Our Reconciliation Action Plan represents our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and our intent towards strengthening respectful relationships and opportunities in the classroom, around our Colleges and with local communities. Reconciliation Action Plan CREST EDUCATION MARCH 2023-24
As a Christian organisation founded on the Gospel of love, we seek to embody a spirit of reconciliation... 2
CREST Education’s vision for reconciliation is to embrace and foster respect, understanding and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, histories, cultures and stories in the learning communities at Hillcrest Christian College and Rivercrest Christian College. As a Christian organisation founded on the Gospel of love, we seek to embody a spirit of reconciliation where we acknowledge the truth of our shared past, engage wholeheartedly in our present reconciliation journey so that we may strive together towards a tomorrow in which inclusion, justice, equality and peace is the lived experience for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians. We are committed to learning and listening, to growing our collective appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, practices, beliefs and languages, and deepening our embedding of culturally effective curriculum and pedagogical approaches that celebrate and honour the role of First Nations peoples within and beyond the community. Vision for reconciliation
Further develop and strengthen relationships with Elders of the Kulin Nation as they speak into our journey towards becoming a reconciled community. Celebrate visibly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritages and histories in our College’s physical environment. Ensure that our Colleges are culturally safe environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are treated with inclusion, dignity and respect. Embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, cultures and stories in the curriculum, with particular recognition of Australia’s colonial past, fostering a truthful understanding of our history and how it may impact on the community today. Our Reconciliation Action Plan represents our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and our intent towards strengthening respectful relationships and opportunities in the classroom, around our Colleges and with local communities. Our Aims 4
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FIRST PEOPLE’S HEART A biblical Mandate
We begin from the starting point that all humans are made in the image of God and are thus to be equally respected, included and supported in society (Genesis 1:26-27). The teaching of the prophets consistently links faithfulness to God with a willingness to care for those members of society who are on the margins or have been treated unjustly. See for example Isaiah 58:1-11; Amos 2:6-7; 4:1-5; 5:10-15, 21-24. Jesus’ example of ministry and his teaching point us to a focus on showing kindness and compassion to those marginalised by society (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus described his call to ministry as one which was bound up with proclaiming good news for the poor and oppressed (Luke 4:16-19), and he taught that our response to those in need represents a response to Christ himself (Matthew 25:31-46). The New Testament Epistles describe a community without distinctions (Galatians 3:28) and give Christians the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18) and of pursuing peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14). In the light of these biblical principles, CREST sees that the single area within Australian society where there is the keenest need for reconciliation and peace-making, where people have been dispossessed and continue to be marginalised, where there is a need for respect and the recognition of the presence of God, is in our relationship and heart for the First Peoples of this country.* *extracted from the CSA First Peoples Heart Document 7
The final scene in the Biblical story is a vision of shalom. It is a picture of relational and cultural flourishing. People from every tribe and tongue gather in reconciled community, in a complete reversal of the fractured relationships that occurred through the fall (Revelation 7:9; 21:1-5; 22:1-5). It represents a culmination of the whole narrative of scripture, where God is reconciling the world to himself, and inviting his people to join with him in seeking justice and establishing peace in their present contexts. Jesus inaugurated a Kingdom where all people, irrespective of race, colour or background, would be equally loved and valued. This Kingdom would be marked by compassion, justice, forgiveness, peace and self-giving love. At Jesus’ ascension, the responsibility of embodying this Kingdom passed on to all those who would choose to follow him. Empowered by His Spirit, we are called to offer our world a glimpse of God’s future in our present world (John 20:21-22).* FIRST PEOPLE’S HEART Theological reflection *extracted from the CSA First Peoples Heart Document 9
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CREST Education acknowledges the Bunurong peoples as the Traditional Owners of this Land on which our precinct is built. We are thankful to God for the opportunity to understand First Nations peoples and their ongoing cultural and spiritual connection with this Country. CREST Education is committed to partnering with our First Nations peoples and pay deep respect to Elders, past, present and future, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of other communities who may be here today. ACKNOWLEDGMENT of Country 11
Cultural Responsiveness for Staff We are supported to reflect on and build our cultural responsiveness to improve our practice and best support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. We are provided with a range of opportunities to build our knowledge and understanding of our own positionality and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, contributions and cultures. Reconciliation Projects Our school will collaborate on projects that visibly and authentically embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in culture of collaboration across the school and with the community, and community members acknowledge, respect and experience connection to the First Australians. RELATIONSHIPS Around the school
