. Inspired by the story of the Gurindji strike, a pivotal event in a movement towards Aboriginal land rights legislation.

I encourage you to ask your children about other National Reconciliation Week initiatives and activities they have been involved in.

A couple of other highlights of the past fortnight I’d like to mention: The Junior School students who played in the Concert Band Showcase the Friday before last did so exceptionally! Congratulations to all who were involved! The music they created collectively was outstanding; it is incredible what you can do together. After hearing the Concert Band sight read through their ABODA piece for the first time on Tuesday morning, I can’t wait to hear them in a couple of months time!

It was an absolute joy to see Years 2/3 AFL teams in action at Tuthangga / Park 17 on Saturday morning. This year is the first time we have fielded Years 2 and 3 students in an interschool competition. We look forward to seeing the boys develop positive team culture through sport as they progress through their involvement in school sport.

Jasmine Taylor
Head of Junior School