Reflecting on a Memorable NAIDOC Week
Our Junior School community united to honour and celebrate the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and traditions of Australia during NAIDOC Week. Through storytelling, music, and art, we embraced the theme “For our Elders!” recognising their vital role in sharing cultural knowledge. Elders, revered for their wisdom and willingness to pass down traditions, became the focal point of our festivities. We listened to their stories, immersed ourselves in traditional songs, and expressed our gratitude through vibrant artworks. This week served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing Indigenous heritage, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Throughout the week, our school organised a variety of activities that engaged and educated all of us. Let’s reflect on some of the highlights:
Art and Craft Activities: During lunchtimes, we explored our creativity through crayon rubbings of leaves from Wangal Land, honouring and respecting country. We crafted bracelets using the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags, learning the significance behind each colour.
NAIDOC Week Installation: In celebration of NAIDOC Week, our art teachers, Victoria Bradshaw and Lesley Snelgrove, collaborated on an art installation symbolising our personal connection to Country. Students and staff contributed by bringing in unique natural materials from the land they reside on. The artwork beautifully merged the visions of our talented teachers and students, serving as a testament to the spirit of NAIDOC Week 2023.
Weaving Workshops: Year 4 were lucky to be able to spend time with Vicki and Tarni, Aboriginal artists who supported the girls as they taught them to weave, while also teaching us words in the Dharawal language. Budgeri (Thank you!)
Storytelling: In the Junior School, we explored stories written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors in the library and classrooms. These stories taught us important lessons about the role of Elders as guides. We learned about the land, animals, language, culture, and living in harmony with nature. It helped us understand Indigenous perspectives and appreciate the connection between people, the environment, and cultural preservation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hall of Fame: Students walked the hall of fame, learning about and understanding the journeys of well known Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Traditional Games and Sports: During NAIDOC week, Junior School girls have been participating in Indigenous games in their PE lessons and for lunchtime activities. They have really enjoyed learning new games and hearing about the origin of the game and what equipment they used to use.
Some of the games they have played are:
- Kolap: a throwing game played in the Mer Islands of the Torres strait Island region.
- Nunyima: is a throw-catch game where balls used were made of seeds, clay, stones, seaweed, or grass. Played in the northwest region of Victoria.
- Weme: A bocce style rolling game.
- Wana Wana: a hitting game played by young Noongar girls in the southwest oof WA. Wana is a digging stick.
- Keentan: a keep away game of catch ball played by both genders in the northwest region of QLD.
- Chuboochuboo: is a throwing and catching game where they need to make as many consecutive catches as possible in a row. The ball was a wallaby skin stuffed with grass, played in parts of SA.
NAIDOC Week Assembly: An opportunity to reflect on our learning throughout the week.
NAIDOC Week was a time for reflection, learning, and embracing the diversity that enriches our nation. We celebrated the achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
– Junior School Teachers
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