Always was, always will be
Indigenous Culture + Stopping Racism
After meeting Sean Ryan at the Aboriginal Cultural Fun and Games Day, we invited Sean to share his story about culture with the whole school.
For Prep to Year 2. Sean shared about culture. yidaki (digeridoo) and dances. We loved how Sean could 'talk' through the yidaki and now we know one of the traditional names was the 'yidaki', because 'digeridoo' was not an Aboriginal name but the name someone wrote down in their diary about the sound it makes.
For the Year 3 to 6 session, Sean had a Q&A about his experiences as an Aboriginal man of racism. We were shocked that he has experienced so much in his life and very grateful that he shared so much. It would have been so hard to share it with so many people. Sean also shared how he plays the yidaki, and it was cool to have a go at breathing in and blowing out at the same time. We also learnt that he is one of the senior yidaki knowledge keepers and players in his clan of the black cockatoos in Northern QLD.
We also liked Sean's handy map of Australia (see image above). It was a really insightful session for both the staff and the students.
Thank you Max, Ari, Fraser and Marcus for the great opportunity to learn with and connect with Sean. We will treasure this and remember to call out racism.
Always was, Always will be
A big thank you to Zahara for leading the student action team this year. You are such a passionate, driven and caring leader! We have all grown so much because of your leadership!
Here the team are receiving individualised awards created by Zahara with an 'Always was, Always will be' sticker donated by Carla Scotto.
Reconciliation Action Plan
A team of staff have been working on our school's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and were fortunate to visit Murnong Gallery and Wominjeka Gardens in Glen Iris. Thank you to Wiradjuri parent Stef Brown for her help with the RAP and to Glenn Loughley for hosting us at the gallery and garden. We're looking forward to working with Glenn, Stef and the KESO team next year.
Thank you to the families who have contributed to the Cultural Survey, we have begun creating our school's Cultural Calendar.
Emily Hui on behalf of the Cultural Diveristy and Inclusion team and the Always was, Always will be staff team
First Nation Events + Resources
(Our school is not affiliated with any of these)
26 JANUARY 2023
Our Survival Day Event , 12-8pm, The Briars 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha, VIC 3934 / Bunurong /Boonwurrung Country
A family friendly community day for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander people and allies. Cultural experiences, music and food.
An incredible line up of local artists, experiences, food and market stalls together to share in the same cause.
26th January is not the date to celebrate. Its the date to practice culture, and learn history.