Joeys Yarning Space 

We acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians, 

past and present of this land of the Aniawan, Banbai, Dunghatte, 

Jukambal, Kambawal, Weraera, Kamilaroi, Ngoogabrul and Gumbaynggir as acknowledged by Armidale Lands Council, people who long before us lived, 

loved and raised their children on this land. 

We also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families 

in our community and acknowledge their deep physical 

and spiritual connections to the land.

THE GAMILARAAY LANGUAGE

Gamilaraay, also spelled Kamilaroi, is an Australian Aboriginal language that was spoken over a vast area of north-central New South Wales when Europeans began colonising Australia. Gamilaraay country extended from as far south as Murrurundi on the Great Dividing Range, to Tamworth, Narrabri, Moree, Boggabilla, Mungindi, Collarenebri, Walgett and Gunnedah.

The name Gamilaraay consists of two parts: gamil meaning 'no' and araay meaning 'having', that is 'the people who have gamil for no'. This method of naming people after their word for 'no' is widespread throughout New South Wales and Victoria; for example, the western neighbours of the Gamilaraay, the Yuwaalaraay, say waal for 'no'.

https://www.dnathan.com/language/gamilaraay/dictionary

This fortnight has seen the introduction of Balima dreaming, the adventure bear. The children are very excited each Friday to see who will get to take Balima home for the weekend and have great adventures together! We've also been busy getting prepared for NAIDOC week 2022 "get up, stand up, show up" the children have been amazing applying this year's theme in their everyday activities at school! We have been slowly introducing language into our everyday as well. By doing this we are helping to keep culture alive and it's such a rich experience for all the children, they enjoy learning a new skill.

WORD OF THE WEEK

"Gaaya Yaadha" which means "happy day". Mrs Whalan wishes this for all of you everyday this week.