Always was, always will be

Acknowledgement of Country

Indigenous Bushfoods and Music

A special day with Aunty Merm (Merilyn Duff) and Uncle Shane Charles!

Thank you Howard and the Whitehorse Reconciliation Network 

Prep Unit of Inquiry

Prep students dedicated a day to exploring First Nations culture and art as part of their unit of inquiry. They engaged with Aboriginal texts, symbols, and the book “Country” by Auntie Fay Muir and Sue Lawson, deepening their understanding of the connection to Country. Despite windy weather, they participated in a fire pit gathering with Ms. Hui, the school’s Marrung Lead, and took action by cleaning up the area. The week’s activities culminated in a few brave students performing an Acknowledgement of Country during the whole school assembly, despite feeling nervous.

Inspired by the students’ inquiry, I shared these experiences at a staff meeting, focusing on the ‘10 Deadly Tips’ for engaging with Indigenous Australian communities. These tips provided practical guidance for respectful and meaningful interactions. Following the presentation, year levels collaborated on “Glow, Grow, and Go” planning, reflecting on successes, identifying areas for improvement, and setting goals for better engagement with Indigenous perspectives. This session marked a significant step towards cultural competence and inclusivity.

Michelle Chong, Prep Team Leader

Join the 'Alway was, Always will be' Team 

Everyone is welcome! We meet Thursday play 2 in the 6C's classroom with Ms Hui. We're working on a book and another project. See you there!

Book Recommendation: Our Country

A beautiful book explaining what Country means. With fantastic illustrations accompanying each page that captures the essense, understanding and connection of Country.

Woiwurrung Words of the Week

Wawa (hello)

Ngoon-godjin (thank you)

Twagannin (Bye)

Liwurruk (sister)

Bubup (baby/child)

Dhindhith (younger brother)

Can you say hello, thank you and goodbye to your family members in Woiwurrung?

Thanks to the KESO team for sharing these Woiwurrung words and slides with us.

First Nation Events + Resources

(Our school is not affiliated with any of these)

Sat, 21 Sep, 9am - 3pm, Box Hill Town Hall

'Being Hope' Sharing in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Yarning with Elders, Share and learn together. 

Come and share the wisdom and knowledge of our First Nations cultural practices. Much of the day will be spent discussing how some of these ideas can be applied in the modern world. By walking together in a spirit of openness and generosity we are BEING HOPE to each other in our corner of the world - Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation. Info and tickets

Treaty in the Park Werribee 

Wyndham Park, Werribee 

Sunday 24 November 2024.

A spectacular celebration of First Nations culture and music.

In a new joint initiative from the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Wyndham City, Treaty in the Park, will showcase Blak excellence with an all First Nations lineup, including Dan Sultan, Mo’ju, Kutcha Edwards, Brolga and Madi Colville-Walker. Head to First Peoples Assembly for more information.

PODCAST: VAN Talks - Woiwurrung Language

Victorian Aboriginal News (VAN) Podcast's Charle Pakana caught up with passionate Woi-wurrung language speaker, advocate and teacher, Wurundjeri woman Brooke Wandin, at Corranderk. Listen here

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