At our Monday assembly this week, students from Years 3 – 12 considered reconciliation, specifically with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. The assembly was led by our students and included the reading, by Lara and Marndah, of a picture book entitled ‘Sorry Day’ by Coral Vass. We listened to Garrumul and Paul Kelly sing Amazing Grace, considered the Acknowledgement of Country read by Indigo, one of our Year 4 students, and were lead in prayer by our School Captain, Tia, who prayed for reconciliation and peace in our country. The assembly itself was a poignant reminder of the history of Aboriginal people in our country. I was thankful that students in our school community were able to celebrate their Aboriginality, and actively participate in this assembly. My prayer is that all students were cared for and loved in this experience.
We were particularly thankful for the presentation by our special guest, Pastor Michael Dumas. Michael is from the Birpai Nation and is the pastor of 4Life Church in Telegraph Point. Michael spoke to us about both of his grandparents who suffered as part of the Stolen Generation. It was very impacting to hear how this had shaped each of them and how this has shaped him. Michael’s reflections on the sadness of his family experience were helpful because of the explicit encouragement to us all to not hold grudges, to make peace, and to be reconciled with each other. He explained that this was truly by way of the crucified and resurrected Jesus. I am thankful to Michael for the raw honesty of his remarks and his positive, future-focused approach to reconciliation and the true restoration of souls found in Jesus. I look forward to continuing and deepening our relationship.
In the assembly we read an excerpt from former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd’s 2008 ‘Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples’ speech:
“We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities, and their country. For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry. To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers, and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry. And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.”
As Principal of Heritage Christian School, I am grateful for Kevin Rudd’s speech and the many Indigenous families who are part of our school community. As we continue to work together I am hopeful for bright futures for all our children.
In Matthew 5 Jesus describes that in God’s kingdom, we are not the king, nor the judge. In God’s kingdom all are made equal in Christ. In God’s kingdom it will be the meek who inherit the earth, it will be those who mourn who will be comforted, those who thirst for righteousness that will be filled. It will be the peacemakers who will be called the children of God. To be blessed in God’s kingdom one must put their faith in Jesus, only then will we be restored to God. “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me” says Jesus. It is good news indeed that God’s desire is for us to be reconciled with Him.
I encourage our families to speak with their children about this topic and that we have hope found in Jesus that will shape our future for good. Thank you for partnering with us as we educate our young people to Honour God and treat others with dignity.
I am praying for a rich week of learning and peace.
Yours sincerely
Matt Cohen
Principal
