Keely’s poem wins award

Her teacher, Terri Griffiths, said was very proud her student, who was awarded the gold medallion by Deputy Mayor Alan Beard during a presentation at the Alexandra Hills school.

"She wrote an acrostic poem, which was titled Reconciliation. It was so beautifully written and thoughtful. I'm just so proud of her," she said.

Ms Griffiths said Keely's poem was submitted to the national competition after the class had learnt about NAIDOC week, during the first week of July.

The national week, held annually, recognises the contributions of indigenous Australians in various fields and celebrates the culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"At the end of NAIDOC week, the students were asked to write a poem," she said.

"Keely's poem was simple but very effective and she submitted it to the competition along with 40,000 other school children.

"Out of the entries there were 20 recipients awarded, and Keely was one of them."

Ms Griffiths said she believed Keely's entry was a stand-out because it clearly expressed and celebrated cultural diversity.

"The poem spoke about all Australians embracing one another through cultural diversity. I'm really proud of her. It's very well deserved," she said.

RECONCILIATION

Embrace one another

Caring always

Only kindness

Never hurtful

Cultures combine

Including everyone

Land shared

Inspiration acts

All together as one

Torres Strait Islanders

Indigenous Joy

Overall Peace

Now it’s time! Reconcilliation

By Keely Askew, Year 4, St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School