National Reconciliation Week 2024 | Encounter Lutheran College
Acknowledging National Reconciliation Week at Encounter Lutheran College
Across this week, students in the Junior School at Encounter Lutheran College have been exploring and reflecting on what Sorry Day means to different groups of Australians. Students explored this through various picture books, a first-hand account from a First Nations woman (Ruth’s Story, sourced from Australians Together) and a personal reflection from Cedric Varcoe, local Ngarrindjeri elder. Prior to Reconciliation Week, students discussed issues together, identified emotions and wrote letters to share their thoughts and feelings regarding the loss of family and land.
As a unique learning experience to mark Sorry Day, each class at Encounter spent time on our parcel of land, Wurar Ruwi (meaning Place of the Red Gum). Each session commenced with an Acknowledgement of Country, thoughtfully written by our Year 4 students. This was followed by activities tailored to each year level, with a focus on understanding and reflecting on past events, particularly the Stolen Generation, and the importance of empathy and reconciliation.
To symbolise their care for each other and Country, students came together to cook and share damper around the campfire.
