by Tanna Draper Nagas

We officially launched the Collaborative Indigenous Strategy with all six schools in the Lilydale and Upper Yarra Education Plan, with the Minister of Education, James Merlino, MP for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing and Wurundjeri elder, Murrindindi. The strategy is designed for the six schools to work together to support the individual needs of First Nations students, as well as authentically embedding and celebrating First Nations culture and perspectives in our school community and curriculum.

Our two deadly students, Ryekan Jones and Tahlia Tweedie received the coolamon and the message stick at the launch. A coolamon is a traditional method of carrying, and it is our students who are the ones that will carry our culture, history and perspectives forward for future generations. The message stick symbolises our need to share culture amongst our schools and community. The coolamon and the message stick will be used at our Yarning Circles that are held each term.

NationalReconciliation Week began on 27 May and ends 3 June! This week is about acknowledging and learning about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. Through reconciliation, we recognise that First Nations people were dispossessed, persecuted and oppressed as a result of invasion in Australia. At the College, each SELF class from Year 7 to 12 will learn about the importance of reconciliation through a range of engaging and interactive activities. Thanks to the wonderful Sharon Francis and Annie Wilkins, the Valleydale Café will be running a National Reconciliation Week menu with a range of Indigenous inspired dishes and flavours. This week-long celebration is anideal opportunity for all Australians to explore the ways that they can join the reconciliation effort, and we are proud to be facilitating these opportunities at Lilydale Heights College.