Reconciliation Action Plan
At Brisbane State High School, we envision a future where all individuals, of any culture, background, or identity, come together in a spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and reconciliation. To us, reconciliation lives in the hearts, minds, and actions of all Australians. Reconciliation is everyone’s business.
The Plan
Our Reconciliation Action Plan – Reflect, aims to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, foster greater respect for cultures and traditions, and celebrate the rich diversity of our community.
We believe that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires diligence, persistence, and dedication. We nurture and embrace relationships to build understanding, collaboration, and shared learning opportunities. We are committed to educating our students and staff about Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives, as our First Australians People’s cultures and knowledge form an integral part of our teaching and learning.
Our aspiration for reconciliation is to create a brighter and more equitable future for all Australians. It is about acknowledging the past, celebrating our differences, and coming together to build a more inclusive and respectful community.
Download the Reconciliation Action Plan (PDF, 729 KB)
Reconciliation Artwork
The Artwork
Titled 'Reconciliation Mural', this artwork celebrates our diverse school community, uniting in one project to create a vibrant and reflective artwork that recognises and celebrates Australian First Nations Peoples and Heritage.
The mural incorporates a collection of the original native flora and fauna of the lands, waterways and skies where Brisbane State High School now stands. These include the Emu, Goanna, Quandong, Midyim, Echidna, Kangaroo, Mangrove Jack and Tulipwood. Significant waterways and landmarks also stretch across the mural. The Moreton Bay Fig Tree is also represented in the mural through twelve leaves that are scattered through the mural.>
Inspired by Education, the learning growth vine represents a leaf for each year level, starting from Year 7 and growing upwards to the sun, reflecting Year 12. The school values and significance of relationships within our school and the wider community are also represented throughout the mural.
As our valued commitment to Reconciliation, Brisbane State High School students, staff, parents and wider community members came together during 2023 Reconciliation Week and added their mark to the 'Reconciliation Mural'.
The above is an excerpt from the ‘Reconciliation Mural’ created by Jennifer Kent. The full mural is on display at Brisbane State High School.
The Artist
Jennifer Kent (Lead Artist, Manamana Dreaming) is a multicultural Australian with First Nations Ancestry from the Quandamooka, Jinibara and Wakka Wakka Tribes of South East Queensland and of the Darumbal Tribe of the Central East Coast of Queensland.
Jennifer grew up in Mt Isa and Townsville, and also has kinship with the Waluwarra and Kalkadoon Tribes of North West Queensland. Jennifer's maternal lineage shares Irish, English and Chinese Ancestry as well. With a background in Education, Jennifer enjoys sharing Contemporary First Nations Artistry with students of all ages from Early Childhood to adults.
Acknowledgement of Country Song