The ‘Bringing Them Home’ report acknowledged that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families and communities in the name of ‘protection’ and ‘assimilation’. These children are known as the Stolen Generations; and this removal was a government policy in Australia, officially until 1969.

Our College’s Year 11 Aboriginal Studies class was able to participate in a commemorative Mass at the Holy Trinity Church on 23 May. For some of the girls attending this was the first time they had experienced a service like this. It was wonderful to see how this service has grown over the years, and to see more and more of our local schools participate in the commemoration.

The next important date was Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June. Our school participated in a number of Reconciliation Week activities, led by our Social Justice Captain Rachel. Our College began with a prayer and reading of the importance of Reconciliation Week - introducing the theme ‘Dont Keep History A Mystery’. Throughout the week our girls were able to participate in the creation of a ‘Sea of Hands’ inspired by the ANTaR model, traditional Indigenous games led by our Year 12s, and learn about important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions to our nation’s history. This culminated in a Kahoot Challenge for all homerooms to see how much they had retained from the historical facts placed around the school. Homeroom 8E were our winners, with 9D and B runners up - well done to all of those girls. Our Library also organised a ‘book swap’ to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. A big thank you goes out to Rachel and the Social Justice team for their work, and the Library Staff for their fundraiser.

During Reconciliation Week many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls from Years 7 to 11, participated in a NAISDA Dance College incursion; this incursion was in partnership with Campbelltown Arts Centre and NAISDA. Natasha our instructor came along to put the girls through their paces, and teach them some traditional and contemporary dance movements. All of this was then choreographed into one dance and the girls were able to add some of their own Deadly moves. It was great to see our Year 7 girls participate and shine, as well as our senior girls. Our senior girls have been invited to apply for the NAISDA mentorship. The mentorship will include workshops, performances, on country visits and a 3-day residency program at NAISDA Dance College in Gosford. Stay tuned for a Deadly dance later in the term.

Friday 25 May saw many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Years 9 -12 attend the first session of AIME for 2018. During the day, our senior and junior girls participated in various workshops designed to develop their self-esteem, cultural awareness and, for our seniors, safe behaviours.

Throughout the day, each group participated in activities and worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from other schools. These days are an excellent opportunity for our girls to build their confidence and meet new people, as well as participate in and learn about new things. There will be a number of other AIME days throughout the year, so if there is any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who would like to participate, especially in Years 9 - 12, let us know.

This term has seen the completion of the first Year 8 Aboriginal Studies Portfolio Assessment, and there have been some amazing pieces of work produced. Over the last three years each Year 8 cohort has exceed the previous - and this year's cohort has not disappointed!

There will be a few more exciting events coming up this term, including our NAIDOC Assembly in Week 10; an invite will follow shortly - but keep Monday 2 July free!

It has been a busy term so far, but we are all looking forward to many more exciting things.

Nandawanjing

Jo Tanginoa - Aboriginal Education Teacher