Ngarri Ngarri News

GSSC’s Koorie Educator Team is proud to carry the same name as the entrance artwork; Ngarri Ngarri meaning ‘teaching knowledge’. Our Team consists of Team Leader, Tom Day, and Koorie Educators (KE’s) Tahlia, Tamekah and Val, with a further three KE’s set to commence in Term 1. Our team is also supported by three Koorie Engagement Support Officers (KESO’s) from the Department of Education and Training; Tanayah, Tania and Linda. Together our focus is to connect with our Koorie students, their families and community and reflect on our cultural strengths and shared histories. 

Connect

Yarning Circles 

Every term in weeks 3, 6 & 9 our Koorie students will be encouraged to participate in a yarning circle over lunch. A safe place to share hopes and dreams with their peers and troubleshoot any issues with the Ngarri Ngarri team. The first ones are taking place next week:

Monday 14 February:     

Year 10 Koori students - Bayuna Bleachers @ 1.30pm

Tuesday 15 February:      

Senior Boys (10-12) - Community Hub @ 1.30pm

Wednesday 16 February: 

Senior Girls (10-12) - Community Hub @ 1.30pm

Thursday 17 February:      

Middle Boys (7-9)  -  Community Hub @ 1.30pm

Friday 18 February:            

Middle Girls (7-9) - Community Hub @ 1.30pm

Ganbina Youth Leadership Program Information Session

Ganbina will be visiting GSSC next Monday to talk to Year 10 Koorie students about the Youth Leadership Program. Lunch will be provided. 

Reflect

What:  Cummeragunja Walk Off on4th February 1939

Who:   Following an address by Jack Patten, 200 + Aboriginal people gathered their belongings and walked off Cummeragunja Mission.

Why:    Widely recognised as the first mass strike of Aboriginal people, this day saw hundreds walk off the Cummeragunja Mission in protest of the poor conditions and restrictive controls imposed by the government of the time.

Reflect: Imagine personally living through these circumstances. Every aspect of your life is regulated. You have restricted access to employment opportunities, land, welfare, and equal wages. There is also the constant threat of the removal of the children in your family. How would you feel? 

This historical event has had a lasting impact on First Nations People. It played a significant role in the movement for Indigenous rights across Australia. It is still seen, as a defining moment in an ongoing struggle for self-determination, civil rights, and rights to traditional lands. The legacy of the walk off is one of survival and continuity, as well as pride and determination.