SIDE - School of Isolated and Distance Education

The National Reconciliation Week from 27th May - 3rd of June 2026.

Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Read more: www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/what-is-reconciliation/

May 26th 2026 - National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

May 17 is the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination! Go rainbow to create safer workplaces, schools, and communities.

Read more: www.idahobit.org.au

📢 Staff Development Day Notice – Friday 8 May

The School of Isolated and Distance Education will be holding a Term 2 Staff Development Day on Friday 8 May.
👉 All regular Webex lessons will be suspended for the day.
👉 Partner schools and home-based supervisors will need to make alternative arrangements for students.
👉 Students will still have full access to Moodle courses.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Since the first Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April 1916, Australians have paused to recognise and honour the service and sacrifices for veterans and families. It is not a celebration of war, but a solemn day of remembrance for the more than 103,000 Australians who have lost their lives, while also acknowledging the significant toll of disease endured during the Gallipoli campaign.

This image recognises the families and loved ones who stand beside them sharing in the sacrifices behind every service story.

Read more: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au

Often overlooked in Australia, frontier violence is rarely recognised as war, reflecting a broader denial of the nation’s full history. During the First World War, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples faced exclusion under discriminatory laws, yet many still served some by concealing their identities.

It’s estimated over 1,000 First Nations people enlisted, fighting for a country that denied them citizenship, equal rights, and recognition. Many returned to ongoing discrimination, with some denied benefits, land, and even access to their own families.

Their service and sacrifice deserve acknowledgement alongside the truth of Australia’s history.

Read more:
https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/serving-their-country
https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/ww1/personnel/indigenous-service
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/aboriginal-presence-on-gallipoli-grows
https://deadlystory.com/page/culture/articles/anzac-day-2018
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/indigenous-soldiers-of-the-first-world-war-and-the-stolen-generation

This year, we’re proud to join Aspect - Autism Spectrum Australia in acknowledging and celebrating World Autism Understanding Month (April 2026).

Understanding starts with you. So, what can you do?
✔ Listen to Autistic voices
✔ Make meaningful changes for inclusion
✔ Share what you learn with others

Learn how you can be more autism-friendly: www.aspect.org.au/waum

Go purple and help bring epilepsy out of the shadows 💜

Epilepsy WA is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and providing vital support services for people living with epilepsy.

You can show your support by helping start important conversations about epilepsy in our community.

Read more: www.epilepsywa.asn.au

This Harmony Week, we celebrate the cultural diversity of our students and staff across WA and beyond. We’re proud to support inclusive, culturally responsive learning and stay connected with communities.

Let’s embrace the values that unite us through respect, inclusiveness and fairness. This week, reflect on what helps you feel you belong and how you can help others feel the same.

Learn more about at: www.harmony.gov.au/about

and

Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming WAIS athlete Luke Egger to SIDE, where he shared his story of perseverance, resilience and finding fulfilment on his journey towards the 2028 Olympic Games.

Luke has been kayaking since he was 8, and now at 23, has set his sights on the upcoming Brisbane Olympic Games. He spoke candidly about his setbacks on his way to national and world championships and how setting clear goals, persevering when times are tough and finding fulfilment outside of competitive sport has guided him to where he is now.

We wish Luke the best of luck as he heads off to compete in Hungary, Germany and Canada!