Channel Newsletter | 3 June

From the Principal

All In – Reciprocity as Reconciliation

This week we were able to celebrate as a community National Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation is about friendship and trust, reconnection, and restored relationships. It invites us to strengthen our relationships with one another through listening, understanding, and care. As Christians we believe that God reconciled us back to himself through Jesus to restore the relationship between us and God. John 13:35 (NIV) also says that if we show that we love one another, everyone will know that we are His disciples.

A key part of reconciliation is reciprocity, a mutual relationship where all people are valued and mutually benefit. This year’s Reconciliation Week theme, “All In: Reconciliation as Reciprocity,” is an invitation to step off the sidelines and commit wholeheartedly to the shared work of reconciliation. Reciprocity reminds us to lean on truth-telling, justice, humility, and respectful relationships as we grow stronger together with shared responsibility for one another.

As Christians, we are called to care for each other and take responsibility for one another’s wellbeing. In a world where communities and families can feel increasingly disconnected, reconciliation encourages us to rebuild trust and connection. This theme reminds us of the importance of relationships at every level, within our families and communities, across Australia, and especially in our relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

With faith, trust and God’s power we are hopeful for the future as we share God’s vision, call and invitation to see the flourishing of all in God’s creation.

Margaret Louw – Principal

The History of National Reconciliation Week

As a result of the Royal Commission in 1991 into Aboriginal deaths in custody, 339 recommendations were made, one of them being that a formal process of reconciliation between Aboriginal people and the wider community should be set up. In 1993 a group of Christians set aside a national week of prayer in response to that recommendation, and this became ‘National Reconciliation Week’ in 1996.

Every year National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June, dates that mark significant moments in Australia’s history.

On 27 May 1967, a referendum marked an important step toward reconciliation by recognising Aboriginal Australians as citizens in national law. On 3 June 1992, the Mabo decision recognised the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, overturning the false idea of terra nullius (“land belonging to no one”).

For more information about National Reconciliation Week I recommend the Common Grace website: commongrace.org.au

Prep News

During Reconciliation Week, the Preps have enjoyed learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through stories and activities.

This learning has connected beautifully with our Science unit on materials, where we have been investigating the properties of different materials and how they are used for particular purposes. As part of our learning, we explored a variety of natural materials traditionally used by Indigenous Australians, including the ways these materials are gathered and transformed into useful items.

The Preps had a go at the method of weaving as they discovered how natural fibres can be used to create baskets and other objects.

A highlight of the week was a special visit from Sam Press and Laura Rose, who shared their knowledge, language, and cultural artefacts with our Kinder and Prep students. The children enjoyed the opportunity to explore different materials, learn new words, and engage with artefacts that helped bring our learning to life. We are very grateful to Sam and Laura for sharing their time and knowledge with us and enriching our understanding of Australia's First Nations cultures.

Mikaela Schenk - Prep Teacher

Student Free Day and Public Holiday

Friday 5 June - Staff moderation day, student free day
Monday 8 June - Kings birthday, public holiday

Uniform Reminder

As the weather is getting colder we have noticed that children are starting to wear items of clothing to keep them warm. This is a reminder that school uniform is still required to be worn as purchased from the uniform shop. We are aware that some children feel the cold more than others and we are looking into some items to ‘winter proof’ our uniform eg: puffer jacket or rain coat. Watch this space. In the mean time, we recommend navy thermals under the school tops, and beanies which can be purchased from the uniform shop. If needed, non-uniform coats may be worn to and from school, but not during school hours.

Also, a reminder for anyone with hair longer than shoulder length - it needs to be tied back at school. Earrings need to be hoops or studs only.

Kinder Enrolments

If you are an existing family and have a child that is due to enter Kinder in either 2028 or 2029, please request an enrolment application through our webpage (click on Enquire Now). This will assist us with future planning.

Prayer Wall

Pray for a transformation in all our lives as we ponder on our own roles and responsibilities in reconciliation.
Pray for staff and students as they navigate wet and cold weather impacting outside play and the grounds.

School Calendar

JUNE
5 | Staff Moderation Day - Student Free Day
8 | King’s Birthday - Public Holiday
10 | Mid Year Reports go Home
13 | Parent/Teacher meetings (link to book a session will be sent separately)
14 | Parent/Teacher meetings (link to book a session will be sent separately)
16 | State Cross Country - Symmons Plains (selected students)
19 | Lantern Walk

SCHOOL CALENDAR

School Reminders

Updated Handbooks

We have updated our Handbooks. You can download and read a copy via the Parents page on our website.

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