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First Nations Australians

"Ƶ is committed to Reconciliation by strategically developing program deliverables that are empowering and inspiring for teachers, staff, students, and our First Nations community." - Sandra King OAM

Acknowledgement of Country

Ƶ recognises and acknowledges Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. We also acknowledge the Kombumerri People as Traditional Custodians of the Land on which Ƶ stands, the neighbouring Bundjalung, Ngarahngwal & Yugambir language groups and Elders past and present for their collective contribution to our students, staff and the broader school community. We respect their enduring stewardship of this Country and honour their ongoing contribution to the spiritual, environmental, social, and cultural fabric of our society. Our school hopes that this Acknowledgement will be integral to the process of healing, obtaining mutual respect and achieving reconciliation between our cultures.

Our Vision For Reconciliation

Ƶ is committed to providing a learning environment where First Nations cultures are respected and celebrated, forming an integral part of our school’s learning, teaching, and community engagement. We wish to foster reconciliation through the development of knowledge and pride in First Nation peoples’ histories and cultures by building positive relationships with our school community. Our approach towards reconciliation will encompass our students, teaching and non-teaching staff, families, and community affiliations.

Relationships

All Saints' Reconciliation Action Plan for building stronger relationships in the classroom, around the school and with the community includes engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our learning activities, building on our cultural competence and historical knowledge guided by Elders and Traditional Owners, and establishing connections that are based upon mutual respect, trust and inclusiveness with the Kombumerri community and other First Nations stakeholders.

Respect

Fostering respect for First Nations culture at All Saints includes teaching about reconciliation, days of national significance and current affairs in the classroom, recognising the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people via established international frameworks, caring for the Country upon which All Saints stands, and taking action against racism.

Opportunities

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, All Saints is committed to creating opportunities for First Nations people to share their culture with our community, and to create opportunities for our community to engage in kind. This includes firmly embedding the cross-curriculum priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures into our own curriculum, to improve inclusivity within our internal policies and develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategy. 

“My hope is that our Reconciliation Action Plan will lead to every young man and woman graduating from All Saints with a knowledge and understanding of and an empathy for the First Peoples who walked our country and an appreciation of the life-enhancing values they represent.”
— Headmaster Patrick Wallas

All Saints Reconciliation Action Plan Artwork

The painting for All Saints' Reconciliation Action Plan was created by local artist Goompi Ugerabah. Goompi was born on Kombemerri land and, for the last 30 years, he has practised culture on behalf of the Kombumerri people and neighbouring Minjungbal people. The painting depicts All Saints within the landscape of wetlands, Nyanda. Bush, bird tracks and clouds can also be seen in this landscape. Various motifs representing the school's 12 houses, community and three sub-schools are also visible. Students are at the centre of each sub-school motif. 

Contact

If you have any questions or would simply like to have a yarn about any of our initiatives, we'd would love to hear from you.

Ben Rea
First Nations Education Consultant
Email: brea@asas.qld.edu.au