Berinba was a hive of activity and deep thinking during National Reconciliation Week 2025, as students and staff embraced the theme Bridging Now to Next through a school-wide inquiry-based learning approach. With curiosity and respect, each class-room explored the meaning of reconciliation and why it is essential to acknowledge our shared history and take steps towards a more unified future.
Throughout the week, teachers became co-learners, walking alongside students on a journey to better understand Australia’s past and its ongoing commitment to healing. We discovered that although many of us were not responsible for historical injustices, it is still vital to recognise them, reflect, and act to build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Students examined key moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey, including National Sorry Day, the 2000 Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk for Reconciliation, the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the Voice to Parliament campaign. These significant events provided powerful insights into the importance of truth-telling, unity, and forward movement.
In Kindergarten, students engaged with the beautiful book Stories for Simon and created their own story stones. Each stone shared a promise — a small, thoughtful act each child could take to contribute to reconcile A highlight of the week was our Voice for Reconciliation performance by the SPEC Choir, who moved the school community with their rendition of Solid Rock by Goanna. Students then reflected on music as a powerful tool for healing. They listened to songs about reconciliation and responded through expressive drawing, capturing emotions and stories evoked by the music.
Classes also delved into artworks depicting reconciliation and healing journeys. Using the “I see, I think, I feel” model, students explored symbolism, colours, and stories behind the works, including the poster art of Bree Buttenshaw from Quandamooka Country. Inspired by these artworks, students created their own visual representations of healing — whether from personal experiences or as reflections on their learning during the week.
To showcase their commitment, each class designed a poster pledging their ongoing support for reconciliation.
Our Berinba Reconciliation Walk, led by the Year 5/6 students, brought the school together as each class visited others to view and appreciate these meaningful displays.
Here’s what some of our senior students from 5/6H had to say about the week:
• “I liked learning about all Australians coming together and saying sorry for taking over Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands and treating people differently.”
• “It taught us to be less judgemental and more understanding of differences.”
• “It’s about trying to right the wrongs of the past as a country.”
• “I’ll always remember that we are on Aboriginal land.”
• “The walk on Sydney Harbour Bridge showed the power of unity.”
And reflections on the Berinba Reconciliation Walk:
• “Good, we liked it!”
• “It was great seeing the creativity from other classes.”
• “We enjoyed making and sharing our posters.”
• “Nice to see how everyone expressed their ideas in different ways.”
• “Everyone worked hard and it showed.”
The week concluded with a true sense of togetherness. Our Reconciliation Walk was a symbolic and heartfelt way to bring the whole school’s learning to life — a moment of unity, reflection, and hope as we continue to walk forward together.
-Tara Verma
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.