A still from Shearwater alumni Jahvis Loveday's new film, Bangay Lore.
Award-winning filmmaker and Shearwater alumni Jahvis Loveday brought his new short film, Bangay Lore, to our High School students (and some of our upper Primary School classes) last week, as part of our National Reconciliation Week activities. The screening of Jahvis' film, which explores his connection to culture and country, is one of a number of activities taking place across the School.
Today we marked National Sorry Day by listening to the Apology made to First Nations Australians by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008, also known as the Sorry Speech. Many classes have also been discussing the Uluru Statement from the Heart and taking part in artistic activities.
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all of us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year — 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey — the 1967 referendum which finally gave First Nations Australians the right to vote, and the historic High Court Mabo decision, on 3 June 1992, when the High Court of Australia overturned the doctrine of terra nullius and recognised the land rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For reconciliation to be effective, it must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, Be Brave. Make Change. is a challenge to all Australians — individuals, families, communities, organisations and government to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for the benefit of all Australians.
This year we all have the opportunity to make change beginning with brave actions in our daily lives – where we live, work, play and socialise. Here at Shearwater we embrace this opportunity and thank Jahvis for coming and sharing his important film.
Sarah Ndiaye
High School Teacher