CYS’s National Apology Anniversary assembly commemorated the ten years since Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tabled a motion in parliament on February 13, 2008, apologizing to Australia’s Indigenous people, particularly the Stolen Generations and their families and communities, for the laws and policies that inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss.
Our AECO Sonya Rankine introduced the assembly with its historic background then students Andrea Rigney and Lynarah Newchurch read the Welcome to Country in Narungga.
The audience viewed a short documentary film clip of Kevin Rudd’s speech which was followed by a minute’s silence.
Principal Grant Keleher made a short address, reflecting on the day in terms of our school and its local community.
The assembly concluded with the poignant and moving song ‘Took the Children Away’ by Arnie Roach.
Guests and visitors enjoyed a morning tea and students met in class groups to complete a special art project and reflect on the day’s significance.