Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School proudly acknowledges that we learn, work, and teach on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation who, for over 60,000 years, protected, cultivated, and thrived in deep connection with this Land. We pay respects to Elders past and present.
Narragunnawali Approved
This document has been adapted from Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School’s Reconciliation Action Plan, developed through Reconciliation Australia’s Nurragunawali: Reconciliation in Education program.
Artist’s Statement
The cover artwork was designed by Kiewa Austin-Rioli who graduated from Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School in 2018.
Kiewa is a proud Gunditjmara and Tiwi Islander artist. Her design represents connectedness throughout the School. The three circles representing the Early Learning Centre (ELC), Junior School and Senior School, demonstrate the strength and support that students receive throughout their journey at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School. The Boomerangs are there for new learnings and to guide the students. Surrounding these symbols are dots in the colours of the Houses, representing the past students of the School, to illustrate each student’s lifelong connection to Ivanhoe Girls’.
We are pleased to present the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2025 for Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School. This document embodies the School’s unwavering commitment to Reconciliation, reflecting our core values of Bravery, Curiosity, Connectedness, Kindness and Vibrancy.
This plan was crafted with the goal of fostering positive and lasting change, with a focus on learning together as a united community. The development of this Plan involved countless hours and the collective efforts of staff, students, parents, and community members. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this important work.
As part of our journey of reflection, we have deepened our understanding of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We are profoundly grateful for their guidance and support in
We are thankful for the continued support and encouragement from our community throughout this process. This document will serve as an inspiration for us to keep growing, learning, and reflecting on our path towards a
Our Vision for Reconciliation
Relationships Respect Opportunities
Relationships
Relationships
In The Classroom
Action Overarching Goal Deliverables
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Classroom
We are committed to cultural diversity and inclusion by implementing strategic initiatives that enhance the enrolment, representation, and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff.
We will foster an educational environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and cultures are integral to the learning experience.
• Update our Enrolment Strategy to include initiatives aimed at boosting enrolments and enhancing representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout the School
• Update our Enrolment Strategy to include collection of information about students’ cultural identities within the guidelines of the National Privacy Principles under the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School Privacy Policy
• Update our Employment Strategy to include collection of information about candidates’ cultural identities, within the guidelines of the National Privacy Principles under the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School Privacy Policy
• Update our Employment Strategy to include a specific invitation in all job advertisements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply
• Engage with recruitment agencies that prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• Review and update the role descriptions of our Director of Student Wellbeing and Year Level Coordinators to ensure that the needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are being met
• Create a cross-cultural program connecting current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with alumni and community to provide opportunities for learning.
Relationships
Relationships
Around the School
Action Overarching Goal Deliverables
Cultural responsiveness for staff
We commit to building cultural responsiveness among our staff by providing ongoing learning opportunities focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures as well as ensuring this knowledge is integrated into our school practices.
• Designate one Staff Day each year for structured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural training
• Actively support and facilitate external professional learning opportunities for staff members
• Communicate upcoming events, resources, and professional learning opportunities for staff through the School’s Intranet (Hive).
With the Community
Action
Overarching Goal Deliverables
Welcome to Country Where appropriate, significant events at our school commence with a Welcome to Country. Protocols for welcoming visitors to Country have been a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years. By incorporating these protocols into formal events and important occasions, we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Custodians of the Land.
• Commit to holding a Welcome to Country at least once per year.
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week
We commit to celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW) from 27 May to 3 June each year. NRW is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community. Talking about reconciliation in the classroom and staffroom, hosting and attending events and activities for everyone in our school community.
• Embed dedicated time for Reconciliation activities throughout Term 2 with a connection to the theme for National Reconciliation Week
• Celebrate National Reconciliation Week with a whole-school initiative led by the FIRED UP Co-Curricular Club
• Conduct dedicated Assemblies during National Reconciliation Week to reflect on the annual theme.
Relationships
With the Community
Action Overarching Goal Deliverables
Build relationships with community We commit to building relationships of mutual respect, trust, and inclusiveness with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, creating opportunities for meaningful connections among all staff, students, and community members.
• Foster relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, incorporating regular events to build community
• Engage with the Wurundjeri Council, seeking opportunities for collaboration and consultation when applicable
• Utilise the support and resources available through Narragunnawali
• Foster collaboration with the Wurundjeri community and Elders
• Arrange for a guest speaker or an artist in residence to engage with the School community during Term 2 each year
• Provide opportunities for students and staff to visit communities and community organisations
• Appoint a Reconciliation Coordinator, a dedicated staff member to oversee the development and implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan
• Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander charities and organisations for year-level service activities
• Provide opportunities for students to participate in culturally enriching experiences, e.g. the Red Earth Cultural Immersion Program.
Respect
Respect
In the Classroom
Action Overarching Goal Deliverables
Teach about Reconciliation
We commit to providing our school community with opportunities to learn about reconciliation in Australia, including its history, progress, and significance, to strengthen our engagement with the RAP and support the broader reconciliation journey.
