GARAY GABA - Good News

Cultural Groups

At St Nicholas, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students take part in Cultural Immersion lessons led by the Aboriginal Education Assistants. Every fortnight, they explore a new topic that celebrates Aboriginal culture, history, and traditions, strengthening their knowledge, identity, and connection to Country.

Over the next couple of weeks, our Cultural Groups will be focusing on developing and completing Cultural Plans. Our Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAs) will work closely with all Aboriginal students, providing guidance and support as they reflect on their culture, identity, strengths, and goals.

We also look forward to partnering with our families throughout this process. Information about Cultural Plans will be shared with parents and carers, providing an opportunity to contribute valuable insights that help ensure each student's plan reflects their unique identity, aspirations, and cultural connections. We appreciate your support and look forward to working together to celebrate and strengthen our students' cultural journeys.

NAIDOC Week Recap

During Week 2, St Nicholas proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week with a fun-filled program of activities that was thoroughly enjoyed by students, staff and our wider school community.

We began the week with a wonderful NAIDOC Assembly, celebrating this year's theme, "50 Years of Deadly". We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for this special occasion. A very special thank you goes to Marc Sutherland, Jolene Faint, Lisa and the McCarthy Cultural Dance Group for sharing their knowledge, culture and performances. We also acknowledge our Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAs) for their outstanding organisation of both the assembly and the week's celebrations.

Following the assembly, guests and students visited our NAIDOC Hall of Fame. This inspiring project was envisioned and brought to life by Miss Sharni. Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 worked alongside AEAs to research an inspiring Aboriginal person and create a unique artwork celebrating their life achievements and cultural identity. The finished pieces were exceptional, showcasing the students' creativity, effort and learning. Every student involved should be incredibly proud of their work.

Throughout the week, students also enjoyed participating in traditional Aboriginal games, led by Mr French, Miss Sharni and Miss Miller. Break-time activities proved to be another highlight, with students enthusiastically taking part in Yarning Circles and Lingo Bingo using Gamilaraay Language, facilitated by Mr French.

To finish the celebrations on a high, students enjoyed a Mufti Day, face painting and the much-anticipated annual Staff vs Year 6 Oztag match. After last year's Year 6 victory, the teachers eagerly reclaimed the title this year in a closely contested and entertaining game! A big thank you to Tamworth Oztag for generously supplying the tags.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year's NAIDOC Week such a memorable celebration. We look forward to continuing to celebrate, learn and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Student Spotlight

A huge congratulations to our NAIDOC award recipients : 

Dhirrabuu Awards

The Dhirrabuu Award recognises Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students from Kindergarten to Year 5 who consistently show deadly attitudes, deadly behaviour, and a deadly commitment to learning, culture, and community. The award recipients are proudly selected by the teachers within their grades. 

Cohen Pendergast, Caleb Thomas, Brydie Cunningham, Ellie Dallas, Harry Fox, Harper French, Lottie French, Iluka Leslie, Ineke Allen, Jaiden Allen, Mahlia Pendergast, Adelaide Burgess, Hallie Emery, Rylee French, Ayla Fox, Arie Ramirez, Sophia Wadwell & Lilli Shanley

Keeping Culture Awards

The Keeping Culture Award is a special award that recognises two Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Year 6 students who demonstrate a consistent positive attitude and a strong commitment to learning about, respecting, and upholding their cultural heritage. The award recipients are proudly selected by the teachers within their grades, the Aboriginal Education Team and the School Leadership Team.

Nellie Burgess & Kaitlyn Sager