Connection to Country
Millowl is the Bunurong name for Phillip Island. It is part of the Country recognised as being the traditional land and waters of the Bunurong People and is steeped in cultural history dating back tens of thousands of years.
Phillip Island was part of the homelands of the Yalluk Bulluk clan of the Bunurong People people for many thousands of years before European exploration of the area began. The Bunurong People were members of the Kulin nation of Aboriginal people. The Bunurong People called the island "Millowl".
*This information is cited from the Phillip Island and District Historical Society website.
At Our Lady Star of the Sea, we hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school. Our commitment is drawn from, and inherent to, the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the gospel.
Our Lady Star of the Sea upholds the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to a culturally safe and inclusive education, with high expectations for every child.
At Our Lady Star of the Sea, we are committed to fostering a deeper understanding, respect, and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives. As a FIRE Carrier school, our students, staff and community representatives share a passion for learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history and are committed to sharing this knowledge and promoting Reconciliation within the school and into the school community.
We believe that education plays a vital role in reconciliation and in building a future that values truth, equity, and unity. As a Catholic school, we are guided by the principles of dignity, justice, and compassion, and we recognise the importance of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and knowledge across all areas of learning.
Our commitment includes:
- Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in the curriculum in authentic and meaningful ways
- Creating opportunities for students to learn about and engage with local Indigenous culture, language, and history
- Building respectful relationships with local Traditional Owners and communities
- Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families in their learning and wellbeing
- Promoting cultural safety, awareness, and ongoing staff development
We walk together with First Nations peoples in the spirit of reconciliation and shared responsibility for a more just and inclusive Australia.