Continuing onto a new week or new page, if you will, of our school year we are met by more significant events in our calendar. Ones to be, remembered, embraced, and recognised.
A few weeks ago Australia recognises National Reconciliation Week. It was established to foster an understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Reconciliation week occurs from the 27th of May to the 3rd of June. During this time, we, as the Australian people learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is important that as a school community, and as a part of our beautiful country, we are able to explore the different ways we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The week serves as a reminder of the collective journey of Australian people and how, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people alike strive to achieve respect and understanding amongst each other. It is a time to reflect and remember the current progress of reconciliation, and our country’s continuing efforts of building one nation, one people.
National Sorry Day is a profoundly important day for the Australian population. It is significant to acknowledge the history of the Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generation and to recognise, reflect and reform the wrong doings inflicted victims in our past. It is an important occasion to acknowledge the wrongs of the past, to express our remorse, and to ensure that each one of us can set down a stone on the path of healing and reconciliation.
Our community, St Edmunds College, aims to help lay foundations, build on pre-existing acts of reconciliation and find new ways to reconcile and reflect on the impacts of past actions and their effect on Indigenous communities. I encourage all students, parents, and extended community members to participate in recognising, rebuilding, and coming together in during time.
At St Edmunds, seen through our college touchstones, we, as a community, are built on ‘Inclusive Community.’ We are a strong brotherhood, which strives with vibrant spirit, strong character, and tailored learning. Although those qualities are surrendered if you can’t recognise mistakes and either be able to take accountability for them or forgive them.
Being able to recognise your mistakes allows you to grow from them. Everybody makes mistakes but to be able to reconcile and grow as a person you have to be able to take accountability and learn from the mistakes lesson and teachings. On top of this, to embody our school pride and show what we stand for, we must be able to forgive others mistakes as well.
As a member of the College, I challenge you to recognise, reconcile and learn.
Thomas Henningsen
Clancy Vice House Captain