North Star Public School has taken a significant step towards reconciliation, with a special flag-raising ceremony held earlier this month as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.
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For the first time since the three flag poles were installed at the school, the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were flown side-by-side during the flag-raising event on Friday, July 5 as a visible acknowledgement of respect for the traditional custodians of the land on which students grow and learn.
"The flying of the flags is a positive step in the right direction," Barwon Network Director David Crowe said at the event.
North Star Public School principal, Kelly Jesser said she was immensely proud of her small rural school.
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"We are making our own genuine first steps towards reconciliation here at North Star Public School," Ms Jesser said.
"In becoming active, engaged and respectful citizens in our multi-cultural nation today, we must first understand the history of our nation.
"The three flag poles were a parting gift from three North Star Public School leaders, Tom and Sam Durkin and Dante Van Heerden who returned to the school to proudly raise the three flags.
"The flags will stand proudly as a testament to the contribution of these three young leaders to their school community in all aspects of academic, sporting, social and cultural engagement during their primary education."
Elders from Toomelah and Boggabilla attended the ceremony and expressed their deep gratitude to the school for the warmly received gesture of acknowledgement.
In a memorable morning of "tears, laughs and storytelling", the elders and the school community grew to appreciate an unrealised closeness between the North Star and Toomelah and Boggabilla communities.
Elder Aunty Dawn, who along with Uncle Ranold, shared a moving insight into her connection with North Star and the history they shared with the village expressed a deep gratitude to the school for their commitment to making these connections.
"It opened everyone's hearts so that we can all be friends, so we can walk together," Aunty Dawn said.
Aboriginal Community Liaison, Jason Brown created a warm atmosphere for the audience with the melodies of the didgeridoo to the raising of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
"It is really positive to see schools embracing activities that promote cultural awareness regardless of their number of Aboriginal student enrolments," Mr Brown said.
