In the lead up to Reconciliation Week, students in Room 23 have been learning about what the important event signifies. As a class, we explored the significance of the 1967 referendum, the Mabo decision and how the week is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate change. We discussed the theme for this year’s event, to ‘Be Brave, Make Change’, and students brainstormed what that meant or looked like to them:

‘To understand, learn, remember and step up.’ – Harry Z.

‘To always be kind and include all people.’ – Paloma M.

‘Help different people, even if they don’t have the same culture or beliefs as you.’ – Amaya U.

‘Everyone belongs. Someone’s background or skin colour doesn’t matter. Include everyone. Be an upstander.’ – Lakshya S.

‘Make a change and don’t be shy to do it.’ – Madeleine H.

‘Not judging people by how they look.’ – Iggy M.

‘Making cookies with red, yellow and black frosting to celebrate Aboriginal people.’ – Mia C.

To celebrate the week, Room 23 read a dreamtime story, ‘The Rainbow Serpent’ by Dick Roughsey, and met with their little buddies (Room 6) to create their very own rainbow serpents. Inspired by Indigenous connection to the land, students used all natural materials of air-dry clay and plant life from around the school yard to create colourful patterns, textures and shapes. It was a wonderful afternoon!