Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community,
Welcome to Reconciliation Week. In saying that, I must admit I ask myself what is the real purpose of having such a week. Why do I find myself wearing a reconciliation wristband? Me? The only jewellery I would wear is a watch? Why is reconciliation so important and why do I need to show an outward sign that I support it? Is it that such things have become popular, as highlighted by the Dreamtime AFL football match between Richmond and Essendon held since the 2005 season, or in fact the AFL’s Indigenous Round, which is designed to celebrate the indigenous players, culture and the spirit of reconciliation. Most football clubs have reconciliation programs. If the process of reconciliation is so important within our sporting culture, then surely this must be a reflection of the importance of reconciliation within our social culture. But, why?
A little bit of research through a site called Reconciliation Australia informs me that the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR), formed 25 years ago, “has taken a holistic approach that encompasses rights, as well as so-called symbolic and practical actions. Over this time, reconciliation has introduced a greater focus on the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians and opened up a national debate on prejudice, discrimination and racism. It has raised broader questions about our national identity and the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights in our nation’s story.”
It is reported that there are five dimensions of reconciliation:
- Race Relations: stronger relationships built on trust and respect
- Equality and Equity: a renewed focus on closing the gap, with equity in all areas of life, and self-determination
- Institutional Integrity: create a wider range of opportunities for indigenous Australians
- Unity: culture and heritage is shared as part of our national identity
- Historical Acceptance: acceptance and agreement about the wrongs of the past, which can never be repeated.
Simply put, reconciliation is about respect — respect for each and every individual who is made in the image and likeness of God. It is about respect for culture. It is about respect for people and it is about respect for history. It is now 10 years since then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, on 13 February 2008, on behalf of our nation apologised and acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians over many decades.
National Sorry Day is an annual event that has been held in Australia on 26 May, beginning in 2008, to do exactly that. To say sorry and remember the ill treatment of our Indigenous Australians.
It is important that we all are a part of this process and teach our young people that respect of all cultures, including indigenous cultures, is important and very much a part of that Mercy concept of respect.
Within the College, Reconciliation Week has been celebrated in several ways. There have been lunchtime activities in the Youth Ministry Lounge, over the course of the week prayer cards in the form of hands have been written on and tied outside the Chapel, wristbands, in the colours of the Australian Aboriginal flag, have been made and distributed by Ministry students and a prayer service was conducted outside the Chapel on Friday.
As I think of my own heritage and culture, I would be deeply saddened if I was unable to celebrate it and pass it on to my children. Surely I can empathise with our Indigenous brothers and sisters who would want no less. May we, in Australia, come to celebrate and respect the traditions and culture of the peoples that have inhabited this land for centuries.
Last week, the College celebrated A Taste of MLMC, whereby families with children from Grades 4, 5 and 6 visited to participate in a range of activities initially centred around LOTE, Humanities, English and Technology. Given that large numbers registered for the event, the planning committee decided to double the number of activities and a total of 28 groups were rotated through. Although a bit crowded, the event was a huge success and I would like to thank all those who participated in any way.
We also remember those in our community who suffer the loss of loved ones, including Anny Van Duuren, a grandmother to Harry (Year 10) and Alex (Year 7). May Anny rest in peace.
God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal
