National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements as well as explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Principals Ian Ross and Meghan Cook spoke to their campuses and reminded all students and teachers that reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal peoples for the benefit of all Australians.

Guest speaker Kristal Kinsella, a well-known Aboriginal businesswoman and entrepreneur, addressed the students and said reconciliation begins at a young age.

"Reconciliation starts in the playground; it is all about being kind and respectful to each other and building relationships," she said.

"It is great to see that Hastings Secondary College has embraced the theme and performed a special assembly and activities around Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day, which is Wednesday, May 26."

Captain of Hastings Secondary College Ethan Schafer described what reconciliation means to him: "Reconciliation for me means that together as a country and as a nation, we are moving forward past our previous mistakes, past our previous experiences and moving forward together to create a new future. One that where everyone is accepted, and everyone is loved for who they are," he said.

Students also took part in an art workshop for National Sorry Day on Wednesday, May 26.

Aboriginal Education Officer Hastings Secondary College Kelly O'Brien said Indigenous students were able to invite their friends and family to join in the collaborative art project.

"We want to elevate the engagement with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to build strong relationships to increase teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, cultural content and knowledge across all aspects of the college," she said.

"Sorry Day is significant and to be able to bring the students and community together is important."

The collaborative artwork project at Hastings Secondary College Westport Campus was facilitated by Birpai artist Verqulle Fisher.

"The artwork will contain the seven totems of the area and will show connection through the river flowing through the canvasses," Ms Fisher said.

Lesson plans at the college developed by the Healing Foundation to educate students about the history of the Stolen Generations also took place on National Sorry Day for Years 7 to 9 on both campuses during HSIE and English lessons.

Principal of Hastings Secondary College Westport Campus Ian Ross said it's important to remember what happened and learn to from the past.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture are integral to our national identity," he said.

"Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives at Hastings Secondary College is key to help close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students."

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