Marrung

As the year ends, we reflect on our progress in cultural connection and learning at our school. This year, we celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and strengthened reconciliation across our community.

A major milestone of our year was the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a framework to guide us in celebrating First Nations cultures and fostering ongoing reflection, learning, and action towards reconciliation. As a living document, it has been important to not only create this important framework, but to also enact it. Below are just a few of the highlights of our year:

• Our special community event for the launch of our RAP, including a smoking ceremony, unveiling of our school mascot, receiving a Torres Strait Island Flag for our school, songs in Woiwurrung language, special guests and more.
• The continued development of our Wominjeka Garden. With its rainbow serpent river design, Bunjil the eagle and our soon to be installed Acknowledgment of Country Sign (pictured above), it serves as a vibrant entry to our school, honouring our connection to Country.
• We proudly unveiled a new Wominjeka sign at our office to welcome visitors, students and staff.
• Our Prep Imagination Playground was transformed into a storytelling hub, featuring Country-inspired animals and a fire pit, sparking curiosity and connection to Country among our youngest learners.
• In classrooms, teachers and students embraced teaching and learning about First Nations perspectives through all their subjects with a significant focus in Term 3 during our CBL Big Idea of 'Country'. It was amazing to see our parent community engage with their children and this learning at our open afternoon.

Through all of this work at WPPS, we have been fortunate to work closely with the Koorie Education Team and continue to develop these relationships. To Kira, Arbup, Mark and Richard, we truly appreciate your support, ideas and encouragement throughout the year. As we continue to look to the new year, we remain committed to walking together, learning together, and growing together in this area, further strengthening WPPS as a culturally safe and inclusive environment for everyone. 

Tim Phillips

Marrung Leader