Last week, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School proudly acknowledged National Reconciliation Week. Held annually from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week marks two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the 1967 Referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision.

At Ivanhoe Girls', our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a living commitment to fostering respect, relationships, and opportunities with First Nations peoples. This week’s activities reflect our school’s dedication to animating our commitment to reconciliation.

Highlights from National Reconciliation Week 2025 included:

• Students from both the Junior and Senior Schools attended Banyule City Council’s Healing Ceremony to mark Sorry Day on Monday 26 May
• 40 students competed in a sports carnival at Worowa Aboriginal College in Healesville
• Students from ELC to Year 12 enjoyed a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, creating opportunities for storytelling and connection
• A painting workshop with artist Kiewa Austin-Rioli invited students to contribute to a collaborative artwork, Kiewa also spent time with our school’s youngest learners in the ELC
• A cooking workshop where students prepared lemon myrtle scones celebrated Indigenous ingredients
• Information sessions were led by Australian History VCE students to educate their peers about the importance of truth telling and treaty
• A student-led assembly marked the end of National Reconciliation Week on Monday 3 June, and brought the community together to reaffirm our shared commitment to reconciliation. Guest speakers Matisse Knight and Angela Burt spoke with passion about their contributions to amplifying First Nations voices in the arts and sport.

Through these meaningful experiences, Ivanhoe Girls' continues to walk the path of reconciliation—learning from the past, listening in the present, and leading with purpose into the future. I extend my congratulations to student members of the FIRED UP! Club for their leadership of the various events held during the week, and to our dedicated staff for their generous support of the various student-led initiatives.

Ms Catherine Spurritt
Director of Learning and Innovation and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Coordinator