Now in its fifth year, Newhaven College students, staff and parents gathered once again to walk two laps of the school oval in a show of solidarity and respect for First Nations Peoples.

National Reconciliation Week, observed from May 27 to June 3, marks two key milestones in Australia's reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the High Court's historic Mabo decision.

Newhaven College proudly supports Reconciliation Week each year and honours the region's rich Indigenous heritage, formally acknowledging the Boonwurrung/Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land.

Before the walk, Year 9 student, River Hume, a Boonwurrung of the Yallock-Bullock clan, welcomed everyone to Country. The 'Bridging Now to Next' banner was designed and painted by Year 12 Art

student Sienna Bell, and she and friend Mackenzie Slidders led the walk around the oval with the banner.

After the walk, Junior and Middle School students participated in class activities while learning more about reconciliation and what it means to us all.

This year's theme of 'Bridging Now to Next' is a reminder for all Australians to reflect on the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and calls on all Australians to step forward together.