FOUR Catholic schools experienced reconciliation through education when they joined with Aboriginal elders and the wider parish community of Holy Rosary, Windsor, for recent Sorry Day celebrations.
In acknowledging the journey of healing started by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s historic national apology in February, students from Holy Rosary; Corpus Christi College, Nundah; Brigidine College, Indooroopilly; and St Agatha’s Primary School, Clayfield, took part in a reflective ceremony and cultural activities promoting reconciliation through education.
To the strains of the didgeridoo, the Holy Rosary Dance Group, led by accomplished leader Uncle Country, performed a number of Wakka Wakka Dances.
Holy Rosary assistant principal for religious education Leree Mazzer produced a celebration that incorporated prayers and hymns in a vigorous Catholic response to the urgency for transformation and liberation in the reconciliation process.
After an acknowledgement of country, Aboriginal elder Aunty Maud spoke about overcoming the pain and grief of past injustices to build with this shared knowledge to secure a brighter future.
It was a powerful and uplifting speech, and its impact was etched on the faces of the assembled, including acclaimed Aboriginal author Aunty Ruth Hegarty and Lutwyche parish priest Fr Richard Pascoe.
Artist, didgeridoo player and human rights activist Rodney Boschmann, passionately addressed the gathering about the immense privilege in being able to perform and share indigenous culture with the community.
A member of the Stolen Generations, who grew up in Holland, his parting words made a strong impact on the gathering.
Later a series of literacy, art and physical education activities brought the students together, embedding indigenous perspectives in enriching the curriculum.
Holy Rosary principal Dr Phil Standen said the special connection Holy Rosary had with Corpus Christi College, Brigidine College and St Agatha’s, strengthened and deepened their charter for “Reconciliation through Education” within Brisbane archdiocese.
He said the students and the community shared a reconciliation cake at a morning tea that highlighted the community outreach and contributed to the festive mood of the day.
“The students mingled with mutual respect in creating their own shared stories and celebrating their own intertwined futures,” he said.
