On Friday 2^nd June, the school leaders presented the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag to the school. They explained the reason why we are having them flown and what the symbols on each of them mean. They also said acknowledgement to country, which will be said at the beginning of each assembly in the future.

An acknowledgement to country is a meaningful way in which we can show respect to our local Aboriginal community. The Bunurong and Wurundjeri people were the first people living in Endeavour Hills area, migrating here over 40 000 years ago. Today they maintain strong cultural and spiritual connections to this country. An acknowledgement to the Bunurong and Wurundjeri people will be made at the beginning our assemblies in the future,

The Aboriginal Flag was recognised by the Federal Court of Australia in July 1995. Having the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags flown show respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, the first traditional owners of our land.

The Aboriginal flag was designed in 1971 and become a recognised national symbol of unity for Indigenous people throughout Australia. Black represents the Aboriginal people of Australia, Red represents the red earth and the spiritual relationship to the land and Yellow represents the sun, the giver of life.

The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed 1992. The green panels at the top and the bottom symbolise the land. The blue panel in the centre represents the waters of the Torres Strait. The thin black stripes between the green and blue panels signify the Torres Strait Islanders themselves. The white five-pointed star at the centre of the flag represents the five major island groups, and the white dhari (dancer’s headdress) around it also symbolises the Torres Strait Islands people. White symbolises peace, while the star is a symbol for navigation

The past week was Reconciliation Week. It is a time for us to build on our connections and relationships between with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. A time for use to learn from each other and remind us that we can live and work together in a harmonious community. The meaning of reconciliation links to our Three C’s.  Caring Connected and Courageous. We care for all cultures. We connect with all cultures. And we use courage in overcoming challenges we face when cultures work together.

Liz Cooke—Sustainability Coordinator