What's on at our College
NAIDOC Week Celebrations - 50 Years of Recognition and Culture
This week, our school community proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week, marking a significant milestone – 50 years of official NAIDOC Week commemorations across Australia.
NAIDOC Week, held annually in the first week of July, is a time to honour and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples – the world’s oldest continuous living culture.
The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” recognises the strength of First Nations Elders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of those who have led the way in the fight for justice and equality. This year’s theme also shifts the spotlight to our youth — the next generation who will carry forward this legacy with pride and purpose.
Throughout the week, our students engaged in a variety of meaningful and engaging activities:
On Tuesday, we began our celebrations with a special NAIDOC Week Mass, led by Father Nixon, who travelled from New Norcia to be with us. Students across the Primary school also learnt about the Waakal, the Rainbow Serpent and creator being in Noongar culture. Each class contributed to a vibrant chalk art display of the Waakal, incorporating traditional Aboriginal symbols and patterns.
In Music classes, students explored traditional Aboriginal songs and instruments, learning how music plays an important role in storytelling and connection to Country.
On Wednesday, our Year 6 Multicultural Team hosted a fun and educational NAIDOC-themed Kahoot quiz for students in Years 4 to 6, helping deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.
On Friday, we welcomed Mr Jansen and the Aquinas College Aboriginal Dance Group to our College. They performed traditional dances for both our Primary and Middle School students, including the Kangaroo and Emu dances. Our Aboriginal students were also invited to participate in a special dance workshop — a wonderful opportunity to learn and connect through movement and tradition.
During Friday lunchtime, the whole College joined in a range of hands-on activities including kangaroo and damper tasting, friendship bracelet making, weaving, and face painting. These experiences created a joyful and inclusive atmosphere for all students to engage with Aboriginal culture.
All week long, classrooms took part in our Deadly Door Display Competition, proudly showcasing student learning and creativity. Winners will be announced soon!
We are incredibly proud of the way our students embraced this special week. It was a fun, meaningful and memorable celebration of the cultures, histories, and futures of First Nations Peoples.
Miss Chloe Collard
Aboriginal Perspectives Key Teacher
Ms Lisa Thomas
Aboriginal Teacher Assistant
Benedict House Day (Term 2)
On the last day of Term 2, the students and staff of Benedict House came together to celebrate the patronage of St. Benedict of Nursia in the College’s annual Benedict House Day. It was a very special opportunity to gather as a growing community for the first College House Day and reflect on the life and teachings of Saint Benedict.
The morning started with the gathering of students from Pre-Primary to Year 11 in the Covered Assembly Space for a reflective liturgy. Through readings, prayer, reflections and song, Saint Benedict’s charism of grace, peace, love and service were the forefront of the liturgy, calling students to open their hearts to God and to others.
After the conclusion of the liturgy, the famous Benedict competitive spirit known for gracing sporting fields was also on show with a surprise intra-house Kahoot. This competition put students on the spot, working together as they were tested on their knowledge of St Benedict. Both sides were quick and loud with their answers, but at the end of it all, only one team was successfully crowned the Benedict Houde Day Quiz Champions.
Inspired by his patronage of hospitality, students and staff gathered again at lunch time to share a sausage sizzle and some smiles to round out the day. In the sunshine, a sea of green could be seen enjoying their meal whilst our Pre-Primary students enjoyed a special icy pole to celebrate their special house day. Thank you to the student volunteers and leaders of Benedict House, who led the cohort through the celebrations of Benedict House Day. A big thank you also to the Benedict House staff who supported students with facilitating the day’s activities.
Miss Katrina York
Acting Learning Area Coordinator for English