Barefoot on Country

On Monday, 4 August, a number of students from Years 1 - 3 attended the first ever Barefoot on Country excursion at Dru Point. It was a wonderful day where the girls had the opportunity to connect with country and with First Nation students from other Southern Catholic schools. We were welcomed with a smoking ceremony and the day was filled with activities and experiences led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait knowledge sharers.

Activities included: 

• Painting - decorating own bag with ochre, and decorating paper/bark/rock

• Painting (collective piece) - decorating large canvas (or similar) using ochre

• Dance - learning actions for collective dance at culmination of “Barefoot on Country”

• Storytelling - while crafting/creating using natural materials, elements of country

• Storytelling - while making animals out of air dry clay (or similar)

• Food - bush foods tasting table

• Chill out zone - books/colouring with cushions/skins (+ tactile materials and music)

• Throwing items - waddies/spears (at targets)

• Game - Marn Grook (or similar ball games)

• Game - Gitja (or similar tag games)

It was an amazing experience and everyone enjoyed the activities, especially the waddies and spear throwing.  The photos show what an enjoyable day it was.

Thanks to the Catholic Education Office Education Officers for organising the day.