National Reconciliation Week is an important time when we reflect on our nation’s journey towards unity and healing. The week begins and ends with two very significant events on the Australian calendar:
- 27 May – The 1967 Referendum: This marks the moment when First Nations Peoples were officially recognised as part of the Australian population, following a national vote to amend the Constitution.
- 3 June – Mabo Day: This day honours Eddie Mabo, the man who challenged the legal concept of terra nullius—the false idea that Australia was “nobody’s land” before colonisation. His efforts led to a landmark High Court decision that recognised the land rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Reconciliation Week invites all Australians to learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward a more just and equitable future—one grounded in truth-telling, respect, and partnership.
“The One” – Two piece artwork collaboration
In 2020, St Therese’s School initiated the development of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), collaborating with the CES Identity and Outreach Team, school leadership, our Indigenous Liaison Officer, and students. Together, we crafted a unique school icon, incorporating traditional landmarks with guidance from Cairns elder Hendrick Fourmile. Mrs Kimberly See Kee, a proud Kuku Yalanji and Kunganji woman, led students in creating a vibrant diptych painting titled ‘One,’ inspired by the RAP icon and the school’s vision, “Inspired by Christ, we journey together embracing faith, life, and learning.” Students from Year 4 to Year 6 dedicated their lunchtimes to contribute to this artwork, which reflects not only our RAP icon and vision but also the natural wonders surrounding us— the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, waterways, and mountains.
The top canvas symbolises the surrounding mountains and coastal reef, embodying connections among staff, students, parents, parish and community.
The bottom canvas depicts our school’s RAP Icon, featuring elements like the Bible, school, Church, sun reef, mountains and trees, all previously workshopped by students.
Displayed proudly in our school entry foyer, ‘One’ has become a catalyst for conversations, pride and respect among students and staff.
Our school, St Therese’s, sits on sacred land which holds connection to their ancestors and their histories. We respect, honour and embrace all cultures across this land that we work, pray, learn and grow on.
St Therese’s respects our Traditional Owners of this land, the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji people, who hold the knowledge of these lands and waterways. We pay respects to their elders and all elders past and present. We journey together inspired by Christ embracing faith, life and learning.
(2023 Acknowledgement to Country authored by our 2023 Year 6 First Nation Students and our Indigenous Liaison Officer Leanne Wanders.)
