The Lily Café was filled with special guests, cultural dancers, staff, parents and Follow the Dream students who enjoyed a delicious breakfast as Dianella Education Precinct officially launched our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This plan aims to acknowledge and respect the heritage and connection of the Noongar people to this Whadjuk boodjar (land). We actively seek to incorporate the cultures, perspectives and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our school community and actively promote reconciliation across the precinct.

Aboriginal media personality Neil Coyne delivered the Welcome to Country before his dance troupe Middn Marr Dreaming, performed a series of cultural dances, accompanied by Noongar activist and local Elder, Herbert Bropho. Guests were encouraged to join the troupe to perform the Unity dance.

Principal, Wayne Austin said that the RAP formalised the precinct’s commitment to reconciliation and building “a greater cultural awareness that leads to stronger relationships”. Mr Austin said he hoped our RAP would “assist in creating a greater awareness of our history, an appreciation of the present and an eye towards the future.” 

Mr Austin also mentioned other Dianella Secondary College initiatives such as the Aboriginal Families Forum, Yarning Circles along with the opening of the Mila Kaadajiny STEM Centre and a new focus on embedding the Aboriginal Cultural Standard Framework. “I think what is most exciting is that we have only just started this wonderful journey, I think there is so much more we can achieve.”

Local member for Mirrabooka, Janine Freeman impressed the crowd by delivering her Acknowledgement to Country in Noongar language before sharing a story about the Southern Cross constellation and speaking about the importance of reconciliation.

Our thanks go to our special guests and partners, Commissioner for Children and Young People - Colin Pettit, City of Stirling, Herbert Bropho, Neil Coyne, Middn Marr Dreaming dance troupe, Mark Cometti, Des Headland, Janine Freeman MLA, Jungle George, TADWA, Follow the Dream, Recreation Western Australia, Police Community Engagement Division. We appreciate their continued support!

This morning was the first Whole School Assembly for the year. We were very lucky to have Channel 10 Eyewitness News and The Project presenter, Narelda Jacobs as special guest. Narelda gave a very inspirational talk about her journey to achieve her dream job and the importance of persistence and never giving up.

Certificates of Academic Excellence for 2018 were presented to the Top 3 students in each year group. The new Head Boy and Head Girl for 2019 were named and took their Oath of Office and Year 12 Student Councillors were also announced. Congratulations to all of our award winners and Student Council on your wonderful achievements.