Year 7 Harbour Cruise
We departed the campus at roughly quarter past three in the afternoon after everyone had accepted that we had to wear masks after the resounding refusal to wear them. The journey on the train was smooth without any hiccups. Despite the continuous rain and lack of any view, the short while across the Harbour Bridge seamed to excite everyone aboard. Fortunately, nobody was lost on either of the legs through the train station, making it pretty easy to get to our final destination. Once we arrived and making sure everyone was still around, we headed out of the station and in the direction of the docks.
We met Terry and Gumaroy just off the small barge where they keep their boat. We all introduced ourselves and told them both where were from / where we live. The boat came into view below the bridge some fifteen minutes later. We took a few photos outside the boat as it came in to park before climbing on.
Once we were on the boat Terry told us a bit about what we would be doing and some of the safety rules on the boat. He also introduced us to the crew who worked on the boat. We all ran to the top deck and checked out the view of the Opera House which we went right around, taking pictures all the while. Terry taught us a bit about the history of the Harbour and the islands that run right through the middle. We learnt a few of the aboriginal names for different areas and island as well as some of their teachings and rituals.
Further towards the second half of our journey Terry showed us an Aboriginal dance whilst Gumaroy did the Digeridoo in the background. In doing this they taught us more about the Aboriginal culture through the artwork on their body and the dances that they danced. The songs that Gumaroy sang also showed us how the Ancient Aboriginals thought meaning that they made words for thing by observing the way they moved or sounded.
Overall it was a fantastic cruise which gave all of us an idea of our own history and the traditions of those who lived before us.
Austin Hamilton (Yr 7)
