College News
Message from the College Principal
What a cold winter we have all had so far and it certainly hard to jump out of our warm beds each morning. Whilst it's always tempting to stay in bed and keep warm at home, it's really important that our students attend school every day. As a parent, I have often been tempted to give the kids a day off, but I know that those lost hours can add up and have a disastrous effect on students' results and choices. I’m afraid all of us parents need to be cruel to be kind and make sure our kids head off to school whether it's rain or shine.
I know there will be an article about our NAIDOC week in this issue but I do have to say what a wonderful event we all enjoyed this year at the University campus. It seems to grow bigger and better every year and our thanks go to Marina, Hayden, Hollie, Corine and the Kurnai team for a fabulous week of activities featuring Indigenous culture.
Our college is working hard to build up our teaching team and I know that many parents have been concerned about changes in teachers and unsettled timetables. We have already welcomed four new international teachers and there are three more in the system coming to Kurnai. Let's make sure we welcome them to our Learning Community and give them every opportunity to be successful teachers in our college.
Have a great term, everyone, I’m sure the weather will be improving soon!
Anthony Rodaughan
College Principal
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
Formal Event
Kurnai College celebrated NAIDOC week on Thursday, 25th July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Students, local politicians, members of the Indigenous community and Aboriginal Elders gathered at the University campus to attend the event showcasing this year’s theme “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”.
The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with the fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other and to the rich tapestry of traditions which define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Today is a day to share some significant stories and knowledge from several of our guest speakers. At Kurnai College, we continue to learn and respect the First Nations people and hope to strengthen our understanding and connections to ensure that all families feel welcome and accepted within our schools”, explained Koorie Education Support Officer, GunaiKurnai man Hayden Edwards.
Aunty Minni (Christine Johnson) conducted a Smoking Ceremony to welcome the guests as they arrived.
“The Smoking Ceremony is a traditional Aboriginal custom to welcome visitors to our land, cleanse the area and ward off any bad spirits from the people and the land,” said Hayden.
Fellow Koorie Education Support Officer, GunaiKurnai and Monaro Ngarigo woman Hollie Johnson commenced the official proceedings, performing a Welcome to Country in her grandparents' native language on behalf of the Brayakaulung clan of the GunaiKurnai Nation. Kurnai College students Shyann Parry and Matilda Freeman performed an Acknowledgement of Country with Lousie Potts signing in Auslan.
College Principal Anthony Rodaughan addressed the room, welcoming everyone in attendance, “At Kurnai College we have had the fire burning for quite some time. These schools that have been attending our NAIDOC week celebrations are now lighting their own fires, eager to continue this kind of work within their own learning communities”.
Mr John Russell, from Frankston High School, has been attending Kurnai College’s NAIDOC events over the past few years, with his students and staff. He shared with the audience his growth and understanding of Indigenous culture and how he has taken inspiration from Kurnai College to implement changes in his school, including the initiation to host their own NAIDOC week event.
Cr Darren Howe, Latrobe City Mayor also addressed the audience, speaking of the meaning of NAIDOC and this year’s theme.
“This event provides the opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and the enduring strength of the First Nations community that exists in our region”.
“NAIDOC week is about taking the time to learn about our First Nations culture and history, and participating in honouring the oldest living culture on earth”.
“This year’s NAIDOC theme Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud represents the strength and vitality of the First Nations people. By embracing their heritage, we are not only acknowledging the injustices of the past but also forging the path towards reconciliation and mutual understanding”.
Kurnai College Indigenous student dance group Dedlee Kultya took to the stage performed three traditional dances, Wooriyl the Lyre Bird, Mungemagebungdula, and Naanaa Nukindhere! The culturally based dances enable the students to connect with their heritage and culture while educating others.
Talia Cooke, a 2021 student graduate, is a 20-year-old Gunai and Gunditjmara woman who is currently in her third year of Medicine at Monash University. She retraced her time attending Kurnai College and her experiences transitioning from secondary school to university as an Indigenous student. As she continues her studies, she hopes to be able to practice medicine and become a doctor for her community.
