2025 National Reconciliation Week “Bridging Now to Next.”

This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week was “Bridging Now to Next.” SAC has a proud reputation for supporting First Nations events and building understanding about First Nations culture. As part of this commitment, a group of First Nations students, along with the JAM leaders, were accompanied by Ms. McEvoy and Ms Graney to attend the National Reconciliation Breakfast.

This year’s breakfast was particularly momentous, with over 3,000 people in attendance—the largest Reconciliation Breakfast ever held in South Australia. This powerful turnout is a clear sign of how deeply reconciliation is valued in our state and highlights the growing momentum behind efforts to acknowledge, respect, and celebrate First Nations peoples and cultures.

Later that same day, the Year 9 students welcomed AFLW Port Adelaide Power player Jasmin Stewart. Jasmin shared her story of reconnecting with her culture and how that connection has become a source of strength and identity. She spoke candidly about the challenges and doubts she faced in her football career, and how perseverance and self-belief helped her overcome them.

One of the most powerful moments she shared was about designing the 2024 Indigenous guernsey for her club. The guernsey is deeply personal, incorporating artwork by her late grandfather and paying tribute to the story of her Nan, who was forcibly taken from her family as a child as part of the Stolen Generations.

Her story was a moving reminder of the strength found in embracing one’s heritage and the impact of representation in sport and beyond. A highlight of the visit was the opportunity for Elke Weetra and Harper McLean to present Jasmin with a ribbon they designed, with the support of India Bament Sitkowski, to celebrate the Indigenous Round.

The week ended in a splash of colour and community spirit with students across the school wearing yellow in support of First Nations organisation Children’s Ground, and with the smell of sausages as the Dukes Tiwi Island students raised money for projects on the island. It was a vibrant and heartfelt close to a week that not only celebrated culture and connection but also inspired action and solidarity across our school community.

Ms Viviana Graney
Primary Coordinator (Teaching & Learning) | First Nations Focus Teacher