Our college community recognised and committed to learning activities and opportunities to acknowledge National Sorry Day, a day of deep reflection, learning and connection for all Australians. Guided by the College’s 2026 theme, All In, students and staff participated in learning experiences that invited everyone to stand together in solidarity, understanding and respect.
Across classrooms and outdoor learning spaces, students engaged with stories, discussions and activities that explored the impact of the Stolen Generations and the importance of truth-telling, respect and healing. These learning moments encouraged students to listen deeply, reflect honestly and consider their own responsibility in being all in for reconciliation, both now and into the future.
Our College’s cultural spaces and Reconciliation Gardens, where a sea of purple hands and flowers made by our students created a moving visual reminder of unity, remembrance and hope. Purple, symbolising compassion and respect, reflected the College’s collective commitment to acknowledging the pain of the past and standing together with First Nations and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the present.
Adding to the significance of the day, a group of secondary students had the honour and privilege of representing St Mary’s College at the Stolen Generations event held in town. Listening to stories shared by community members was a profound experience for students, offering a deeper understanding of histories that continue to impact lives today. To be present, to listen and to remember on such an important day was both a responsibility and a privilege, reflecting the College’s commitment to being all in with and for our community.
For many students, standing side by side in these shared spaces reinforced the importance of connection – to Country, to culture and to one another. The experience served as a powerful reminder that National Sorry Day is not only about remembrance, but about listening, learning and walking forward together, as we do at our college with our listening hearts.
Our College remains committed to embedding reconciliation through learning and lived action, nurturing young people who understand the power of empathy, respect and relationship. National Sorry Day continues to be an important moment in our shared journey, calling all of us to be all in as we remember, reflect and move forward together.
