San Sisto College reaffirms its commitment to Reconciliation this National Reconciliation Week

San Sisto College, Carina has taken another significant step forward in its Reconciliation journey, officially publishing its sixth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) since 2018.

Relationships in the classroom

Assistant Principal Community Engagement and Mission Jillian Dearling said the milestone has special significance this National Reconciliation Week (NRW) (27 May – 3 June), a time for all Australians to reflect on shared histories, cultures and achievements, and recommit to Reconciliation.

“At the heart of our RAP is a renewed commitment to building genuine relationships and deep respect across every part of our College,” she said.

“This starts in the classroom, by ensuring our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students feel seen and supported, while also providing opportunities for students to showcase pride in their culture in front of their peers.”

At San Sisto College, Jillian explains this comes to life through embedding First Nations perspectives across subject areas including History, Geography, Science, The Arts and Religion.

“Our Year 11 students are currently learning about the Stolen Generation, as well as First Nations Spiritualties in Religion and Ethics,” she said.

“Our Year 7 Students learn about the traditional custodians of the land our school is on, the Yuggera people.”

Opportunities for First Nations students

“We are also committed to creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations students,” Jillian said.

“One of the key actions already implemented is the introduction of a First Nations Student Ambassador role, a new leadership position at our College.

“The inaugural ambassador, Year 12 student and proud Bundjalung woman Zara, plays an important role in official ceremonies and contributes to the Student Voice Group, ensuring First Nations perspectives are represented in College life.”

“I'm proud to be asked to be the San Sisto College First Nations Ambassador because I have been able to represent other First Nations students at the College,” Zara said.

“I have been given some amazing opportunities in this role, representing the College at many events, and connecting with other First Nations peoples who are so inspiring. 

“I'm proud to stand up in front of my peers and be the voice of First Nations Peoples.”

Relationships with community 

Jillian adds, in developing our RAP we also sought to answer key questions, what would help families feel genuinely welcome in our College community?

What would empower them to have a voice in College life, and how can our College ensure that First Nations families feel confident and connected within our community?

“Our parents and carers told us they wanted to be more involved, to be present on campus, to share in their children’s learning and to feel a true sense of belonging within our community,” she said.

“In response, we have made a strong commitment to inviting families into the life of the College in meaningful and respectful ways, creating spaces where their voices are heard, their culture is celebrated, and their contributions are valued as an essential part of who we are.”

The College will host a shared meal on Wednesday 27 May, marking the beginning of NRW.

First Nations students and families, along with families from neighbouring St Martin’s School, Carina, will come together to connect, share and engage in meaningful conversations about the importance of Reconciliation.

Respect in the classroom and around the school

“A key part of our work is building understanding and shared responsibility across our College,” Jillian said.

“We are clear that there is no place for racism in our community, and we are equipping our staff and students with the understanding and confidence to call it out when they see it, and to stand together in support of Reconciliation.”

Respect with the community

The College also has a commitment to the celebration and commemoration of days of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people(s).

The RAP committee included the Principal Warren Bath, teaching staff Jillian Dearling, Ken Sheldon, Danielle Lappin, Rachael Jory, Emily Sill, non-teaching staff Ruth Russell, Nubia Jaimes, Tina Gale, Rosanne Macintyre, and community member Anne Gerry. Consultation was also extended to the broader parent body and community, ensuring the RAP reflects the lived experiences and aspirations of the whole community.

San Sisto College would also like to acknowledge the following contributors to the development of this RAP, BCE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Team members, Senior Education Advisor Erin Dougherty and former BCE Senior Education Officer Chelsea Jarvis.

San Sisto College’s vision for Reconciliation

Our vision for Reconciliation is to build strong relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous people as we deepen respect and create equal and equitable opportunities for all students. We continue to educate all members of our community about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Cultures, Histories and Perspectives, acknowledging the value of those Cultures to our school community and our national identity. We will continue to raise awareness about our commitment to Reconciliation by promoting our RAP to our community and by providing opportunities to engage in meaningful Reconciliation activities throughout our College and curriculum. The Colleges goal is to nurture our students to become women of integrity. This requires us to give every opportunity for all students to move towards wholeness which includes pride in their individual cultural identities. Individual as well as institutional cultural responsiveness is more than awareness or competency. It speaks to the requirement to educate oneself and others and to support positive change on our Reconciliation journey. At San Sisto we acknowledge that Reconciliation is a commitment and a process, not an end point. We acknowledge that Reconciliation is a shared responsibility and is truly everyone’s business. We believe inclusive practices provide equal and equitable educational outcomes and opportunities for everyone. We commit to walking together in truth, fostering understanding and respect as the foundation for Reconciliation.

For more information about San Sisto College, Carina or to enrol click here.

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About NRW (National Reconciliation Week)

NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia.

Image caption: (From left to right) San Sisto College Assistant Principal Community Engagement and Mission Jillian Dearling, First Nations Ambassador Zara, and Campus Minister and RAP Team Member Roseanne Macintyre. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, San Sisto College, Carina (2026).