As a School community, we are very proud of how we promote all aspects of national reconciliation throughout Haileybury Rendall School. Our guiding framework is our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which we introduced in 2019 and have updated via several iterations since. You can view the 2024-2025 RAP on myHRS at Reconciliation Action Plan-Haileybury Rendall School.
RAPs, supported by Reconciliation Australia, have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation since 2006. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect, and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
At HRS, we understand that reconciliation is best driven by our non-Indigenous community members working with our Indigenous colleagues, while NAIDOC week is led by our Indigenous staff and students. To ensure that our RAP is dynamic, ongoing, and meaningful, we have established the RAP Working Party, which is made up of HRS staff and sometimes students and community members. The RAP Working Party is coordinated by the Chair, who is currently Mr Anthony Barker. This is a significant leadership role in the School previously held by staff such as Jye Strugnell and Ian Smith. Over 20 staff attend regular meetings of this group.
One of HRS's key actions is developing a program each year for National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which runs from 27 May to 3 June. This week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. This year's theme is "Bridging Now to Next," and you can explore this more at the official website at Home—Reconciliation Australia. Our program for NRW this year has many highlights, and it will be released via MyHRS notices closer to the date. One highlight will be the opening concert on the morning of Tuesday, 27 May, which parents are welcome to attend.
Andrew McGregor
Principal
