At Raymond Terrace Public School, we recognise the importance for all students to have authentic opportunities to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their histories. For this reason, we teach Indigenous perspectives across all our key learning areas, all year long. We also acknowledge, recognise, and commemorate many special days that are important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Reconciliation Week: 27th May to 3rd June
During this week the entire school is reminded of both the meaning and the importance of reconciliation in Australia. Specifically, we recognise that reconciliation is an ongoing process that previous generations of Australians fought hard for, and we must continue to strive for if we want to foster the opportunity for respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, thus creating a strong, supportive country that everyone can be proud of.
For more information on Reconciliation Week please visit: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/
National Sorry Day: 26th May
National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. On this day, we encourage students to reflect on the historical injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and consider the intergenerational trauma on families and communities. We offer opportunities, both on this day and throughout the school year, for students to consider the impact of European settlement and the events that followed, on Indigenous culture.
For more information on Sorry Day please visit: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-sorry-day-2020/