At Heathdale Christian College, as a Christ-centred community, we are called to love because God first loved us through Christ (1 John 4:19). We seek to be a place where students are not only safe but cherished as God's image bearers (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:14).
In His providence, God planted us on Kulin Country, so we honour the First Peoples of this land, recognising their enduring stewardship. As ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19), we listen with humility, speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and labour together for healing, justice and restoration in the light of the Gospel.
It is from this foundation that we approached National Reconciliation Week, which is a time to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and contributions toward reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. This week, our school community came together in meaningful and creative ways to mark this important occasion—an opportunity to listen, learn and take steps toward a more just and united future. Throughout the week, students and staff engaged in activities designed to deepen understanding, honour First Nations voices and nurture a spirit of reconciliation.
Reconciliation Week began as a week of prayer, and in that same spirit, we began each day with devotions focused on inspiring Aboriginal Christian leaders. These moments reminded us of the powerful legacy of faith, resilience and advocacy within First Nations communities, and invited us to reflect on how our own faith calls us to be people of reconciliation.
Lunchtime library activities sparked creativity and thoughtful reflection, while special readings between senior and younger students nurtured a sense of shared learning and respect.
On Wednesday at our Werribee campus, the Reconciliation Leaders hosted a vibrant bake sale, made even more special by performances from our school choirs. The Concert Choir performed Pokarekare Ana, the Year 3&4 Choir sang Our Song, and the Year 5&6 Choir shared a rendition of Wadawurrung Welcome to Country. These performances added a rich layer of cultural appreciation and celebration to the event.
Meanwhile, Years 3–6 students came to school wearing the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for a 'Show Your Support Day' gold coin fundraiser, adding a visible expression of unity and support to the day’s events. Our Melton campus joined in the dress-up day on Thursday!
Our hospitality team also brought staff together after school for a baking session, where participants learned how to make wattleseed brownies. Additionally, across both campuses, staff were invited to sample a variety of bush teas, including lemon myrtle, cinnamon myrtle and strawberry gum, with donations going toward a meaningful cause.
Together, through the bake sale, 'Show Your Support Day' dress-up fundraiser, and bush tea tastings, we raised over $2,000 for the Opening the Doors Foundation, a Christian organisation supporting First Nations families with access to essential educational resources. Thanks to our community’s generosity, we raised enough to provide two students with laptops for school!
As we reflect on the week’s events, we are reminded that our commitment to reconciliation flows from the heart of the Gospel. Just as God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, seeking healing and restoration in all our relationships.