Aboriginal Education

Yanggaa Garaba ‘On Country Day’

On Thursday 11 May 2023, 16 students from Oak Flats Pubic School had the privilege of attending the Southern Stars Aboriginal Dance Ensemble, Yanggaa Garaba, 'On Country Day' at Reddall Reserve. Along with 180 students from local primary and high schools, our students heard dreaming stories from Elders, and participated in dance, art, and men's and women's business. It was a great way to connect and build a sense of community before starting rehearsals. Our students are very excited to begin learning their routines!

Aboriginal Perspectives in Stage 2

Oak Flats Public School has recently purchased Aboriginal Nations maps for every classroom in the school, facilitated by the wonderful Mrs Spaleta. 4W have been identifying different nations that are significant places to them, whether they are places they have visited or where family members live.

The maps have sparked some interesting discussions about the difference between Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country and the cultural origins of each. Students have been learning about how Australia is a large continent and how traditionally, nations spoke different languages, similar to Europe where many countries speak different languages, despite being on the same continent.

Aboriginal Perspectives in Stage 3

Stage 3 have been learning about the contributions of significant Australian people to Australian society. This week, students have been learning about Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Students are creating a multiple-choice quiz about Gurrumul, with the best quiz from each class to be made into a Kahoot interactive quiz for the students to complete using their iPads and school devices.

Maths in 5H

This week, Mr Herzog issued 5H with a challenge to use the wonderful items of Country at Oak Flats Public School in order to expand their knowledge of the decimal system. The task which saw students working together to problem-solve their way through challenging and engaging concepts was a real hit. The students have already started asking when the next lesson using Country items will be!

Shellharbour City Council Reconciliation School Flag Walk

A reminder that the Shellharbour City Council Reconciliation School Flag Walk is taking place in Term 2, Week 6 on Monday, 29 May. The flag walk will begin at Warilla Surf Club on Osbourne Parade at 10.00am and proceed to Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra. A formal ceremony will be held at approximately 10.45am, followed by a barbeque lunch provided by the council. We currently have 2 spaces remaining. We warmly invite parents, carers and families to join us on the day.

Aboriginal Education Committee Parent Meeting

We warmly invite parents, carers and families to attend our Aboriginal Education Meeting on Tuesday, 30 May at 4.00pm in the Mudjingaal room (old music room). All are welcome to attend. We are looking forward to continuing to discuss our goals for Aboriginal Education at Oak Flats Public School and continuing to strengthen our partnership by working together.

Reconciliation Week

We are looking forward to celebrating National Reconciliation Week at Oak Flats Public School during Week 6 of Term 2. Reconciliation Week will be held from 27 May to 3 June and this year the theme is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. On Wednesday, 31 May we are inviting parents, carers and families to celebrate Reconciliation Week with us. The day will be as follows:

1.00pm - Reconciliation Walk with students and families inside the school perimeter

1.30pm - Family picnic with barbeque provided by Oak Flats Public School

2.15pm - Reconciliation Week Assembly led by the Aboriginal Student Leadership Team

3.15pm - Unveiling of Homework Group name and afternoon tea

More information will be shared prior to the day and we look forward to sharing this day together.

Emily Chatterton

On behalf of the Aboriginal Education Committee