Always was, Always will be

Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement in Mandarin by Wang Laoshi.

Prep inquiring into ‘Who we are’ and Respect for Country

Our Prep students have been exploring identity and respectful relationships through Aboriginal perspectives. They learned about ‘Country’ — not just as land, but as a connection to culture, people, and the environment.

Initially, students named countries like New Zealand, Japan, and China, recognising each has unique plants and animals. Reading Country by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson expanded their understanding of what Country means to the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation. This led them to participate in the whole-school Acknowledgement of Country.

Students shared insights: Country is the beach, the creek, ceremonies, songs, art — the past, present, and future. It’s a special place, not just land but everything within it. To deepen their connection, they illustrated their own understanding of Country, showcasing trees, rivers, animals, and emotions tied to their special places. 

Prep also explored March’s season in the Wurundjeri Calendar, welcoming the first breath of Autumn and the Iuk (eel) season. They engaged in a craft, creating their own Autumn trees. Near their trees, they included eels or used Aboriginal symbols they had learned, weaving their understanding of culture into their art, deepening their connection to the cycles of nature and the land.

This learning fosters respect, responsibility, and belonging, helping students appreciate the deep meaning of Country in Aboriginal culture.

First Nations Events + Resources

(Our school is not affiliated with any of these)

Sustaining Country and Gourmet Native Bush Foods

Sun, 30 Mar, 5pm - 8pm, Armagh - Initiatives of Change Australia, Toorak

 A culturally immersive experience with Stephen Thorpe Founder of Sustainative with Gunaikurnai, Gundjitmara and Yorta Yorta heritage. Be inspired by Stephen's self-empowering journey of transformation and emerging vision of regenerating Country, Culture, and the communities where we live and work. Feel invited to explore the essence of Stephen's business SustaiNative.

Experience this holistic approach at this special event which includes a fireside ceremony, sound healing, an enlightening heart felt yarn, and nourishment with a gourmet native dining experience. Stephen will be joined by his business partner Abe Sharman, co-founder of Sustainative. More info and register

Yirramboi, Futures Past, Festival

1-11 May

YIRRAMBOI means tomorrow in the local languages of the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung peoples. 

Deeply rooted in purpose, YIRRAMBOI platforms expressions of culture, identity, unity and truth through evolutionary and experimental practices, breaking away from preconceived ideas of First Nations 'art'. YIRRAMBOI provides a stage for First Nations voices to be heard, for stories to reverberate through generations, to drive change and create a future where First Peoples are rightly celebrated. More info