Reconciliation in Action
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Our vision for reconciliation begins with our acknowledgment of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains as the traditional custodians of the Land upon which our College is located. Land over which sovereignty was never ceded. 勛圖厙 will walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families and the wider community on a journey that brings understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples histories, perspectives and cultures to the whole school community. We continue to commit to creating a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, educators, and families.
We envision a place of teaching and learning that is culturally inclusive, where aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are fostered, diversity is celebrated and equitable opportunities are created to achieve the highest possible outcomes for all students in our care. We commit to respectfully incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples perspectives throughout the curriculum.
Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, 勛圖厙 is committed to promoting respect, justice, cultural understanding and Mercy Values. 勛圖厙 is committed to sustaining and being accountable for long-term reconciliation outcomes within our community. This will be achieved through sustained engagement with staff, students and community members. “The proof of love is deed” – Catherine McAuley
Read our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP):
For more information, contact our First Nations Focus Team.
SAC Acknowledgement of Country
In 2022, we launched the SAC Acknowledgement of Country. Developed as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, students, families and staff worked together with Ngarrindjeri Kaurna Language Consultant, Kira Yaltu Bain, to bring this to life. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a glimpse of the Kaurna language our students and staff have been learning and to highlight the important cultural learning that takes place here, on Kaurna Country. May the learning continue.
Recent Activities
Mitchell Courtyard Steps Redevelopment Project
The redevelopment of the steps outside of the Mitchell building has been an ongoing project that has involved parents and students in the school community and Elders from the cultural community. The update of this space will create an inviting place to gather and sit and pay acknowledgement to our presence on Kaurna land. The design, artwork, and space naming will have a First Nations focus. We are particularly grateful to Uncle Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner and Cedric Varcoe, who have worked alongside us and guided us in our decision-making process. We also thank Reconciliation SA for honouring our project with a grant of $2000. We are excited to see the finished result, which we hope to celebrate with an official opening towards the middle of 2024.
Thriving People
Thriving People is a Catholic Education initiative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to foster cultural knowledge and understanding from leaders within the community. Events are held for Primary and Senior students, offering them a variety of cultural activities. This year’s events at Carclew included weaving, painting, dance and music recording. These gatherings create a valuable platform for students to forge connections while also receiving guidance from significant community leaders who impart cultural wisdom and mentorship. By nurturing their understanding of identity, these experiences contribute to our students’ well-being and understanding of their place in the world.
Reconciliation Week 2023
National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for our school to make our commitment to understanding First Nations history, culture and achievements visible. This year, through culturally authentic guest speakers and performers, students across the school engaged in activities to deepen their knowledge of Kaurna language and The Voice referendum. Reconciliation starts with small actions that build into big results. At SAC, we hope to be part of that change.
National Close the Gap Day 2023
Our Reconciliation Action Plan aims to build cultural responsiveness and improve practice to best support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. An important part of our commitment is to strengthen connection with community as we build understanding about issues that are of significance to First Nations Australians.
During Close the Gap Week in 2023, were fortunate enough to connect with two significant people in our school community who were able to assist our teachers and students to deepen our understanding of key concerns.
On Close the Gap Day, March 16, Naomi Huxley, former SAC student and director of facilitated a yarn up with students to share knowledge and understanding about the importance of Close the Gap Day, and what we can do to improve health and opportunity outcomes for First Nations Australians.
Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations 2023
February 13 2023 marked 15 years since former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered a formal apology to the Stolen Generations. Our school acknowledged this day through participation in the Apology Walk from Tarntanyangga to Veale Gardens. Students enjoyed meeting Dale Agius, South Australian Commissioner for First Nations Voice. We also hosted a lunchtime screening of the historic apology speech. Our school is committed to a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.
National Reconciliation Week 2022
Without action, Reconciliation is just a word. On the final day of National Reconciliation Week in 2022, Friday June 3, SAC hosted a Wear It Yellow Day. The day is aimed at raising funds for a First Nations organisation, Childrens Ground.
The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, Be Brave. Make Change. challenges all Australians individuals, families, communities, organisations and governmentto Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians. That is why our school has chosen to participate in Childrens Grounds Wear It Yellow Day.
Every student in the school was provided with a Yellow Ribbon to wear on the day and were encouraged to bring a gold coin donation.