Knox students celebrate National Reconciliation Week

Knox Grammar School is situated on the traditional lands of the Guringai People of the Eora Nation in Sydney.

Several indigenous boarders and day students from across Sydney and NSW attend Knox.

At the Knox Prep campus, students celebrated with a smoking ceremony and a visit by some of the senior school's indigenous students.

Former Prep student Charlie Anderson, Year 11, led an Acknowledgement of Country, with dance performances by the senior school boys.

The Prep boys had the opportunity to participate in a 'Djuralai' dance, which depicts four native animals.

Biripi and Gadigal woman Charlene Davison, chief executive of the GO Foundation, shared her story, reflecting on the meaning of reconciliation and the intent of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The assembly also featured dancing by indigenous students and a powerful Acknowledgement of Country led by Ngemba and Gamilaraay descendent Kyh Samuelsson, Year 12.

"The theme of reconciliation week this year is 'More Than A Word'," Kyh said.

"Reconciliation Week is a movement. It is the time for all Australians, regardless of skin colour, to learn and get a better understanding of our country's cultural history, which will allow us to reconcile, come together and make the change that desperately needs to be made."

Knox students participate in a wide range of programs to build their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal histories and cultures.

Special events and ceremonies mark Naidoc Week, Reconciliation Week and annual Indigenous Round of Sport and are embedded in classroom programs.

Knox students also have opportunities to participate in events hosted by the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and cultural immersions such as participation in the Goodooga Indigenous Games and working with communities in Walgett, Nyngan and Enngonia in rural NSW.