At Coromandel Valley Primary School, we are committed to Reconciliation as an integral part of our school culture. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that respects and acknowledges the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples. As part of this commitment, we seek ongoing feedback from Narragunnawali, on our Reconciliation Action Plan, to ensure it remains relevant and impactful.

Recently, we received feedback regarding the Acknowledgement of Country that is shared at each assembly. An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement that pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather. It is a way to recognise the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country and to acknowledge their enduring culture and contributions. This practice is valued as it fosters respect, understanding, and a sense of shared history and future.

Our Year 6 Environmental Tirkanthi (Kaurna for learning) Leaders took the initiative to redevelop our acknowledgment so that it reflects our respect and gratitude. They workshopped ideas with Year 2 students, so that it reflects understanding of different learners in the community. It now reads:

We acknowledge and respect the Kaurna people and their beautiful country on which we live, learn and play together.

For this we say thank you.

We promise to look after the environment and people, too.

We also acknowledge elders, past, present and future.

Here is the land,

Here is the sky,

Here are my friends,

And here am I.

In addition to the assembly acknowledgment, each class at our school has developed its own Acknowledgement of Country. These are shared daily, reinforcing our commitment to recognising and respecting the Traditional Custodians of the land in our everyday activities. Through these actions, we aim to nurture a school culture that values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and supports the journey towards Reconciliation. We believe that by embedding these practices into our daily routines, we are taking meaningful steps towards a more inclusive and respectful community.

We’d love for families and community members to be part of our journey towards Reconciliation. One way to get involved is by joining our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group meetings, which are advertised in the school newsletter and on Seesaw.