‘The theme for this year’s Reconciliation week is All In. It is a powerful call to action for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. It serves as a reminder that meaningful change requires shared responsibility, urging individuals, communities, and organisations to step away from the sidelines and actively participate in creating an equitable Australia.’
The Alice Springs Steiner School
Many of our member schools have been creating and participating in meaningful reconciliation events this week:
The Alice Springs Steiner School
At school, we choose to approach the topic of Reconciliation in an age-appropriate manner, threaded through our cross-curricular theme of Embracing Place. This can often mean more actions than words as we lead and encourage Respect, Wonder and Awe for this Ancient Land that we live, work, learn and play in. This year, the staff have chosen to take action by caring for a very special place behind the school, lovingly referred to as Crystal Mountain.
Many years ago, Doris Stuart, a very important traditional custodian of this place, wrote a story for our children. This story explains how the site of our school was chosen by Mparntwe custodians, and what our responsibilities are for continued care and awareness of Country. The story talks about Irrernte-arenye, the Little Spirit People of this land. Crystal Mountain is a place of significance for these Spirit People who watch over Country. It is therefore with permission and deep respect that we visit this area.
Now, according to the protocol of the Special Site, Class 6 take on the responsibility they were tasked by Doris, many years ago. The task is to lead each class up the hill, introduce themselves to Irrernte-arenye, and enjoy and care for the area.
Irrernte-arenye, we have come to visit:
We come with love in our hearts. We promise to walk carefully so that we don’t disturb the ground. We promise to talk quietly to respect the spirit of this place. We promise to check your houses and move only the stones that have fallen.
We thank you for sharing your Country with us and helping us to learn. We recognise your sacred place and will help Irrente-arenye protect this place.
The staff and children alike continue to learn on Country, from Country, and with Country, as was intended by those that came before us.
Megan Hatton
Pedagogical Director, The Alice Springs Steiner School
West Coast Steiner School
As part of the ongoing reconciliation work across our school, Class 5 have been “all in,” working hard to bring the story of Yagan to our community.
A Child Was Born Here: The Story of Yagan
Our play tells the story of Yagan, a Whadjuk Noongar leader, diplomat and freedom fighter, and explores the first encounters between Noongar people and the settlers of the Swan River Colony. Through drama, narration, language, song and authentic artefacts, our students share a story of Care for Country, law, friendship, cultural misunderstanding, conflict, and ultimately remembrance, healing and reconciliation.
This gentle and original retelling has grown out of Class 5 exploring local history and geography, Noongar culture and language, and the early colonial period. We have worked with a local historian, museum guide and author whose research has been overseen by Elder Simon Forrest, and the script has been developed with care and respect for the cultural significance of Yagan’s story and the special place it holds in Western Australian history.
Elaine Meyer and Patricia Cook
Class 5 Maar Co-Teacher and Cultural Studies Teacher, West Coast Steiner School
