ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Reconciliation Week 2025
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.
Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.
Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
In Week 5, our Aboriginal students engaged in a native plants workshop, learning about the many uses of plants by our First Nations people. K-6 students also engaged in an online Zoom workshop with the Museum of History NSW, learning about first contacts between Aboriginal people and colonists aboard the First Fleet, and also had the opportunity to reflect on this year’s Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, and consider the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
On Tuesday, our school engaged in an exciting Aboriginal Activities Day, where students participated in a range of Aboriginal cultural workshops including rock painting, local Dreaming stories, artefacts and totems, traditional games and the many uses of bush tucker. We were so blessed to be joined on the day by Uncle Kev, Uncle Mark Mongta, Uncle Peter Button, Sam Mongta, Karan Taylor (Aboriginal Education Officer) and Sam Mongta, all who contributed to making the day extremely special for all.
A highlight for the day was the smoking ceremony provided by Uncle Mark Mongta and his son Sam Mongta, a ceremony of cleansing and healing for our school.
We look forward to continuing to walk together, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, in learning about Aboriginal culture, and journeying together in reconciliation.
ICAS 2025 Information
Students from Years 3 to 6 are invited to take part in the 2025 International Competition and Assessments for Schools (ICAS).
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:
- Read about ICAS subjects and prices here
- Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
- Read the terms and conditions here
- Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here
- Enter our school’s access code – PEV240
Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.
Lindsay Burns
Assistant Principal