Kelso State School celebrates Reconciliation Day 2024

Kelso State School celebrated Reconciliation Day with a fun day of activities highlighting First Nations cultures, which several students called ‘the best day ever’.

Reconciliation Week celebrations at Kelso State School. (first names only) Haylee, 11, and Nevaeh, 11, (back) with Jonathon, 5, Georgina, 5, and Lachlan, 5. Picture: Evan Morgan

Kelso State School celebrated Reconciliation Day with a fun day of activities highlighting First Nations cultures, which several students called ‘the best day ever’.

In collaboration with Townsville Aborigional and Islander Health Sevice and Community Hubs Australia, the school invited local Townsville community organisations to the school for activities including painting, cooking, sand art and storytelling. The day concluded with a sausage sizzle for all students, staff and community members who attended.

Acting Deputy Principal Bonnie Nagy said the school was ‘proud of its connection to community and celebration of cultural diversity.’

“As a school with a high percentage of First Nations families it is important for us to celebrate days of cultural importance,” she said.

Reconciliation Week celebrations at Kelso State School. Haylee, 11, and Nevaeh, 11, (back) with Jonathon, 5, Georgina, 5, and Lachlan, 5. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Now more than ever we need reconciliation, connection, respect and action.”

Participating groups included The Salvation Army, Centrelink Australia, Deadly Choices and The Smith Family among others.

“We were excited to have the opportunity to be able to work with so many important community organisations and learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements to contribute to reconciliation,” Ms Nagy said.

Originally published as Kelso State School celebrates Reconciliation Day 2024