Parents and Caregivers,
Today is National Sorry Day, a time for us all to acknowledge and understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.
To become a reconciled and culturally responsive society, we must look deeply within our own hearts to understand the injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We must use our empathy and compassion to understand the deep trauma and suffering the Stolen Generations and their families have endured. Let’s acknowledge their bravery and strengths.
The Stolen Generations continue to be brave in sharing their stories, and this year I want to share the project ‘Stolen Generations’ Testimonies’ and encourage you to take some time to listen and recognise the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
I also recommend you watch the live stream of the Sorry Day event to memorialise the 25th Anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report in Australian Federal Parliament in 1997. This will be streamed from the newly completed Stolen Generations Memorial within Moort-ak-Waadiny (Wellington Square) in East Perth. It will include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, speakers and musical performances.
Warriapendi Primary School is proud of the connections we have with the land upon which we meet and learn each day, and is constantly seeking new ways to develop effective, responsive relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Next week, students from Warriapendi Primary School will attend a special event at Binna Parkland as we learn more about National Reconciliation Week.
Sincerely
Matt Pinkard
Principal