CEWA staff and students across the State reflected on how they could contribute to achieving reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community during National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June. 

 CEWA schools and colleges held special events, Masses, and activities acknowledging the National Reconciliation Week 2019 theme of ‘Grounded in Truth – Walk Together with Courage’. 

Aboriginal students from Brighton Catholic Primary School and Irene McCormack Catholic College celebrated at Lake Gwelup with the Whadjuk Northside Aboriginal Community Group.

Brighton students joined with the Baldja Moort Dance group for a moving performance. 

Assistant Principal Jason Baker said the National Reconciliation Week theme was clear when all adults and children joined hands to form a large circle in celebration of being one family. 

“It was wonderful to be part of such a celebration and many thanks go to Donella Brown at Irene McCormack Catholic College and Bradley Barbuto at Brighton Catholic Primary School for coordinating,” Mr Baker said. 

Irene McCormack Catholic College and Brighton Catholic Primary School students celebrate National Reconciliation Week

The annual event was attended by Catholic and government schools, with children participating in sand art, hand painting and games, along with health and fitness activities with the Wirrapanda Foundation. 

In Bassendean, Year 5 and 6 students from St Michael’s School took part in the Dandjoo Koorily Reconciliation Gathering to celebrate the Noongar culture and people, which gave students opportunities to learn about Aboriginal languages, dance, storytelling and food.

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