Mercedes College

Our vision for reconciliation includes open and honest discussion about unity, our shared history, equity and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, within an inclusive school community.  For us, reconciliation means a focus on healing through building relationships between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous people, grounded in righting the wrongs of the past. We are committed to the meaningful display and promotion of First Nations peoples cultures and perspectives through respectfully embedding these into the Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) service, into classrooms, facilities and the main offices around the College. Reconciliation is about coming together as a whole school, in a spirit of knowledge, with mutual respect, loyalty, responsibility, integrity, compassion and justice, which are our Mercy Keys.   As a Mercy school, we believe reconciliation is a process of authentic doing, grounded in our faith, in our relationships and in actions that nurture understanding, listening and truth-telling. We will engage with and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices by strengthening partnerships with students, families, Elders, and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members; listening deeply to their wisdom and guidance. We will continue to deepen our engagement through our annual STEP Trek. We will strive to raise more awareness of injustices toward First Nations people, by reflecting on our shared past, acting in the present, and working together towards a reconciled future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.  Through this vision, we seek to walk together in harmony with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with respect, strength, and hope, building a legacy of reconciliation in the tradition of Catherine McAuley, that empowers both current and future generations to create a welcoming, loving and truly reconciled country.