The college was proud to unveil a commissioned artwork from local artist Nannette Channing (Solomon). Nannette is a passionate and dedicated artist who is passionate about sharing her culture through art and encouraging establishments to display Indigenous artwork.
Special guest, signer song writer, Miranda (Mandy) Garling is a multicultural woman born and raised in Darwin, with Sri Lankan, Indonesian, English, and New Zealand heritage, but also a Bunurong woman who comes from the Koongangi Tribe in Yarrabah, Cairns. Mandy took to the stage to share her story through music. One of the songs she performed is a piece she composed that recognises her Bunurong heritage, the saltwater people of Port Phillip Bay, and is performed in the local language.
James Solomon, a 2019 student graduate, and Gunaikurnai, Ngario, and Dunghutti man shared his journey of completing Year 12 and then embarking on a career with the Australian Army.
After the formal proceedings, the guests were invited to tour the Indigenous Garden, as part of its official opening.
“Within each of our four campuses, we have worked towards building an area where our Indigenous students have a cultural space that has a welcoming environment, an area that has been filled with native harvest, medicinal and cultural plants,” explained Hollie.
Indigenous Garden
Within each of our four campuses, staff, students and community members have worked towards building an area where our Indigenous students have a cultural space that has a welcoming environment, an area that has been filled with native harvest, medicinal and cultural plants.
During NAIDOC week the garden at the University Campus was unveiled.
The east side of the courtyard encompasses laser-cut shields of the five nations of the GunaiKurnai Nation to honour the Brabralung, Krauatungalung, Tatungalung, Brataualung and Brayakaulung people.
On the west side, the entrance to the wellbeing space features a vibrant mural that represents the totems of the Gunaikurnai People, that of wrens flying home and flying away, unsure of their flight path.
Koorie Education Support Officer, Hollie explained, "As we grow up and the coming of age, we see students who come and go, not sure of what career path they are following. Today their dreams will be different from yesterday and tomorrow. The blue in the male wren additionally plays a part in representing mental health as we all experience highs and lows in life”.
The mural also includes a gathering circle designed by our Year 12 Indigenous student, Kelvin. The circle serves as a space for cultural learning and connection, where campfire conversations and yarning circles foster a sense of belonging, reflection, and a chance to gather thoughts calmly.
Blue hues are incorporated into the artwork representing mental health, acknowledging the highs and lows that we all experience and the care that Kurnai College takes to nurture its students' holistic health and wellbeing.
A metal sculpture featuring Yeerung the male wren and Djeetgun the female wren are two cleverly crafted birds taking pride of place outside of the advocates' office, which were created by Indigenous student Brayden with guidance from Mr David Frendo.
Teacher Brett Gay and staff involved in our Structured Workplace Learning program collaborated with students to design and construct a garden, shaped in the form of the Aboriginal flag, next to the mural. These gardens are planted with Indigenous vegetation and feature totem poles adorned with designs painted by our students, Hayley, Dacoda, and Krystal along with their peers.
Totem Pole Dedication
A fourth totem pole was unveiled on the day, dedicated to College Principal, Anthony Rodaughan, a Jaadwa man to recognise Anthony’s 20-year journey at Kurnai College and his dedication to reconciliation.
Mr Rodaughan’s son-in-law Ngarrindjeri man Boadie Motton explained how alongside Koorie Support Wellbeing Coordinator, Marina Cooper they devised a plan to create the totem pole.
“We wanted to represent both Indigenous tribes, intertwined with Anthony’s family, all whilst keeping it under wraps from Anthony himself”.
“The 18 white dots around the bottom section of the pole represent the 18 tribes that make up the Ngarrindjeri nation (located at the mouth of the Murray River in South Australia)”.
“With inspiration from fellow Ngarrindjeri artists, Craig Buchanan and Emma Mays, I wanted to include the turtle and fish within the blue waters which surround the Ngarrindjeri country and the yellow representing the sand banks of the land”.
