School Principal Mary Refalo and Teacher Librarian Kirrily Lorenzutta with Year 9 students at The City of Parramatta Council National Sorry Day event.
Monday 26th May 2025 was National Sorry Day and a small number of Year 9 students attended the City of Parramatta Council event.
National Sorry Day was held on Monday 26th May 2025 and seven Year 9 students accompanied School Principal Ms Mary Refalo and Teacher Librarian Mrs Kirrily Lorenzutta to The City of Parramatta Council event held at Dharug Circle, Parramatta Square, Parramatta.
National Sorry Day is an annual day to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
The Catherine McAuley students joined with students from other local schools, members of the community and civic leaders to observe and learn the stories of the Stolen Generations. The morning included a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony, traditional dance and words from local community knowledge holders.
Following the proceedings the students took part in a weaving workshop where they made bracelets out of raffia palm.
Riya F., a Year 9 student who attended the Sorry Day event, said she found the event a wonderful experience.
The National Sorry Day program in Parramatta Square was a beautiful way to remember and reflect on the Stolen Generations and provided us insight on how we can strive to build a more inclusive community today
Riya F.
“The event deepened our understanding about our nation as a whole, and how we moved forwards from the traumatic experiences of our past, to make the present a place where we accept and help each other. We were able to connect with others of Indigenous descent and have a ‘yarn’ (meaning to talk or ‘share’). This experience is one we will remember for the rest of our lives.”
Catherine McAuley Westmead
www.mcauleywestmead.catholic.edu.au
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