Reconciliation Week 2025

Earlier this month, the College acknowledged Reconciliation Week with a number of activities and performances.

This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, invites all Australians to reflect on our shared healing journey and how we can continue moving forward together in the spirit of reconciliation.

Staff morning tea

Staff at both campuses gathered for a meaningful and delicious morning tea in honour of Reconciliation Week. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, reflect, and celebrate the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The menu featured an inspired selection of native Australian ingredients. Staff enjoyed wallaby sausage rolls, macadamia shortbread, Tasmanian pepper and potato frittata, native pepper focaccia, quandong and feijoa teacake, wattleseed scones, and an array of dips and toppings.

The foods were a celebration of indigenous flavours, and the morning was a lovely reminder of the importance of respect, reflection, and unity during Reconciliation Week.

Leaves of Change

Our Leaves of Change activity invited students to reflect on their personal goals for reconciliation and consider how their actions could contribute to meaningful change, both now and into the future.

Students responded to reflective questions about reconciliation, then expressed their thoughts creatively by decorating paper leaves with messages, drawings, and colour. These leaves were then placed on a symbolic cardboard bridge, representing the ongoing journey of bridging the gap between past, present, and future.

The collective artwork showcased the diversity of student voices and their commitment to reconciliation, creating a powerful visual reminder of the role young people play in shaping a more inclusive and understanding Australia.

Yulunga traditional indigenous games

Students at both campuses also participated in Yulunga traditional indigenous games during Reconciliation Week.

A variety of games were set up, including ‘mere kai’ (volleyball game), ‘turi turi’ (skipping game), ‘thepan’ (sword-fighting inspired game), ‘diyari koolchee’ (ball-rolling game) and ‘kalq’ (ball-hitting game). Each offered an opportunity to engage in a hands-on and enjoyable way while learning about why these games are important to indigenous Australians.

Many students joined in and collected points for their house. It was great to see such a strong turnout and positive participation!

Traditional dance and song

For this year’s Reconciliation Week Assembly at Melton Campus, we had the pleasure of watching Year 10 students Ruby and Lily and their cousin perform a cultural dance that told the story of Balayang the bat, which is symbolic of the first woman ever created.

We also welcomed Aunty Chelsea to the College to sing a Gunditjmara song about the creation of fire. Clapsticks were played during her performance, and the whole assembly was encouraged to clap along.

The performances were wonderful and further encouraged the connection between indigenous culture and the St Francis community.