Writing - NSW Schools Reconciliation Challenge

Past Winners: Writing

Mount Austin High School

Erasure Poetry

2021, High School, Writing

Erina Heights Public School

Under One Sky

2021, Primary School, Writing

My piece is about the Stolen Generations. I wrote about this to make everyone aware of what happened in the past. The past was a very tragic time for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We can’t go back but we can look back and learn from our mistakes.

Bourke Street Public School

Hold the Dirt Still with my Roots

2020, Primary School, Writing

"I love the simplicity of this work - using the process of harvesting Lomandra to express the importance caring of Country - it's integral role in providing for survival and it's fragility."
"Specific, resonant, localised. How could I not love a piece about lomandra!?"
What the judges said

Bourke Street Public School

I Am Aboriginal

2020, Primary School, Writing

"Very strong, but brief! Reminds me of the earlier poetry of Oodgeroo in voice and in substance" What the judges said.

Bourke Street Public School

Swans

2020, Primary School, Writing

"This peaceful work captures the communion with nature beautifully, demonstrating an understanding of the theme Caring for Country through 4 lines that guide the reader through the senses, observing life and its simple joys. " What the Judges said.

Tempe Public School

The Little Casuarina Tree

2020, Primary School, Writing

"A beautifully written and touching piece illustrating connection with and care for Country. The repetition of the phrase "I left" is incredibly powerful, softly embedding a sense of loss amongst the joy of living in harmony with the land. Loss for the ways of the past. This loss is replaced with hope and joy for the future - apologising for wrongs, reuniting with family and returning to Country and the 'little casuarina tree'. Stunning work. Well done."
"A very moving piece of writing, merging Country and its people and its processes, I was touched."
What the judges said.

Newtown Public School

Connected

2020, Primary School, Writing

"A sophisticated piece that uses simple phrases and repetition to illustrate an understanding of the theme. This work demonstrates a deep knowledge of the intrinsic interconnectedness of life, spirit and Country. I love the circular form - cleverly using the opening two lines to round off the poem. The naming of plants to represent a "rootedness" in Country, emphasises the differences of species and uniqueness of life - which at the core are all connected. A beautiful piece of writing. Well Done"
What the Judges said

Rutherford Technology High School

Let's Get it Right

2020, High School, Writing

One of the problems we are facing, is pollution
If we work together we can find a solution....

Walhallow Public School

Baagii's stories (Nan's Stories)

2020, Primary School, Writing

"Such a nice vignette, note the use of language, constructed perfectly and clearly personal and sincere."
What the judges said.

Minmi Public School

The Lizard

2020, Primary School, Writing

My artwork is red black and green and is about how Aboriginal people work with other cultures and learn about their tradition’s. My art work says that this land will always be Aboriginal land.

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Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.

What we do

Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.

Contact Us

E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: 02 8095 9600
Ground Floor 27 Cope St Redfern 2016

www.reconciliationnsw.org.au

Past Winners: Writing

Mount Austin High School

Erasure Poetry

Erina Heights Public School

Under One Sky

Bourke Street Public School

Hold the Dirt Still with my Roots

Bourke Street Public School

I Am Aboriginal

Bourke Street Public School

Swans

Tempe Public School

The Little Casuarina Tree

Newtown Public School

Connected

Rutherford Technology High School

Let's Get it Right

Walhallow Public School

Baagii's stories (Nan's Stories)

Minmi Public School

The Lizard

What we do

Contact Us

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