03 Jun 2025
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements—and to reflect on how we can contribute to building a more united future. This year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” invites us to strengthen the bridge from now to next.
As part of our learning, Year 1 had a special visit from Uncle Pete, who shared his cultural knowledge and storytelling skills with our students. Uncle Pete read Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, opening a thoughtful discussion about reconciliation and the importance of recognising and respecting Aboriginal culture and connection to Country.
He taught the children about Aboriginal symbols, explaining their meanings and how they’re used in traditional storytelling. Students will be using these symbols in their own creative writing later this year!
Uncle Pete also demonstrated how to draw native animals found on Wiradjuri Country, inspiring students to begin their own artworks, blending animal illustrations with cultural symbols.
We proudly shared our new Acknowledgment of Country, and to close the visit, Uncle Pete painted the children with traditional ochre, explaining its ceremonial significance and connection to the bora rings once used here in Gundagai.