We have had the most amazing NAIDOC week celebrations! Our brand new Outdoor Classroom has been completed and formally opened with an incredible Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by Auntie Bridgette Chilli Davis (Gubbi Gubbi Elder).
The whole school participated in this ancient ceremony – the first held on this Country for over 150 years! The Outdoor Classroom looked deadly with Uncle Arthur’s permanent artworks and all of our classes represented in their beautiful NAIDOC banners proudly displayed through the trees. We were so fortunate to have Molly Jarrett – an Indigenous Student Leader alumni, assist Auntie Bridgette in the ceremony by applying ceremonial ochre to every student. It was a magical and humbling experience for all.
Our celebrations continued with one of the best performances we have ever seen at our school. Majeda Beattie Murri Island girl shared her culture so beautifully, taught our audiences so much and charmed us all with her infectious spirit.
Our Indigenous students helped decorate and complete our special NAIDOC Foyer installation in our Admin office which will remain in place until the end of Week 3.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was launched at the end of Term 2 during the Upper School Culminating Event – One Continent, Many Voices. Dozens and dozens of students, parents and community members pledged their support to assist in the adoption of our RAP and to embed its values and deliverables. Out of our 31 committed Actions, we have already achieved 24 of them – an incredible effort by our school community!
I would like to thank the entire school community for their amazing support and involvement in our NAIDOC celebrations.
Miss Dani x
