National Reconciliation Week
We have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the Reconciliation Committee and Uncle John to promote this year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW). NRW is marked by two significant events on our Journey of reconciliation; the successful 1967 referendum recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Census; and the High court Mabo decision in 1992 that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Lands. This week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories and cultures, and how we can all contribute towards achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Within our St Peter’s College community, we have organised several events to raise awareness for, and support, the reconciliation efforts around our country. We are excited to be able to continue to raise awareness with the following initiatives in the upcoming week:
Indigenous Sports Round: This upcoming weekend, our SPSC teams playing at home will be engaging in their Indigenous Sports Round. Amongst all sports fixtures played at home, sports team Captains will provide an Acknowledgement of Country with the opposition present. When our 1st XVIII Football Team and First V Basketball Team play at home next weekend, they will be sporting our Indigenous Round jumpers and singlets following their presentation by Uncle John.
Closing the Gap BBQ fundraiser: On Tuesday 31 May (Week 5), our Reconciliation Committee will be hosting the annual Close the Gap fundraiser. All proceeds from this fundraiser support Reconciliation Australia’s Close the Gap campaign. This campaign aims to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation. We are privileged to be able to use this fundraising opportunity to support this initiative.
Across the School, we have also invited staff and senior students to complete an online Cultural Awareness Training course that explores respectful language, Australia’s shared history, and respectful relationships. Amongst ourselves, we have learnt so much from this course; we cannot emphasise enough the importance of our Senior School boys completing this course which is full of highly engaging, and important information.
Before the publication of our next newsletter, our Year 10 boys will have departed for their 21-day Journey into the Flinders Ranges. We are greeted with only fond memories when we reflect on our own Journey. It’s not easy to get along with the same group of peers for three weeks without rest, but that is exactly what is so memorable about this experience; yes the scenery while hiking is beautiful, and yes the challenge forces us to get outside of our comfort zone and achieve something special, but what we found most memorable about the whole experience was the long-lasting friendships you form with those in your group. You all share unique memories that you will be reminiscing about for years to come. While being anxious about the Journey is normal, try not to let it detract from the amazing experience you are about to embark on; soak it all in because when it’s gone, you’ll want it back. We wish our boys the best as they finalise their preparations for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Chirath Lekamge and Aidan Hughes
School Captains