MARRUNG UPDATE
There are several things starting to get traction this year.
Possum Skin Storytelling Project – Pilot Program
Our school is privileged to host a pilot program for First Nations girls and their families, centred on identity, culture, and storytelling through possum skin cloak practices.
Students will explore their mobs, totems, and connections to Country while creating personal possum skin shawls that reflect their stories. These shawls are designed to grow over time, with opportunities for families and the school to contribute, supporting each student’s cultural journey throughout their education.
Students will also contribute to an ongoing school possum skin cloak—an evolving, living artefact that honours the stories and presence of First Nations students across the school.
This 5-week program will include design, stitching, and creation, with a potential smoking ceremony to conclude.
Please note: Possum skin cloak practices are a closed cultural practice. Some elements of the program will remain mob-only to respect and protect cultural knowledge.
This is an example of the school shawl that will be created
This is an example of the school shawl that will be created
This is a phot of a high school student completing a shawl at community led cultural teaching spaces
This is a phot of a high school student completing a shawl at community led cultural teaching spaces
Marngrook Project
Remnants from the Possum Skin Storytelling Project will be used to create marngrook.
This provides an opportunity to extend learning through making, connection, and cultural practice, ensuring materials are used respectfully and meaningfully.
Exciting things are continuing to take shape across these programs this year.
Boys Didgeridoo (Didge) Program
Back at school, the boys’ didgeridoo classes have recommenced. Apologies for the delayed update, we’ve now brought the students together into one group, and the program is underway.
This week (31/03/26), the boys began learning the foundations of circular breathing, an important skill in developing their playing and connection to practice.
They’ve also been practising at home while we continue working towards funding a specialist teacher to further support the program. Last fortnight we commenced with our funded didgeridoo learning company, First Nations Educators and Performers - Didgeridoo Australia
Thanks also to Donna, who has been spending time in classrooms mixing ochre and sharing stories, helping ground learning on Country here at Melton Specialist School.
