TUNING INTO COUNTRY

Tuning Into Country: 5/6 Qalo's Visit to Huntingdale Creek

Our class recently traded the four walls of the classroom for the quiet, sun-baked landscape of Huntingdale Creek. As part of our ongoing learning around Connecting to Country, we headed down to the creek bed with a special mission: to collect "sensory data" that will soon be woven into our very own class Acknowledgement of Country.

The Art of Deep Listening

To truly hear what the land had to tell us, we practiced Dadirri. This is an Aboriginal practice of deep listening, quiet stillness, and aware waiting. Even with the creek running dry, there was so much to observe. By slowing down and silencing our own voices, we tuned into the subtle rhythms of the bush.

We focused on:

• The Sight: The unique textures of the dry creek bed and the dappled sunlight on the rocks.
• The Sound: The rustle of leaves and the specific calls of the local wildlife.

• The Feel: The warmth of the air and the stillness of the landscape.

   

We were lucky enough to spot several of our native locals who still call the creek home. A resident kookaburra kept a watchful eye on us from above, while magpies and vibrant rainbow lorikeets fluttered through the canopy.

What’s Next?

These sights, sounds, and textures are the building blocks for our writing. We are now busy transforming our sensory notes into descriptive language to ensure our class Acknowledgement is deeply personal and reflects the true spirit of the Kaurna land we learn on every day.