MARRUNG UPDATE

Marrung & Koorie Curriculum Cluster Update

As part of Djirri Djirri schools ongoing Marrung commitment and Koorie Curriculum Cluster work, Brooke, Steph and Jamie joined colleagues from our Melton area (Melton Secondary College) for On Country learning at Mount Macedon, guided by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Corporation, Jo, Uncle Bill, Rebecca and Remi plus some of their admin office staff.

We walked, listened and learned about plants used for food, medicine and tool making. Being on Country shifted our understanding, it helps to remind you that knowledge here is ancient, practical and deeply connected to place. We are looking forward to helping staff, students and our school community also gain this understanding. 

We also visited Mount William and stood at the greenstone axe quarry, reflecting on the engineering skill and trade networks that existed long before modern systems. Along with some magnificent views. A quiet highlight was when Brooke spotted Bunjil soaring above us a good and firm reminder that we were exactly where we needed to be. Steph showed a BRILLIANT boomerang throw as well. 

This work matters as Victoria continues its Treaty journey. Treaty speaks to truth, voice and shared responsibility. In schools, that means we do more than acknowledge, we learn properly, build relationships respectfully, and make sure Aboriginal knowledge is embedded, not added on and we work with local community to build towards self-determination in education reforms. More to follow. 

Back at school, the boys’ didgeridoo classes have begun again, with students practising at home while we work towards funding a specialist teacher. Thanks go also to Donna, who has also been in classrooms mixing ochre and sharing stories, grounding learning in something real.

Mount William                                        Manna Gum Tree

Brooke, Steph & Catherine               Jamie lost his glasses                   Steph the Boomerang  

          (AP from MSC)                                                                                            Champ for the day