• Develop an Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School education resource that details the reconciliation movement and the Schools’ role within this broader work
• Include reconciliation-related dates in the School calendar
• Develop a cohesive approach to Reconciliation Week activities that span from the Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 12
• Reserve allocated time for all students to celebrate Reconciliation Week
• Rename classrooms in Junior School with Woi Wurrung words with input from Wurundjeri Elders
• House Captains to work with an Indigenous artist to design a Reconciliation themed swimming cap for each House
• Investigate a long-term plan to expand the native garden
• Design our own Reconciliation pin to be optionally worn as part of the School uniform.
Explore Current Affairs and Issues
We commit to staying informed about news and current issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and reconciliation, and to fostering discussions among children, students, and staff to deepen understanding and empathy.
• Make current affairs and issues accessible to students through the FIRED UP Co-curricular Club and “Behind The News” Report videos for students
• Keep the Reconciliation page on Hive updated with relevant information for students and staff
• Create Library displays that highlight and explore current news and issues
• Include one segment per term in Senior School Assembly led by FIRED UP Co-curricular Club.
Around the School
Action Overarching Goal Deliverables
Acknowledgement of Country We commit to respecting the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners and Custodians to the land by encouraging staff and students to thoughtfully acknowledge Country at meetings and events throughout the year.
• Ensure all official school gatherings and performances begin with an Acknowledgement of Country, tailored to the event
• Maintain the Acknowledgement of Country in staff email signatures and on the school website
• Display physical Acknowledgements of Country in each classroom, personalised where possible
• Maintain the current Acknowledgement of Country plaques around the school.
With the Community
Action
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags
Overarching Goal Deliverables
We commit to flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at our school year-round, promoting a sense of community partnership and demonstrating our commitment to reconciliation.
• Maintain three flagpoles on campus to fly the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Take Action Against Racism
RAP Launch
We commit to countering racism by building awareness of its impacts and teaching our community how to respond effectively.
• Amend the Staff Code of Conduct Policy as well as the Specific Expectations for Students Policy to outline expectations on countering racist language and behaviour. These amendments will be informed by the Australian Human Rights Commission Anti-Racism Framework, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
• Implement preventative and proactive anti-racism programs for students as part of the School’s Wellbeing Framework.
We commit to holding a launch event to recognise the hard work behind our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and to engage the wider community in learning about our commitments and how they can participate in its implementation.
• Host a school celebration for the launch of the RAP
• Publish an adapted document for the School community to summarise RAP progress and goals.
Opportunities
Opportunities
In The Classroom
Action Overarching Goal Deliverables
Curriculum planning We commit to including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in curriculum planning, development, and evaluation across all year levels and learning areas, and to reviewing our curriculum to identify and enhance these inclusions.
• Ensure that teaching staff participate in at least one professional learning session on linking the curriculum to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives each year
• Host opt-in workshops focused on integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into curriculum planning
• Establish an online platform where staff can share resources, lesson plans, and experiences related to incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
• Begin to develop a clear scope and sequence document that outlines how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are integrated into the curriculum across the School
• Begin to develop an informal end of year reflection process for teachers to review and share their experiences teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
• Incorporate discussions on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practices and curriculum integration into Department and Wellbeing meetings throughout the year
• Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives informally across the School environment focusing on cultural immersion rather than formal curriculum changes.
Opportunities
Opportunities
Around the School
Action Overarching Goal Deliverables
Inclusive policies
Staff Engagement with RAP
We commit to ensuring that all staff and teachers understand and implement policies aimed at improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and at building knowledge and respect for their histories and cultures. We will also review and amend internal policies to ensure they inclusively reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
We commit to fostering staff involvement in the ongoing development and implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by encouraging participation and providing development opportunities facilitated by the RAP Working Group.
• Review and update the Staff Code of Conduct Policy to include a comprehensive Cultural Safety Policy and an Anti-Racism Policy
• Review and update our Employment Policy to promote the retention and professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff (e.g. include cultural leave).
With the Community
Action Overarching Goal Deliverables
Celebrate RAP Progress
RAP Budget allocation
We commit to setting aside dedicated funds within our budget to support the sustainability of our RAP actions, including fair remuneration for external contributors who provide time and resources to our RAP initiatives.
• Ensure the RAP Committee meets to monitor progress and update goals and terms of reference
• Invite annual expressions of interest for new RAP Committee members to bring fresh perspectives
• Provide all staff with regular updates and opportunities for reflection on RAP progress
• Ensure representation at the National RAP Conference with at least one staff member attending annually
• Encourage all staff to join the Narragunnawali Teacher Network.
• Establish an ongoing budget to continue the development of our RAP.
Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
We commit to proudly celebrating our school and community’s growth through the development and implementation of our RAP, reflecting on our progress and generating new ideas to sustain and advance our RAP in the future.
• Conduct annual surveys to gather feedback from staff, students and parents to strengthen our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Make the RAP accessible to the School community by publishing it on the school’s website and the School’s intranet, Hive
• Provide regular updates on RAP progress through multiple communication channels, including Hive, Lux Mea, and the Golden Mitre.
We commit to promoting supplier diversity by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses through our procurement of goods and services related to our RAP and other general business. We will maintain a list of these businesses to guide our procurement policies and procedures.
• Strengthen relationships with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses (e.g. Magabala Books)
• Connect with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and operated businesses to add to the School’s list of preferred suppliers.
