Community
12 June, 2026
Students mark Reconciliation Week
CAMPERDOWN College students at both the junior and senior campuses engaged in a variety of themed activities to mark National Reconciliation Week.
National Reconciliation Week ran from May 27 to June 3, with students exploring a variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture topics.
Specific activities included discussions on the 1967 referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution and Mabo Day, which marks the anniversary of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s campaign to have Indigenous land rights recognised.
Junior campus Marrung leader Jeannie Cook said junior campus students participated in a variety of interactive sessions as part of the week.
“Our Year Three/Four students joined Indigenous author, artist and poet Kirli Saunders in a live online session where they listened to stories and reflected on important themes of culture, connection and reconciliation,” she said.
“Throughout the week, junior campus students learned and performed Midnight Oil’s 1987 song Beds Are Burning, sharing the song at assembly.
“While wet weather prevented us from gathering at the Wombeetch Puyuun Reconciliation Park as planned, students learned about the Liwura Gundidj people of the Djargurd Wurrung nation and the significance of Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) – the last recognised leader of the local area.”
Senior campus Marrung leader Alice Adams said secondary students engaged in discussions into other events in Australia’s history, including the National Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008.
“These discussions helped students develop a deeper understanding of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and the importance of recognising First Nations histories and perspectives,” she said.
“Homegroup activities provided students with opportunities to reflect on their own role in promoting reconciliation within the school community.
“Through thoughtful discussions and personal reflection, students considered how their actions can contribute to building respectful relationships and a more inclusive future for all Australians.”
Both Marrung leaders said Reconciliation Week provided an opportunity to learn, reflect and deepen students’ understanding of Australia’s shared history.
“By learning about the past and listening to First Nations voices, our students are helping to build a future based on respect, understanding and reconciliation,” they said.
“The learning experiences encouraged students to think critically about the past while considering how they can support reconciliation in their everyday lives.”
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