RAP Group – Meeting Three

Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination. They also provide an opportunity for communities, workplaces, and schools to articulate their own structured response in acknowledging their commitment to reconciliation.

The meeting began with the Acknowledgement of Country and a prayer from the Kimberley.

ABORIGINAL OUR FATHER

You are our Father, You live in heaven,

We talk to You. Father You are good.

We believe your Word, Father,

We are Your children, give us bread today.

We have done wrong, we are sorry,

Teach us, Father, all about Your Word.

Others have done wrong to us,

And we are sorry for them, Father, today.

Stop us from doing wrong, Father,

Save us all from the evil one.

This was most appropriate as the college hosted visitor from Kimberley Calling in the week before the meeting. Kimberley Calling are seeking teachers, open to the experience of learning, living and serving in the Catholic school communities of the Kimberley, who will inspire and engage each student of the Broome Diocese through the provision of a quality Catholic education.

201 people responded to the RAP survey (44 staff, 103 Students, 54 Community members) that was sent out across the community following RAP Meeting 2. The survey results provide some excellent base data about our reconciliation journey and certainly point the direct for actions that will form the final element of the RAP. The committee are not looking at framework for goals for action. We are using the three elements of the range: RELATIONSHIPS; RESPECT; OPPORTUNITIES. Goals are written in ach of the range elements for IN THE CLASSROOM; AROUND THE SCHOOL; WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. This makes a total of nine areas for consideration.

Committee members are Kyeema Brown; Shu Brown; Aaron Clarke; Jacob Gravell; Claudia Griffin; Tony Haintz; Ashleigh Kanoa; Erin Kanoa; Jon Kanoa; Justin Marson; Samara McLeod; Jeanette Morris; Andy Robertson; Paul Ryan

The committee is still very keen to have more members. Please contact Andy Robertson a.robertson@damascus.vic.edu.au or Tony Haintz t.haintz@damascus.vic.edu.au if you are interested in the RAP group.