St Patrick’s College reflects on reconciliation

Indigenous students worked with staff to create pieces symbolising two sides coming together

St Patrick's College students undertook activities for National Reconciliation Week. Back row (from left): Indigenous teacher assistant Deborah Millar, Angela Derdziak, Jordan Bliss, Charlize Currie, Shanita Whirisky, Eve Doull, Kamiah Grigg, Eden Grigg, and regional indigenous education liaison officer Karlie Tatchell. Front (from left): Lachlan Ramsamy, Eliott McLeod, Denzel Bobongie, Damien Walker and Lawson Allen.

NATIONAL Reconciliation Week commemorates two milestones in the journey for reconciliation by Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It begins on May 27 – marking the successful 1967 referendum that recognised first nations people as full Australians - and ends on June 3, the date of the High Court Mabo decision.

More stories:

Remembering first nations people who have served

School celebrates Aboriginal culture

30+ photos from the Naidoc street parade

St Patrick’s College Mackay principal Janelle Agius said indigenous students worked with staff to place items in the college courtyard that reflected the significance of the cultural event.

“This year’s theme is ‘In this together’ which is fitting given the current climate with COVID-19,” Ms Agius said.

St Patrick's College students created a 'Sea of Hands' to symbolise being 'in this together' as part of their activities during National Reconciliation Week. Picture: Contributed.

Subscriber benefits:

How to make the most of your digital subscription

Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed

Students painted bollards to represent indigenous role models, designed and painted a banner to display on the college fence and created a ‘Sea of Hands’, Ms Agius said.

“Reconciliation is about two sides coming together, holding hands and walking together into the future as equal partners,” she said.

Originally published as