At Star of the Sea College, reconciliation is more than a statement of intent – it is an ongoing commitment to truth-telling, shared learning and meaningful relationship-building with First Nations Peoples and communities.
Grounded in our identity as a Presentation community, we acknowledge the Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, gather and grow. We recognise the rich history of caring, teaching and learning on this Country for over 65,000 years and commit to honouring and respecting the continuous connection to land, waterways, culture and community.
After several years of collaboration between staff, students, local Elders and community partners, the College proudly launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in April 2026, marking an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to justice, reconciliation and authentic action.
The RAP was formally launched at a special whole-school assembly led by Chair of the RAP Committee and Indigenous Education Coordinator, Kate Challen. Members of the College community joined the occasion, including Principal Mary O’Connor and representatives from the College Board, Kildare Ministries, the Presentation Sisters and our partner school, Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS).
We were honoured to welcome Caroline Martin-Briggs, a proud Boonwurrung and Wemba Wemba woman, cultural consultant and daughter of Elder Carolyn Briggs AM, PhD, as keynote speaker for the launch. Caroline shared her family’s story on Country and spoke powerfully about the importance of cultural knowledge, truth-telling and creating lasting change through education and community.
The launch was enriched by powerful student contributions and performances. School Captains Iesha-Melani and Charlotte also read the College’s Vision for Reconciliation, affirming our commitment to justice, shared learning and authentic reconciliation grounded in the values of Compassion, Justice and Hospitality.
Guided by our motto Facta Non Verba (Deeds not Words), the RAP reflects Star’s commitment to purposeful action through:
- meaningful integration of First Nations perspectives and knowledge across the curriculum
- active celebration of significant cultural days and weeks
- environmental stewardship and care for Country
- authentic representation and visibility of culture
- co-design and collaboration with First Nations communities
- fostering truth-telling, understanding and shared responsibility.
A special congratulations to Year 12 student Tenielle, whose striking artwork was created for the RAP cover. Drawing on her Miriwoong heritage, Tenielle’s piece symbolises community, connection, resilience, cultural renewal and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan is not the end of a process, but the continuation of an important journey. As a community, we remain committed to listening, learning and walking together with authenticity and purpose as we continue to foster understanding, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and cultivate a culturally responsive environment where every person’s identity is recognised and respected.and walking together in the spirit of reconciliation, respect and hope for a more just and inclusive future.
Tenielle explains, ‘Indigenous tribes each have unique cultures; I drew on my Miriwoong heritage, influenced by its revival from near loss. This piece centres on a meeting place, symbolising community, connection, and knowledge passed from Elders to younger generations. Leaves and the river flowing through the centre represent growth, resilience, cultural renewal, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. The ochre border and animal tracks reflect connection to Country and the natural environment.’
