It’s a cool, cloudy morning in Yarra Junction. Students and teachers mingle in the campus’ new central gathering area, some sitting on rocks and logs in loose groups, others sipping warm drinks and leaning on handrails. At the top of the hill, children from Cire Early Learning sit close together on mats, their chatter soft in the dewy air.
Today’s gathering marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week at Cire Community School, Yarra Junction Campus.
On the gravel path, Wurundjeri Elder John Terrick sets up a firepit with practised ease. Curious eyes follow while minds focus on the day’s morning briefing, sharing great things that the students have done over the last week like helping others, showing perseverance and strength, or working as a team. It’s a positive start to the day, and a positive start to National Reconciliation Week 2026.
Why Reconciliation?
Reconciliation is about us all. It shows up in how students learn, how stories are shared, and how community is built. Cire’s reconciliation journey is about recognising history, listening deeply, and encouraging new generations to learn with understanding and respect.
The Yarra Junction campus reflects its surroundings. Native plantings and natural materials shape the central gathering area, creating spaces where students can be present with one another. We were fortunate to hear a poem written by senior student Hannah R, which gives us the aspect of reconciliation from our own youth:
Reconciliation’s flame, a beacon bright,
Illuminates the path, dispelling night.
With open hearts, we bridge the great divide,
Respect and love, our constant, guiding tide.
No matter race, nor creed, nor ancient past,
One nation’s spirit, built to ever last.
From every corner, voices rise as one,
A tapestry of souls, beneath the sun.
In Aussie soil, our common ground we find,
A future forged, with empathy defined.
Together standing, hand in helping hand,
A reconciled and vibrant, promised land.
Her words reflect both hope and responsibility, capturing how younger generations are thinking about reconciliation in their own lives.
Welcome to Country
As an Elder, Uncle John welcomed the community to Country, acknowledging the care of Elders past and present and inviting everyone to walk respectfully on Wurundjeri land.
For Uncle John, reconciliation is about coming back together. It means recognising the past, even when it is difficult, and taking responsibility so that something stronger can be built in its place.
“Australia is a nation,” Uncle John says. “We are all Australian, now.”
He spoke about modelling compassion for young people, and teaching them to care for each other as part of a shared future. This is how healing can happen.
As the smoking ceremony began, fragrant smoke from Manna Gum leaves drifted across the gathering space. One by one, staff and students stepped into the healing smoke, letting it cleanse body and spirit as it has traditionally cleansed the land and people for tens of thousands of years.
Taking the time to listen and participate is part of that healing. As Cire carries out our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, our community will experience more opportunities to learn, reflect and put reconciliation into practice.
View and download Cire’s Reflect RAP.
