NAIDOC Week

National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee

As part of recognition for the First Nation students at SHS and their families. the school celebrated NAIDOC week.  During the week students added their hand print to the Art Windows in D-wing, watched the screening of the movie The Sapphires - following the story of three young indigenous women. The real Sapphires are Naomi Mayers, Beverly Briggs, Laurel Robinson and Lois Peeler (who joined for the Vietnam trip), and are  all cousins from the Cummeragunja area on the Murray River in Victoria.

Students coloured Indigenous themed artwork in D2 and all week had the opportunity to go to the library where they could view a fantastic static display and borrow a book by an Indigenous author. There are other static displays on the canteen windows and around the school. On Thursday sampling of kangaroo sausages was available at the BBQ run by student voice representatives.

Usually held in July when school has holidays, NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and society.

All students and staff were encouraged to participate in the celebrations that took place at our school.

Linda Miller – Koori Educator &

Louise McDade-Cartey - First Nations Curriculum Coordinator