Building the display together gave students a good understanding of what Reconciliation Week is all about − working together to build something bright for the future.

A group of Year 5 and 6 students assisted Learning Support Teacher, Tracie Booth, to organise a prayer and collaborative art activity, by researching Reconciliation Week and planning the day around this year’s theme, ‘Let’s take the Next Steps’.

“We also acknowledged the significant anniversaries of the Mabo decision and the 1967 referendum. The students understand that although they are only small, they too can have a lasting impact in our Reconciliation journey,” said Mrs Booth.

A liturgy was held with a Gospel reading and prayers were written by the Year 5 and 6 students. During the liturgy every child had the opportunity to write a small message of Reconciliation to display on the poster.

“We had a discussion about how we can all contribute to ensuring a positive future for our Indigenous people and all Australians,” said Mrs Booth.

Principal, Peter Bowen, said, “The students gained a great deal, not only from the liturgy but the significant discussions leading up to the day. Part of Reconciliation is centred on the word, SORRY.

“Recently I was reading the novel Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey and he writes, “Sorry means you feel the pulse of the other people’s pain, as well as your own, and saying it means you take a share of it. And so it binds us together, makes us as trodden and sodden as one another. Sorry is a lot of things.

“Sorry doesn’t take things back, but it pushes things forward. It bridges the gap. Sorry is a sacrament. It’s an offering. A gift.”

All students contributed to the ‘footsteps’ display and the artwork is displayed in the school foyer this week before being permanently displayed in the school hall.

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