Reconciliation Week
Students lead the way.
Wenona's National Reconciliation Week program demonstrated authentic engagement and student initiative. This year's theme, ‘Now more than ever’, particularly struck a chord with the girls who embraced the opportunity to drive meaningful conversations about justice and reconciliation in ways that embodied the Wenona motto, Ut Prosim, that I may serve.
The week began with Year 12 Aboriginal Studies students presenting their academic Major Projects at Tuesday's Senior School Assembly. The young women presented their research and understanding of Indigenous culture with such authenticity and respect, demonstrating their genuine investment in learning.
Wednesday's yarning circle provided one of the week's most powerful moments. Thirty students from Years 10 to 12 gathered on the Woodstock rooftop with Aunty Vivianne Freeman, Manager of the Yurungai Learning Centre, a proud Wiradjuri woman and Senior Youth Worker with over 20 years at Barnados.
Year 11 students, Emmy and Sophie, explained how the session unfolded: "During this event, we sat in a circle and asked Aunty Viv questions about her different experiences and perspectives as a First Nations person. Questions varied from discussions on Australian media, to experiences that Aunty Viv has had in the past. Personally, we found it really insightful because it was interesting, especially as an Aboriginal studies student, to hear a personal perspective on different topics surrounding First Nations rights and reconciliation."
Explaining the broader significance of their participation, Emmy and Sophie said: "It is so important for us, as the Wenona community, to involve ourselves in Reconciliation Week activities so that we are doing our part in acknowledging the injustices experienced by First Nations peoples and collectively moving towards creating a pathway of healing.”
Further student-led initiatives demonstrated remarkable planning and commitment. Year 11 students, Ren Ai and Georgina, spent months organising a craft market featuring handmade items from the students and their families. As Ren Ai explained: "For the craft market, we started preparing from Term 4 last year. It showed the outcome of an amazing collaboration between the Creative Arts Club, Crochet and Craft and the Library Committee.”
The attention to detail was impressive. Students learned digital art basics and how to create 18 original sticker designs using Procreate, an iPad drawing app, while the Library Committee carefully crafted upcycled bookmarks from old library materials.
The choice of charity reflected genuine connection to the week's theme. "We will be donating to the Yurungai Learning Centre," the students explained. "This was because we wanted to help an organisation that supports Indigenous school students. The Centre focuses on education and cultural activities for primary school children, providing them with an after-school meal.”
Friday's Cooking for the Community event saw 25 students preparing meals for Street Buffet, which delivers food to vulnerable communities in South Maroubra and Woolloomooloo. Students learned about the challenges faced in communities with significant Indigenous populations, while demonstrating an understanding and appreciation that service takes many forms.