Cultural News
New - Opening of our Dreaming Garden
Staff and students at St Mary’s Primary School in Mooroopna held an opening for their “Dreaming Garden” in the school grounds. After much anticipation the children were able to view the new garden and story panels after an official opening and blessing by Monsignor Peter Jeffrey.
The school received a grant as part of The Philomena Billington Scholarship - Social Justice through the Arts. The focus of the grant was to create art, shape community and drive change. Through this grant, the school created an indigenous garden. The children learnt about the Yorta Yorta dreamtime story, called Ina Yillian, about how the Murray River was made.
Through art lessons with Mrs Sharon Wilson, the wholeschool learnt about the dreaming story and they created five canvas prints to retell the story. These images were used in the garden as storyboards that tell the story, as you walk along the pathway.
The children from Prep to Year 6 helped to create a Rainbow Serpent out of river rocks to wind his way through the garden. All children decorated a rock that was placed in the shape of Gane, the snake. Alocal Indigenous Artist, Tori Day, designed some garden screens that also depicted the dreaming story. Children also took part in learning about which plants to include in the garden with Hilda and Greta from Parks Victoria.
We thank all those who came to the Opening and we thank Billy Cooper for the Smoking Ceremony and the dance teachers from Galnya Yenbena Dance for assisting our students in performing for us.
for us.
REMINDER - Opening The Doors Foundation
Grant Applications are Open for 2024!
The online application form is at the bottom of this email or alternatively with your Authorisation via the attached form, St Mary's School can apply on your behalf.
Before you apply online, here are some things you need to know:
Applications will take 2 to 3 weeks to process, if all information is provided.
To avoid the busy period in January, we recommend submitting applications this year.
Key Dates
Applications open: 15th October - 12th April
Out-of-Office: 15th December- 10th January
Maximum grant amount
Prep - $750 Grade 1-6 - $600 Year 7 - $1,200 Year 8-12 - $1,000
Approved applications are final.
Before your application is approved by Trustees it must list all suppliers which you would like OTDF to fund for your child. New suppliers will not be added once the application is approved.
For further information please contact OTDF via email or phone number listed below - enquiries@openingthedoors.org.au or 0401 487 414.
Are you affiliated with any Victorian Tradional Owners?
This question is new on the application form as you may be eligible for other funding from Traditional Owner groups with Native Title or Registered Aboriginal Party status. We will notify you if you are eligible for other funding. OTDF will not cover funds where school scholarships will cover costs.To apply for a grant, click the button below.
Or fill in and sign the Authorisation Form below for St Marys to apply on your behalf.
Acknowledgement of Country
At St Mary’s Primary School Mooroopna we Acknowledge the Traditional people of this land. The Yorta Yorta Nation are the Traditional Custodians of this area and we remember their elders, past, present and future. We remember that the Aboriginal people of Australia will always be the traditional owners of the land on which we gather today. We continue to grow through education and reconciliation to a better future for all Australians.