Welcome to Country Where appropriate, significant events at our school commence with a Welcome to Country. Protocols for welcoming visitors to Country have been a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years. By incorporating these protocols into formal events and important occasions, we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Custodians of the Land. Celebrate National Reconciliation Week Our school community celebrates National Reconciliation Week (NRW) which is held from 27 May to 3 June each year by talking about reconciliation in the classroom and around the school and celebrating with the community. NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort. Build Relationships with Community We commit to building relationships with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community that are built on mutual respect, trust and inclusiveness. We value these relationships and their role in helping to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous staff, students, children and community members. With the Community 13
Teach about Reconciliation Our school community is committed to learning about reconciliation in Australia. Having an understanding of the concept, history and progress of reconciliation is an important part of continuing the reconciliation journey. This understanding also helps to strengthen engagement with our school’s RAP by positioning it within the broader story of reconciliation in Australia. Explore Current Affairs and Issues We are committed to raising awareness of current affairs and issues in the public domain that are of particular significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the process of reconciliation. This will be done through curriculum delivery, policies and procedures, and will be integrated into the ethos of our school. RESPECT In the Classroom Acknowledgement of Country Our school recognises the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the Country on which we live, work, learn and grow. All staff and students have the opportunity to show respect to Traditional Owners and Custodians by regularly conducting an Acknowledgement of Country at meetings and events throughout the year. Visibly Demonstrate Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures We commit to demonstrating our respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in the physical environment of our school. We understand that making our respect visible in the relevant and culturally appropriate art, artefacts and symbolism intentions and actions clear to our students, parents and the broader community. Around the School 14
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags Our school flies or displays the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags as a demonstration of our pride and respect for the histories, cultures and contributions of Australia’s First Peoples. Flying or displaying the flags promotes a sense of community partnership and a commitment toward reconciliation. Take Action Against Racism Racism can have serious negative consequences for the people who experience it, for those who witness it, and for wider society. When racism is properly understood it is easier to overcome. We commit to building awareness of what racism is, the impacts of racism and how to respond effectively when it occurs through an anti-racism strategy tailored to the needs of our school. RESPECT With the Community 17
Curriculum Planning Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in curriculum planning, development and evaluation processes is a key and ongoing consideration across all year levels and learning areas. Curriculum documents have or will be audited to identify the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions are already embedded, and to identify opportunities for strengthening the representation of this content in the curriculum. OPPORTUNITIES In the Classroom
Inclusive Policies All staff in our school are aware of policies that refer specifically to improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and increasing knowledge of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in Australia. We have a plan in place to ensure all staff comply with these policies in their daily practice. Our internal policies have been, or will be, amended to ensure they are also inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and increase knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in Australia. Staff Engagement with RAP Commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) from all staff is essential for developing a RAP that is implemented in a meaningful and sustainable way. All staff will be involved in the ongoing development and implementation of our RAP through staff development opportunities facilitated by the RAP Working Group. Around the School Celebrate RAP Progress We are committed to reflecting on the progress made in the growth of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions in our school. We will track the progress of our RAP, continually revisit our commitments, and celebrate our achievements, while generating new ideas to develop and sustain our RAP into the future. With the Community 19
RAP Working Group Brendan Kelly (Executive Principal) Jonathan Shrapnel (Deputy Principal Campus Operations) David Shaw (Director of Inquiry & Research) Luke Smithard Staff (teaching) Carol Vandeloo Staff (teaching) Gill Birkett Staff (teaching) Sasha Lucas Staff (teaching) Sarah Andrawis Staff (teaching) Kelly Thompson Staff (teaching) Melissa Martin Staff (teaching) Angie Ganeshvaran Staff (teaching) Heather Johns Staff (teaching) Bruce Wallace Staff (teaching) Donna Adams Staff (teaching) Shem Joseph Staff (teaching) Belinda Iudiciani Staff (teaching) Alicia Galicia Staff (teaching) Jayne Driessen Staff (teaching) Kerryn Leister (teaching) Cathy Mason (teaching) Sue Perros (non-teaching) Contributors CREST Education Ltd would like to acknowledge the following contributors to the development of this RAP: Simon McCormick - Australians Together Murrundindi Murrundindi - Ngurangaeta - Wurrundjeri Pallyan Pallyan - Murrundindi Wurrundjeri RAP Parent Group Lauren Rush Heela Arsala Stephanie Chiswell Olivia Brain Geraldine Rocha Vite
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