Be a Voice for Generations

St Michael’s is committed to strategically and practically building a culture which acknowledges, affirms and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and traditions. Our approved Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) affirms this commitment and we are working to embed action in that Plan into the School Curriculum.

In 2021, we launched our first RAP, which commits us to continuing to promote an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, cultures, histories, heritage and aspirations. In the RAP, the School committed to 24 targets which span across Narragunnawali’s three categories: Relationships, Respect and Opportunities.

After 12 months, organisations that have a RAP are asked to update and review the contents in order to ensure the RAP is a living document, with purpose and meaningful actions.

St Michael’s second iteration of our RAP was approved by Reconciliation Australia in December 2022.

The main actions added to the document were first, the commitment to local sites, events and excursions –St Michael’s commits to supporting visits by our staff and students to appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sites, attend significant local events and explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in excursions. We have embedded these actions across the School, including incorporating them into our experiential learning program. Recently, our Year 2 students enjoyed a visit by Boonwurrung

Community member, Jaeden Williams to learn about the six seasons of Boonwurrung Country. Secondly, we are committed to supporting teachers to embed the Australian Curriculum ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures’ cross-curriculum priorities within our Teaching, Learning and Caring Framework. This includes embedding Cultural Awareness professional learning opportunities for staff in the School’s professional learning calendar.

And finally, we will create a RAP specific budget allocation to strengthen the sustainability of our RAP actions and demonstrate the School’s commitment to reconciliation through allocation of resources.

This year's National Reconciliation Week theme, Be a Voice for Generations, urges all Australians to use their power, their words and their vote to create a better, more just Australia for all of us. During Reconciliation Week the School conducted a special whole-of-School-ceremony to mark the occasion and Mr David Tournier, Boonwurrung Senior Cultural Officer, has committed to conducting a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony at the School in the near future. We are excited to continue the School’s work in reconciliation to foster a higher level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions.

Ms Alex Mountford Chair of the Reconciliation Action Working Group