From Our Students 

Murrumbeena 1905

MURRUMBEENA

Josephine P. in 4B has written this incredible piece for the 'MY PLACE' Writing Competition.

 It is all about incredible Murrumbeena!

Anthony Breslin artwork
Anthony Breslin artwork

“Yumalundi” means hello in Boonwurrung language.

My place is Murrumbeena, commonly known to the First Peoples as Land of the Frogs. It comes from the Aboriginal word “Mirambeena”. 

The land of Murrumbeena is in the Kulin nation. Murrumbeena is a historical suburb in Melbourne, Victoria. I love growing up in my small house, with my dog, Oscar, Mum, and Dad. We live on a grove, and I am very lucky to be here for lockdown, which is challenging, because we need to do school by technology. I love writing, especially narratives, so I can make things up from my own imagination. 

There are many parks in Murrumbeena. I love going to Murrumbeena Park, Kangaroo Road to walk my dog Oscar around the oval. Boyd Park is named after a famous artist named Arthur Boyd. My Grandpa’s dad, Harry, was a butcher. The Boyd family were very poor and would offer Harry paintings. In return, my great grandad sometimes gave them the meat they needed.

Arthur Boyd's studio in Murrumbeena
Arthur Boyd's studio in Murrumbeena

 I live very close to school. It was built in World War I and had its 100th birthday four years ago in 2017. I was in prep then and I am in grade four now.

I love the outdoors, especially in spring when we go to the golf course to have a picnic, it’s really fun because I go with my friends. 

Most days in Lockdown we meet friends at the park, or anywhere that might be suitable for the weather. When I finish my online school work, I love to do different things in my spare time. I like to run around with Oscar, read, write, draw, and run. 

I think the best thing that has happened here was when we got Oscar, who is always so affectionate but…stubborn. Sometimes we visit the main street to do shopping, and sometimes go out for dinner.  There is a large tree at the park too and I have a goal of climbing to the top. My favorite sports to do at the park is soccer with my dad, and the annoying thing is Oscar gets between our feet, because he wants the ball too! 

Murrumbeena couldn’t be any better and I always have something to do and new people to meet. Most people are friendly, caring, happy and kind. Something I enjoy doing is to get some chalk, and write quotes on the pavement, in fancy, creative, letters for people to read as they walk past. 

There used to be a cat that lived in the apartment block next door, and she always visited me in my front garden. I called her Bella, and we saw each other every day until she left, when her owner had to move away.

The best thing about My Place is my family, my friends, and my teacher. I love our school and even if it is online, it feels good to see everyone. I think if you live here, then you can never be bored. 

Yanu! (Boonwurrung for Bye!)

 

Josephine 4B