FIRST NATIONS NEWS

Throughout Term 2 as a school, we have focused on our RAP priorities;

Respect in the Classroom:  Students and Staff learned about our shared commitment to reconciliation, ensuring First Nations perspectives and histories are integrated authentically into our classroom learning. This learning has occurred through our focus on Reconciliation week and NAIDOC week.

Relationships around the school:  All staff revisited and completed the Culturally responsive self-reflective tool.  This process supports our staff to reflect on their own practices and knowledge, fostering stronger and more respectful relationships with First Nations students, families and the wider community. Through self-reflection staff were able to reflect and identify their next steps in their learning journey.

Culture Beats

Our Year 3 to 6 First Nations learners at participated in the Culture Beats project. Together, they co-wrote and recorded an original song titled "50 Years of Deadly", working with Ngarrindjeri/Gunditjmara singer/songwriter Katie Aspel reflecting on the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past 50 years. 

Boori Monty Pryor

On 29 July, we were delighted to welcome Aboriginal author and storyteller Boori Monty Pryor to our school. Throughout the day, Boori worked with every class, sharing engaging writing activities, captivating stories, and interactive dancing sessions.

Our students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were highly engaged in each session. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to learn through storytelling and celebrate Aboriginal culture.

We are incredibly grateful to have received a grant from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), which made this valuable learning experience possible.

Comments from students and teachers

“We enjoyed listening to the stories, especially the medicine tree” 

“I liked the dancing” “I liked being able to tell the story” 

“Very interactive, kids were engaged the whole time” 

“I liked that the students could have some movement and dancing” 

Here some amazing books, and films Boori has been a part of: 

Books: 

• Shake A Leg
• Story Doctors 
• Maybe Tomorrow 
• My Girragundiji 
• Njunjul the Sun  
• The binna binna man 

Films/Series: 

• Brown paper bag 
• Wrong kind of black 

Aboriginal STEM Congress

Last week Archie, Lucas, Kyran, Kayleigh and Odin had the opportunity to participate in the Aboriginal STEM congress.  This event brought together over 700 First Nations learners from across the South Australia to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through culturally relevant, hand-on activities and workshops.  Students engaged with Aboriginal STEM professionals, strengthening their connections to community and culture. 

They heard from First Nations Keynote speaker, Narungga man Brad Darkson, co-founder of Moonrise Seaweed Co, who spoke about his work of regenerating coastal ecosystems thorough seaweed and blue carbon initiatives. The Congress was rounded up by a live performance from Aboriginal Hip Hop group from the APY lands DEM MOB who showcased their passion for music.  Events like the Aboriginal STEM Congress are invaluable in showcasing career pathways, fostering aspirations, and empowering our First Nations students to become the next generation of leaders in STEM. 

Scott Megson

Deputy Principal

Felicity Rickett

ACEO