05/06/2026
You may have noticed that your child has come home with some items from school this week. A book, a tote bag and a wrist band. Here's why...
True reconciliation involves the heads, hearts and souls of all members of the school community, from all backgrounds.
During National Reconciliation Week, every student from Kindergarten to Year 8 at seven NSW Mid North Coast public schools received a book written by a local Aboriginal author, along with a wristband and a bag – 1090 students in total.
The schools are all on Birpai Country and are taking part in an initiative that is being embraced by every school in the NSW Department of Education’s Macleay Valley network – and two more – following its success at Eungai Public School.
Since 2023, principal Dylan Harry has given every student and preschooler a book, wristband and bag at the end of every NAIDOC Week as part of his ongoing efforts to embed Aboriginal culture and respect for Elders among all students at the school.
When he raised the possibility of doing this across the network, every school leaped at the chance.
The seven schools on Northern Birpai Country are doing this as part of their Reconciliation Week activities.
The book represents both our head and our heart.
It reminds us that as we move forward together, we must think deeply and act with care.
The backpack symbolises our journey.
A shared journey where we walk side by side.
The wristband symbolises unity.
It reminds us that we are not alone in this work.
The giving of these gifts took place during small ceremonies at each school during Reconciliation Week.
Participating Schools;
Wauchope High School
Wauchope Public School
Rollands Plains Upper Public School
Long Flat Public School
Huntingdon Public School
Beechwood Public School
Comboyne Public School
Thanks to our Aboriginal Education Officer, Ashton for supporting the gift giving at the local small schools and Beechwood PS.
Hastings AECG -Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
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