FIRE Carrier Program - Friends Igniting Reconciliation in Education
The FIRE Carrier Program promotes reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victorian Catholic Schools. FIRE stands for Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education. FIRE Carrier schools commit to reconciliation actions in their school covenant through the core value areas of Cultural Recognition and Awareness; Spirituality; and Practical Reconciliation and Justice.
History of the FIRE Carrier Program
The FIRE Carrier program began in 2009 as an initiative of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry to support reconciliation in Victorian Catholic Schools. The FIRE Carrier Program was officially launched in the Melbourne Diocese and in the Sandhurst Diocese 2010. The program moved across to the Opening the Doors Foundation in 2022.
What is a FIRE Carrier?
FIRE Carriers are students and staff who share a passion for learning about First Nations culture and history and are committed to sharing this knowledge, promoting Reconciliation within and beyond the school community. A FIRE Carrier promotes respect, fairness and inclusion for First Nations Peoples.
At St Kilian’s Primary School, students in Grade 5 nominate and apply to become a FIRE Carrier. Students then participate in an information session and workshops and then participate in a Commissioning Ceremony to show their commitment to becoming a FIRE Carrier.
Grade 6 leaders, have the responsibility of leading the FIRE Carrier Program and inspiring others to support the program. Staff and students work towards completing the goals and actions in the Covenant and reviewing the Covenant every year.
All staff and students at St Kilian’s Primary School will be FIRE Carriers in action and be committed to reconciliation across all areas of the school even if they are not commissioned.
Each year St Kilian’s raises funds for Opening the Doors Foundation. These funds help support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families ensuring they are able to choose the quality education they deserve, are retained and supported in education and have the same opportunities as any other Australian children, thereby reducing inequalities.
Donations can be made at any time by following this link – Opening the Doors Foundation