Xavier College is proud to announce the official launch of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a meaningful step in our ongoing commitment to truth-telling, respect, and building stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Zenadeth Kes /Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our RAP reflects a vision for a culturally responsive and inclusive school community. It recognises the importance of acknowledging the past, engaging in shared learning, and taking practical steps to create positive change. Developed through consultation with staff, students, families, and local community members, the RAP embodies the spirit of collaboration and respectful dialogue.

The plan outlines several key focus areas that will shape our work moving forward. These include embedding meaningful Acknowledgements of Country into everyday school life, ensuring that significant cultural dates such as National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, and NAIDOC Week are honoured and explored in classroom learning, and strengthening cultural education through curriculum, creative arts, and guest speakers. The RAP also commits to increasing the visibility of Aboriginal and Zenadeth Kes/Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout the College environment and supporting staff in deepening their cultural understanding and confidence.

Our RAP journey began with the formation of a dedicated working group made up of staff, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices included throughout. This group led the process with care and intention, ensuring that each decision reflected a genuine commitment to reconciliation. We gathered community insights through a RAP Reflection Survey through the Narragunnawali platform, which allowed us to evaluate our current practices and identify opportunities for growth. From there, we selected tailored actions relevant to our context and capacity and worked together to develop a clear and values-driven Vision for Reconciliation.

Community consultation played an essential role in shaping the final plan. Contributions from Aboriginal and Zenadeth Kes/Torres Strait Islander students, families, staff, and community members helped to ground the RAP in local perspectives and cultural integrity. Once complete, the plan was reviewed and formally submitted to Reconciliation Australia, where it received final approval and publication.

We now begin the next stage of our journey—implementation. Starting in Term 3, the College will focus on raising awareness of the RAP across the school community, providing staff development sessions, and continuing to engage students in cultural learning initiatives. Communication will be shared through our website, social media, assemblies, and ongoing activities that reflect and celebrate our commitment.

Xavier College recognises that reconciliation is not a destination, but a continual process of listening, learning, and walking together. Our Reconciliation Action Plan represents both a milestone and a promise to uphold respect, foster understanding, and contribute to a more just and inclusive future for all. To read our Reconciliation Action Plan, please head to our First Nations Students webpage. 

Jade Davidson and Kaitlin Marrone
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coordinators