Our College Assembly on Wednesday was chaired by Josie Allen (Head Girl) and Xavier Scott (Head Boy). We highlighted National Reconciliation Week and promoted the opportunities and achievements of our students in the sporting and cultural areas.
We commenced our College Assembly with a recognition of National Reconciliation Week, which is held from 27 May to 3 June every year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to delve into shared histories, cultures and triumphs. Reconciliation is more than just a word. It is an action; a commitment to understanding, respecting and embracing the past, present and future of Indigenous Australians.
Reconciliation must live in our hearts, minds and actions, not just our words, so that we as a nation can build respectful relationships between all communities. May we promote respect, trust and form positive relationships between all Australians.” (Josie Allen, Head Girl and Xavier Scott, Head Boy).
Amarah Dougan and Charlotte Widderington-Oliver read the Acknowledgement of Country, followed by Shantaya Ryder and Sofia Bellesini leading the Prayer for Reconciliation. Our Aboriginal Education Team interviewed a variety of staff and students about the significance of the 2024 theme ‘Now More than Ever’. Elijah Creighton introduced the video and asked all students and staff to reflect on this theme; “the National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, “Now More Than Ever”, reminds us to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation, to call out racism wherever we encounter it and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.”
Also at our College Assembly, our ACC Cross Country team was introduced to the College by Senior Captains, Isabelle Lyra and Kai Millington, and Junior Captains, Chiara Del Marco, Angus Tyers and Riley Todd. We wish them every success at the ACC Carnival next week! The cast and crew of our College Plays, “Treasure Island” and “Blink of an Eye” were presented by Josie McAllister and Eleni Chapman. We acknowledge the enormous dedication of our students and staff involved in these events.
The Social Justice Committee outlined two upcoming major events – LifeLink Day and the Winter Blanket Appeal. Students are encouraged to give generously to both Appeals – food items for LifeLink Day and warm items for the Winter Appeal. Student ambassadors, Amy and Josie Allen, invited students to participate in The Push-Up Challenge, to improve fitness and raise awareness for mental health. “We want to help students focus on their mental and physical wellbeing, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and build the confidence to talk about it.”
Mrs Fiona Millimaci
Deputy Principal – Wellbeing
