Reconciliation Action Plan
The Brisbane Montessori School Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has been developed to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance cultural reconciliation around the core pillars of relationships, respect, and opportunities.
Reconciliation aligns with Montessori philosophy of life education based on respect and love for self, others, and the environment.
Brisbane Montessori School is proud to take action and be a part of this important journey to celebrate, recognise, and collectively build the relationships between our broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The BMS Reconciliation Action Plan Committee is committed to respectfully embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout school life, where connections to people, place, language, and culture are strong, and where students are equipped to become current and future leaders in reconciliation. We recognise, embrace, and value our commonalities and differences by striving for equity and equality for First Nation peoples. The BMS RAP provides tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
During 2022, the RAP instigated the following:
- RAP Book Club for parents, staff and carers, providing an opportunity for education and discussion of First Nations authors such as Stan Grant.
- RAP Children’s Book Club, providing children age-appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature. Finding Our Heart by Thomas Mayor about the Uluru Statement from the Heart was a favourite.
- First Nations games during sports days.
- Planning for the Reconciliation Garden at Brisbane Montessori School including securing funding from State Member, Michael Berkman MP.
- Education, recognition, and celebration during National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week incorporating a smoking ceremony, collaborative and individual artwork, flag significance, and a community screening of Satellite Boy.
We are glad to continue to incorporating more events and projects in 2023, including the implementation of the Reconciliation Garden, Reconciliation Week, and NAIDOC Week.
