For students, teachers, and parents of Glenroi Heights Public School, the annual National Reconciliation Week is more than just a date – it’s a time for celebration and reconnection to culture.

“We’ve been doing the annual Reconciliation March, COVID did stop us from last year from doing it, so it was nice to be able to reconnect with community today,” says teacher Kylie Greatbatch.

“For us, it’s a connection day. The kids can look at us moving forward as a union, as a country, and gain an appreciation for cultural perspective.”

With displays of traditional dancing, awards presentation, and of course, the school marching united for Reconciliation.

School Captains Lillianna Stevens-Keane and Lilly-Grace Taylor expressed the importance of marching and what it means to them.

“It makes me feel better. Because it’s not only very important for culture, but it’s good to get outside, talk to people and connect with them,” Lillianna says.

Lily-Grace, who is one of the dancers involved in the school’s traditional dance group explains, “The Reconciliation dance makes me feel happy because we’re connecting to country and honouring our ancestors.”

Kylie elaborates on the significance of the dance for the students, “The narrative we put behind our traditional dance group is connecting totem groups and many language groups that reside in the Orange area – as it is a meeting place. It’s a celebration, the kids are celebrating their ancestral spirits’ culture and reconnecting with one and other.”

During the march, students showed off their hand-crafted banners at the head of each classroom group. With many smiles enjoying the cloudless sunny day, walking together proud, while moving towards a future of true unity as a people.