ATSI News

The challenging times that we all faced over the last couple of months have seen different ways of support offered to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student and families. These challenges have strengthened our connections and support to our students and families. The return to face to face learning was welcomed by parents and most students. Whist the return has had some challenges we are glad to see all our students back. 

Wednesday 27 May 2020 saw the commencement of National Reconciliation Week. Throughout the week and still continuing, students and staff have been involved in a number of activities in HSIE, PE, RE, English, Dance elective, Design and Technology and Gamilaraay Language, recognising the importance of Reconciliation and connection to Country.

The National Reconciliation Week 2020 theme ‘in this together’ reinforces that we all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and culture. We believe that our McCarthy family have definitely hit this brief and beyond any doubt have proved that we are ALL “in this together”.

The Year 9/10 Dance class were given the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal dance and culture. They were shown a variety of traditional movements and then taught the language of the movements. The students then choreographed a piece that included traditional and contemporary dance. 

Year 8 Technology is working on a weaving unit. The class is looking at the Local Aboriginal community and the traditional ways they weave and the materials they use. J-Lee Nash, a Year 11 student who participated with the Gomeroi Academy 2019, spoke and demonstrated weaving to the class. J-Lee shared her knowledge and stories with the class connecting the students with their culture.

Mrs Joelene Faint, Ms Lisa Smith and Miss Madeleine Simmonds-Cutts

Aboriginal Education Assistants