Mr Rodaughan’s daughter, Anna explained “As we move up the pole from Boadie’s design we have each placed our handprints to signify our family and the connection we all have. From the bottom we painted circles symbolizing the newest unborn family member of Alex and Ben, our son Ollie’s handprint, followed by Boadie’s, myself, my brother Louis's, my brother-in-law Ben, my sister Alex's, and my mum, Jenna’s. Each print is accompanied by a man or woman symbol connected with dots representing the colours of the Aboriginal Flag. And finally, at the very top, we have our Aunty Beth’s painting “the legends”.
Mr Rodaughan’s then placed his handprint in the empty awaiting space.
Reconciliation Plan
Across the four campuses, Kurnai College’s continues to implement its Reconciliation Action Plan, which continues to promote and facilitate reconciliation by its continuous approach to building relationships, respect, and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Over the past 6 months, plaques have been installed around the campuses, using Guanikurnai language to identify the different learning spaces and areas of the school.
At the Morwell Campus a family meeting room that has been specially designed to make it a comfortable meeting space, absent of the traditional desks and chairs, with indigenous artwork.
Next year there will be an optional Indigenous polo shirt that all students may wear as part of their school uniform.
Music News
NAIDOC Week
Students from across the College came together to provide a beautiful array of musical performances during the NAIDOC Week celebrations at the University campus. It was an immense privilege and a deeply enriching experience for our students to be part of this significant event. Through our music, we sought to honour and pay our deepest respects to our First Nations peoples, recognising their enduring connection to the land, waters, and culture. This celebration offered us a valuable opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage, history, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are profoundly grateful for the chance to participate in such a meaningful occasion, standing in solidarity and unity with Australia's First Peoples.
Monash Medical Orchestra
Our staff and students are eagerly anticipating our collaboration with the Monash Medical Orchestra. This year’s event promises to be a spectacular musical celebration, bringing together Kurnai alumni, current staff, and students for an unforgettable night of live entertainment.
Under the direction of Maestro Robert Dora, Kurnai Staff and students will join forces with the Monash Medical Orchestra and jazz ensembles. The event provides a fantastic opportunity for our performing art students to showcase their musical talents to the broader community.
We warmly invite you all to join us for a celebration of musical excellence on Saturday 17th August from 5-7PM at Federation University Auditorium building 3E. This is one event you won’t want to miss. We look forward to seeing you there!
Primary Schools Tour
In weeks 7 and 8 of this term, our music students from Years 7 to 12 will be visiting several local primary schools including Churchill, Churchill North, Boolarra, Yinnar, Morwell Park, and Morwell Central.
These workshops promise to be engaging, informative, and interactive, providing a wonderful opportunity to build connections with our local primary schools. We are excited about the upcoming visits and hope that our workshops will inspire and ignite a passion for music among our younger audiences.
Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod
Students from across the College will participate in the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, showcasing their talents in a range of sections including V.C.E. solo performance, solo piano, concert band, and instrumental ensembles. We wish all our students the very best of luck!
Kurnai’s Got Talent:
KGT is back for another year, and we couldn’t be more excited! This highly anticipated event offers an incredible opportunity for all students to showcase their talents, compete for exciting prizes, and battle it out for the prestigious title of Kurnai's Got Talent Champion!
Auditions for this year's event will take place during Weeks 9 and 10 of this term and continue into Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4. We encourage all students to sign up and be part of this fantastic experience. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying something new, Kurnai's Got Talent is the perfect way to showcase your abilities.
Mr Chris Gretton
College Music Coordinator
Sports News
Senior Basketball
On Friday 19th of July, Kurnai College's Senior Boys basketball team participated in the Wellington District Interschool Basketball at Gippsland Regional Sports Stadium in Traralgon.
The Senior Boys Basketball team had an impressive run to the final with wins against Traralgon College (45 – 23) and Sale College (41 – 25), showcasing their skills and teamwork. Although they narrowly missed out on the final victory against Seda, they put up a good fight and demonstrated strong basketball abilities.
Overall, it was a fantastic day of sportsmanship and achievement for Kurnai College on and off the court.
The Senior Girls team progress to the next stage uncontested and will compete at the Gippsland Regional Finals later in the term.