First Nations Programs
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Knox Grammar School acknowledges the land on which we continue to learn, embrace, grow and work by continuing to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are guiding us on our Reconciliation journey.
This land has always been a place of welcoming education, where Elders have shared songlines, stories, traditions, celebrations, and cultural knowledge. We continue to pay our utmost respects to all Elders who have nurtured the enduring spiritual connection of what Country means by looking through a cultural lens.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we embrace all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures by acknowledging all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community who continue to generously share their culture with us. We are committed to acknowledging, celebrating, and sharing their rich cultural heritage, by continuing to build a strong cultural pathway for the present and emerging families at Knox Grammar School.
We extend this Acknowledgement to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout this Country of Australia through a foundation of Faith, Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Courage.
Reconciliation Action Plan
The Knox Grammar School Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) identifies opportunities and the necessary steps the School is taking on its Reconciliation journey. Knox is committed to fostering cultural awareness and cultural competence by providing a culturally safe and inclusive environment and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families and community members help shape our work. Knox is committed to the outcomes framework and indicators of Independent Schools NSW’s Waratah Project.
The Knox RAP provides the framework for action and accountability to build a culturally responsive workforce. The RAP has been developed using Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali RAP framework.
First Nations Programs
Building knowledge and understanding of Australia’s First Nations peoples is an important part of our School’s educational philosophy and social responsibility. We seek to develop students who approach this learning with respect and a commitment to reconciliation.
As part of their education at Knox, all students participate in a range of programs that build their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. We also strengthen cultural knowledge across our school community through opportunities to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and community members at assemblies and events.
Special events and ceremonies mark NAIDOC Week, National Reconciliation Week and the annual CAS Reconciliation Round, during which 1sts teams in each sport wear jerseys featuring artwork created by First Nations students. Cultural ceremonies are held before the start of the sporting fixtures.
Boarders participate in a Back to Country event that includes cultural dance and a smoking ceremony. The School’s centenary mural also recognises Aboriginal histories and cultures.
Educational Opportunities for First Nations Students
Knox is a proud partner with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF). Through this partnership, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from rural and regional communities have opportunities to attend Knox Grammar School as boarders.
First Nations students participate in a dedicated cultural program led by local Aboriginal cultural educators. Students also have opportunities to participate in events hosted by the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), Independent Schools NSW, Ku-ring-gai Council and other community organisations.
Students also receive dedicated pastoral and academic support across both the day school and boarding, tailored to their individual needs.
The Martin, Barbara, Berend and Matthew Hollander Indigenous Scholarship provides an opportunity for a local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student to attend Knox Grammar School as a day student.
