PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Student Free Day
A reminder to families that our second Student Free Day of the year is next Tuesday 11th June. During this day we will be connecting with the new Public Education Strategy by delving into the Area of Impact of Effective Learners and also workshopping quality lesson structures, curriculum outlines and how to seek improvement for the conditions for learning for our students at Balaklava High School.
Parent notice from the Department
As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, eligible families with school-aged children will receive a $200 discount per child on their public school’s materials and services charge for 2025. This is double the discount provided for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Please see the Parent Letter attached.
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The date of National Reconciliation Week is the same each year – 27th May to 3rd June.
Why? Well, let’s explain!
Both of these dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey in Australia – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
On 27th May 1967, Australia experienced the most successful referendum that saw more than 90% of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
On 3rd June 1992, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge of the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title. It is also the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Torres Strait Islander flag.
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.
About the theme
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must — continue.
There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.
Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people and are with us.
Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.
Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.
Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
To recognize this important moment in history and to show our support for reconciliation in Australia, we gathered together to walk the perimeter of our school. Many of us wore a touch of yellow to support the Aboriginal Children’s Ground.
We look forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week early in Term 3.
Wishing all of our staff, students and families a fantastic long weekend and we looking forward to seeing students back on deck next Wednesday 12th June.
Regards
Derek Friedrichs
Principal