Bridging the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians is a key challenge for our nation.  The President of AASN, Revd Peter Laurence writes in the Foreword to an important report on this issue,

This report titled Building Relationships was commissioned by the Australian Anglican
Schools Network to examine the numerous initiatives being undertaken in our schools in the
field of Indigenous education today. 

This research is ground-breaking for Anglican schools. It paints a picture of the many and
varied responses that our schools – single sex and co-educational, long-established and
newly-founded, boarding and day – are making to the challenge of providing Indigenous
young Australians with the educational opportunity that should be available for all
Australians.

It also reveals how Indigenous Australians are enriching the lives of students in
Anglican schools, through building mutually rewarding relationships. The partnerships are
two-way.

Whilst the research into current practice is revealing, it goes further. It challenges all
involved in Anglican schooling to consider how we can play a more effective role as partners
in our Nation’s and Church’s commitment to improve educational outcomes of Indigenous
young people. That is a mission imperative for all Anglican schools as we prepare to enter
the second decade of the 21st century.

I thank Dr Barr for her research paper and pray that it may provide a real impetus for
exploring new and creative ways of partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians in Anglican schools.

Full Report at,  Building relationships: INDIGENOUS EDUCATION INITIATIVES IN AASN SCHOOLS. FINAL REPORT TO THE AUSTRALIAN ANGLICAN SCHOOLS NETWORK (AASN) July 2009 by Dr Jennifer Barr, Research Consultant

Mr Stephen Norris, Headmaster of Launceston Church Grammar School, Tasmania in conjunction with Bishop Garry Weatherill and myself were instrumental in this report gaining support in Standing Committee to go on to the agenda of General Synod.