From the Head of Junior School

This week we celebrate two big themes of Pentecost and Reconciliation Week. Widely regarded as the birthday of the Church, Pentecost celebrates the event in which the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples. Breathing the Spirit upon his disciples, Jesus bestowed the gift of peace upon them. Pentecost celebrates renewal, optimism, and hope. In a very real and practical way, we are called as hopeful people to bring this renewal into the world.

It has been wonderful celebrating Reconciliation Week at the Junior School, with this year’s theme ‒ “Be a voice for Generations: Act today for a reconciled tomorrow.” The students have had the privilege of partaking in a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony from Uncle Ivan, who explained the meaning and significance of this custom to his people. Tailored learning programs have been enjoyed from Reception right up to Year 6 who have held discussions on the Voice referendum in recent weeks. These diverse activities ranging from quick five-minute tasks to full lessons have covered different curriculum areas including literacy, numeracy, music, arts, and Physical Education. We have also arranged a very special opportunity for all the junior primary students who will be joined by Iteka Sanderson-Bromley on Monday 5 June. Iteka will run sessions with each class sharing culture and instructing them in the traditional dance of various animal totems.

In the lead-up to the referendum, never has it been more important for Australians to consider what reconciliation means for each one of us. Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to both learn about and celebrate our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. We are asked to be the hope and renewal for the future in working together towards a just, equitable, fair Australia as we advance the understanding of reconciliation within ourselves, our home, and our society.

Nic Boys
Head of Junior School