The initiative was launched by the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry of Victoria on the anniversary of the National Apology this year.

It enables schools to celebrate local indigenous people, with students creating life-size bollards that are then exhibited throughout Australia.

Principal Paul Wilkinson said the school was lucky enough to host Australian media commentator and television show producer Leila Gurruwiwi, who is a former student of the school.

He said Catholic education in the Sandhurst Diocese had placed a focus on indigenous culture and reconciliation being taught in schools.

“Indigenous culture is an important part of the history of Australia and I think that has been recognised in a lot of government initiatives but also schools,” he said. “Our kids are really enthusiastic in learning about it.

“If we are going to work together and make our school, city and country a better place, we have to embrace diversity.”

Mr Wilkinson said the schools had six fire carriers – all girls in grade 6 – whose responsibility it was to spread the word about Aboriginal culture to other students.

Several other Catholic schools also took part in the Proud Race Initiative on Wednesday.