National Reconciliation Week

To celebrate National Reconciliation Week, students engaged in various activities, including a ‘Sea of Hands’ installation at each campus. Students and staff planted a hand as a symbol of solidarity. They dressed in Aboriginal colours and themes to show their respect for Aboriginal culture. 

 

This year we also held a dedicated Reconciliation assembly at each campus. We welcomed guest speaker AJ King who spoke with the students about his family being part of the Stolen Generation and the importance of National Reconciliation Week to the Aboriginal community.

Grade 4 students Jack Batchelor and Jack Brown hosted the Reconciliation assembly at the Junior Campus, with the help of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Guest speaker local Aboriginal Elder Uncle Rodney Dillon talked about the importance of fairness and equality for all Australians. Ms McWatters read children the story 'Say Yes!' which is about the 1967 Referendum. Grade 2 student Jaycie Banks spoke about the artist and artwork on the calendar her family donated to the College. Grade 3 students Jordan Lucas and Angus Brereton impressed the audience by playing their didgeridoos. It was wonderful to hear so many students sing the Aboriginal Lord's Prayer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl7PgGP9iNI

As part of National Reconciliation Week, some classes created art responses. Kinder students learnt about the Aboriginal Dreaming story 'How the birds got their colours' and made delightful little birds. They also created handprints and experimented with painting symbols on the bark. Prep students mixed ochre colours to decorate velvet animal colouring sheets. Below are photos from a variety of grade levels.

Grade 7 Science

Over the last few weeks, Grade 7 Science students have been learning about classification systems used by Aboriginal people. Cultural tutors AJ King and Trish Hodge as well as Aboriginal Student Success Teacher Anne McWatters took children on an excursion to Peter Murrell Reserve and around the Middle Campus at Huntingfield. Students were shown various native trees, shrubs, and grasses that have important uses for food, medicine, or craft. Children collected samples, made notes and shared their learnings with peers.

Wadjiny

Last Friday, Grades 1, 2 and 3 students engaged in an Aboriginal performing arts workshop called Wadjiny. Troy Allen, from School Performance tours, combined dance, storytelling and music. Students and teachers then joined him in the dance as they all mimicked the kangaroo, emu and other Australian animals using their newly learnt movements that stretch back thousands of years. Troy brought a fine collection of artefacts, weapons and tools to fully engage and educate the students. With nearly thirty years of experience entertaining audiences around the world, Troy had students and teachers alike, entranced by his skilful dances and age-old stories of indigenous culture.