NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK

Last week, our school community celebrated National Reconciliation Week, 27th May - 3rd June.  We welcomed Aunty Deb Chaplin, from within our local community as well as Jimi Bani, Tobias Fatnowna, Uncle George Mara and Aunty Idabi Tom from Torres Strait Island.  Jimi, Tobias, Uncle George and Aunty Idabi were able to be with us for the week, working within classrooms and celebrating culture at lunchtime and at our assembly on Thursday 1st June.  

Jimi Bani is a 2007 graduate from the Western Australian AcademyOf Performing Arts. Before attending drama school, Jimi played a regular role in the SBS series R.A.N (Remote Area Nurse) shooting in northern Australia and since graduating Jimi has had many leading roles across theatre and television. 

Tobias Fatnowna along with his Uncle George Mara & Aunty Idabi Tom are part of "Ngalpun Gidha", a family cultural group that provides a culturally rich experience for all people who are willing to learn about Torres Strait Islander culture. They teach people about the history of the Torres Strait through dance, song, storytelling & food. Ngalpun Gidha means "Our Story" in the Kala Lagaw Ya Dialect of Western Torres Strait.  Through sharing their experiences with everyone they hope to strengthen people's understanding and knowledge of Torres Strait Island culture.

National Reconciliation Week Launch

After Homeroom on Monday 29th May, all students and staff met outside the Jubilee Centre for a special National Reconciliation Week Launch. This begun with a traditional smoking ceremony being performed on the grass area outside the JC,  before moving into the JC for a Welcome to Country followed by some Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander dancing.

National Reconciliation Week Indigenous Key Ring Making

Students were invited to create their own Indigenous Key Rings during lunchtime on the 30th & 31st May as a part of National Reconciliation Week festivities.

Formal School Assembly

At the formal school assembly on Thursday 1st June, our guest speakers shared with us a traditional performance and speech on Reconciliation. They have been here this week to showcase Torres Strait Islander culture, through stories, dancing and instruments, and our students have certainly enjoyed their performances and listening to what they had to share. They also gifted to our school, a traditional headdress and drum, before farewelling us on Friday.