Holy Spirit School, Bray Park has proudly launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) ahead of National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), marking a significant step forward in its commitment to First Nations people and students.
Yarning Circle
The occasion was made even more meaningful with the Blessing and Opening of the school’s Yarning Circle—a place designed to foster reflection, connection, and listening. Wendy acknowledges that permission to include the Rain Dreaming story was sought from Aunty Maroochy and her daughter Baringa
The Yarning Circle was created by Yuwaalaraay woman and artist Wendy Rix and tells a story through symbols:
- The blue circle around the cross shows the land’s connection to the important cultural story for the region—Rainmaker Dreaming.
- The different shapes around the circle represent the Holy Spirit School community and the importance of coming together.
- The white dotted lines show the journey taken through school, life, and faith.
- The hands represent Holy Spirit School values.
- A vine wraps around the circle, illustrating a deep connection to the land. While the cracked mud reminds us of the dry land the artist comes from, and her strong connection to Country.
Holy Spirit School Principal Jo-Anne Boyle said the Yarning Circle encouraged students and educators to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures through shared storytelling, listening, and learning.
Reconciliation in action
Jo-Anne said the Reconciliation Action Plan will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are embedded in learning environments, creating a shared pride in their cultures, contributions, identities, and histories across the wider school community.
“By committing to deepening our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, we’re fostering meaningful relationships and ensuring First Nations people are recognised and valued within our school community,” she said.
“We also have a commitment to the purchase of resources created by First Nations people, and to identifying opportunities to utilise these within student learning—from books, to artworks, and digital media.”
Holy Spirit School’s commitment
Jo-Anne Boyle said Holy Spirit School worked alongside local Elders, First Nations community members, and Brisbane Catholic Education to shape a Reconciliation Action Plan that is “authentic to our community”.
“It was a privilege to spend time listening and learning from the First Nations people and coming to understand the ways in which we can, as a whole school community, live Reconciliation,” she said.
“We are proud to say that our Reconciliation Action Plan is bold, is brave and ensures we are living Reconciliation in action.
“This is our commitment to all First Nations people.
“Here at Holy Spirit, we are walking with our First Nations people in humility, open-heartedness, compassion.”
BCE would also like to acknowledge Turrbal Elder Uncle Billy Cumming who performed the smoking ceremony at the Blessing and Opening.
For more information about Holy Spirit School, Bray Park or to enrol click here.
About National Reconciliation Week:
National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.