NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar has encouraged staff and students across the state to join in celebrating National Reconciliation Week.

Mr Dizdar said the theme of this Reconciliation Week was ‘Now More Than Ever’.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn, reflect and take action to create a more just and inclusive Australia,” he said.

“Together, we acknowledge the unique histories, cultures and contributions of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June every year and commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

Schools across NSW will coordinate and participate in events and activities across the week, including reconciliation walks, smoking ceremonies, assemblies and morning teas with local Aboriginal Elders.

The Department has also produced two roundtable discussion videos as part of National Reconciliation Week:

• ‘Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in schools’ featuring Kyleigh Nash, Principal, Yarrawarrah Public School; Jenny Walker, Principal, Kellyville Public School; Ashli Ware, Principal, Baryulgil Public School; and Tessa Keenan, General Manager, Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education

• ‘Best Practice in Reconciliation: Leadership’ featuring Suzie Matthews, Executive Director, Skills and Pathways; Meghanne Wellard, Executive Director, Public Schools - Rural North; Lyn Corkett, Director, Strategic Sourcing; and Kathy Sharan, Acting Director, Culture, Diversity and Talent

The videos are available to stream on the Department website.

Mr Dizdar said he and other senior department leaders would participate in cultural capability training in July to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

“We need to ensure we continue to provide culturally responsive educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, enabling them to achieve excellence,” he said.