Stolen Generation

A sorry lesson at Glebe Public

With a student population comprising 45 per cent indigenous students, Sorry Day was a special occasion at Glebe Public School. Whilst a sacred fire burned in the playground, the student ceremony was attended by the local fire brigade, the women's refuge and community groups.

“It was a very emotional, momentous occasion,” said Principal Vicki Pogulis.

“The children understood something very special was taking place and payed attention during the ceremony.”

And, times are changing in an education system that has historically taught that Australia was largely uninhabited, colonised without war, and never mentioned the stolen generation.

“These days, there's a much greater awareness of Aboriginal history, even in schools without a large indigenous population. Here, it's part of what we teach- it's part of our communalism. We have some wonderful in-class tutors, such as mothers, who come in and relay real life stories,” Pogulis said.

The school, like many around the state, uses the Indij Series of children's books, which relate indigenous stories, and is visited by Gangari- a Koori organistion that goes inside schools with cultural resources.

“For older students (Year Six), we talk more about the stolen generation,” said Pogulis.

At the school, the principal claims a peaceful playground and no racial tension. “It's not even a question- we don't consider it. Maybe that's a characteristic of children everywhere,” she said.

Matthew K.