Did you know that each morning, our staff gather for a time of devotions before students arrive? We do this to ground the day in reflection, Scripture and shared purpose.
This morning, Mrs Agnes Low, one of our wonderful Year 4 teachers, shared a thoughtful testimony on reconciliation and her classroom practice. We want to share Mrs Low's transcript with our broader college community as a reminder that reconciliation is not only something we speak about, but something that is shaped through small, faithful actions – as love moves beyond words and is lived out in the way we teach, listen and honour others.
"Good morning everyone.
For those who may not know me well, my name is Agnes Low, and I teach in Year 4. I am also part of the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Party, which has helped me reflect more deeply on reconciliation and what it can look like within our school community.
When I was asked to share a testimony, I spent some time thinking about what I could share.
I do not come as someone who has all the answers about reconciliation. I come as someone who is still learning, still listening and still asking God to shape my heart, especially in the way I teach, speak and make space for others.
This week, we have been reflecting on James 2. The part that has stayed with me is that faith cannot stay as words alone. Faith becomes visible in the way we live, the way we respond to others and the way we put love into action.
That connects with something that has been sitting with me personally this year. At Planetshakers Church, our pastor released the word for the year: 'Love Revival.' At first, I understood that mostly in a personal way, as God reviving love in my own heart and in my walk with Him. But as I have reflected on reconciliation, I have felt challenged that love revival cannot stay inward.
If love is truly being revived in us, then it should move outward. It should shape the way we listen, the way we honour others, the way we make room for people’s stories and the way we respond to what has been broken.
One place I have seen God growing my heart in this area is in the classroom.
Recently, I made a small decision to be more intentional in how I incorporated Aboriginal language and introduced it to the children in a meaningful way. Students were writing narratives inspired by Australian animals and landscapes, and I wanted them to make connections with Aboriginal animal names, place names, stories, and Aboriginal peoples’ knowledge of Country and seasons.
It may have seemed like a small planning choice, but it made me pause and ask:
- Whose language am I helping students notice?
- Whose knowledge am I helping students value?
- Whose stories am I making room for?
I do not share this because I think one writing unit is the answer to reconciliation. It is not.
I share it because it became one small place where God challenged my posture. It reminded me that reconciliation requires humility. It asks me to slow down, listen, keep learning and consider whether my faith is shaping the way I plan, teach and honour others.
"Last Friday, we went on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens. What stood out to me was not so much the excursion itself, but the posture I saw in the students. Because they had already been introduced to some Aboriginal language, culture and ways of understanding Country, they seemed more open, respectful and curious in their conversations with the facilitators.
I could see that making room for other stories and perspectives had not only softened my own heart, but had also shifted the way students were listening and learning.
They asked thoughtful questions. They made connections. They were beginning to see that learning about culture is not just about gathering information, but about honouring people, place and story.
Since then, I have noticed that students seem even more hungry to learn. They are not just taking in information, but beginning to think about what it means to respond.
I have seen this in their willingness to stand with the Aboriginal community in a respectful way, and in the way they have wanted to express what they have learnt.
"This week, as part of the National Reconciliation Week, my class did a collaborative colouring piece. Each student was given a tile, and each tile represented their own interpretation of what they had noticed and learnt.
On its own, one tile may not paint the whole picture. But when every piece was placed together, it became something much more meaningful. Even with different colours, styles and interpretations, it reflected what we are learning to value, honour and stand for together.
I think that is a beautiful picture of what reconciliation can look like in our school community. Each of us brings different roles, gifts, experiences and perspectives. But when we stand together with humility, respect and love, we become part of something greater than ourselves. We reflect the heart of Christ.
"As Christian educators, I think this matters deeply. Our students are watching not only what we teach, but how we teach it. They notice what we value. They notice what we make time for. They notice the way we speak about people and cultures.
Reconciliation may not always begin with something grand. Sometimes it begins with small, faithful steps.
Listening before speaking. Being willing to learn something new. Honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in a way that is respectful and sincere. Allowing God to challenge our assumptions and soften our hearts.
And perhaps that is where James 2 comes back in. Faith becomes visible through action. If love is truly being revived in us, then may it not only be something we sing about, pray about or speak about. May it be something people can see in the way we live, teach, lead and love.
"Let me pray.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a God of reconciliation, restoration and justice. Thank You that through Jesus, You have made a way for us to be reconciled to You.
Thank You for the many ways love is already being lived out in this school community through teaching, listening, serving and caring for others. As You continue to revive love in our hearts, let that love grow deeper and be seen more clearly in our words and actions.
Guide us as we honour our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters with respect, care and sincerity. Let reconciliation in our school continue to be shaped by humility, wisdom, truth and grace.
Guide us and lead us by Your grace and mercy, so our classrooms, conversations and relationships reflect the heart of Jesus as we walk in Your love and peace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen."