During Week 5, our school community came together to commemorate National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), embracing this year’s theme:

“Bridging Now to Next.” This theme invited us to reflect on the past, act in the present, and walk together toward a more just and united future.
Across all grades, students participated in a range of meaningful learning experiences that helped deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives.

Highlights included:

• First Nations Tabloid Sports, where students enjoyed traditional Aboriginal games, promoting connection, teamwork, and appreciation for cultural practices.
• Making Lemon Myrtle Biscuits, exploring native bush food knowledge and sustainable land use, while enjoying a delicious and hands-on learning opportunity.
• Song learning and storytelling, including reading books by First Nations authors and learning a traditional song that will feature in our upcoming NAIDOC liturgy.
• Creative projects, such as message sticks, healing gardens, timeline posters, and symbolic artworks exploring the themes of unity, care, and moving forward together.

Through stories, song, discussion, art and play, our students were empowered to listen deeply, act kindly, and grow in their understanding of reconciliation as a shared journey. I want to take the opportunity to thank all staff and students at St Bede's for their efforts to honour truth-telling, respect, and justice during this important week.

Hayley Millsom
First Nations Contact Teacher.