To acknowledge and pay respect to all Indigenous Australians during Reconciliation Week, staff and students of Kildare College participated in various activities – inside and outside the College community. During the week students and staff offered reflective daily prayers seeking forgiveness and praying for wisdom, for our political leaders past and present; so that they may never repeat the injustices of our history.
The exhibits presented in the Resource Centre paid tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; they were colourful, informative and highlighted the skills and wonderful artistic talent that many Indigenous people share. The displays were flagged by the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags in a sign of reconciliation and unity. Lunchtime activities offered during the week saw students participate in various arts and crafts, and view Indigenous stories featured during the pop-up movie sessions.
The Nunga student group were also invited to assist our local Tea Tree Gully Winds Elders group in Reconciliation Week community activities, held at the nearby Holden Hill Community Centre. The students served morning tea and helped visiting primary school students with dot painting. The highlight was face painting not only themselves but also the younger students – who felt the students’ artistic efforts were amazing! It was a great opportunity for our students to support our local Elders in the wider community.
On Thursday we came together as a whole Collegel for the Reconciliation Liturgy; as our Indigenous students proceeded in with the flags it was evident that this was a proud moment for them. The liturgy was both moving and reflective, and the students presented a powerful message. From the ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ by Khyleesha, the prayers presented by Justice and Democracy students, a moving dance piece by Year 10 and Year 11 students, Krystal’s moving identity poem presented by Khyleesha, and Jacinta bringing proceedings to a close with such a wonderful rendition of Follow the Sun, the liturgy was an opportunity for staff and students of the Kildare College community to show respect and promote reconciliation across our cultures.
Indigenous Focus Team
