The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 was ‘Be a Voice for Generations.’
The theme encouraged all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives where we live, work and socialise.
It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
King Island District High School principal Denise Bryant said that activities were held across the school to recognise 2023 National Reconciliation Week.
“The Grade 5 students considered what a reconciled Australia looks like, sounds like and feels like,” she said.
“The school’s Launching into Learning sessions for children four and under was inspired by author/illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft’s books.
Children participated in a variety of indigenous activities including dot painting, leaf drawing, sand painting, collages and rain sticks.
“Classes learnt about the importance of indigenous culture and history. The dates for NRW remain the same each year May 27 to June 3.
“These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
“ Reconciliation Week leads into NAIDOC Week, which is held between July 2 and 9 and is during the last week of Term 2,” Ms Bryant said.
On 27 May 1967, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
On June 3, 1992, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands.
This decision paved the way for Native Title.
In a week of reconciliation, Grade 9 and 10 students created dioramas to represent significant aspects of World War 2, including The Holocaust, Oskar Schindler, the Kokoda Trail, the bombing of Pearl Harbour, D-Day, and the bombing of Hiroshima.
Ms McFadzean was impressed with the engagement, collaboration, creativity and attention to detail. There will be an exhibition later this term.
The KIDHS Rock Café will be open Sunday 18 June 10am to 1 pm serving hot and cold drinks, savouries and sweets as part of Brixhibition. Visitors can browse the Lego exhibition and vote in the student competition. Enter through the KIDHS Main Entrance.