5/6

Literacy

This term, indigenous perspectives have been incorporated into our Reading and Writing programs. Students have been learning about Aboriginal warrior, Jandamarra. Here are some factual recounts from our amazing students:

 JANDAMARRA (by Namika, 5/6C)

More than 100 years ago a man named Jandamarra protected his people from European settlers. He was known across Western Australia for his amazing work. Jandamarra lived in the Kimberley region, a place full of beautiful landscapes. Jandamarra was important to his people because his warrior skills helped some people to escape. 

Jandamarra was born in the 1870s. As a little child he lived on a station with his mother. He learned a lot of useful skills like shearing, horse riding and shooting. Later on he returned to his traditional Bunuba lifestyle but shortly after he was captured by the Europeans and was sent to prison with other Bunuba people. 

Soon the Eurpeans saw Jandamarra's skills and hired him as a tracker but that didn’t last long because he decided to help Aboriginals and  lead them. Since he was a tracker he had guns to shoot the European people.

Some people believed Jandamarra had magical powers. The biggest battle happened in 1894 at Windjana Gorge, where many Bunuda people were killed and Jandamarra was badly hurt.

In 1897, Jandamarra was killed at Tunnel Creek by another Aboriginal tracker working with the European police. He is remembered as a great leader.

 Jandamarra (by Max Reid, 5/6C)

Jandamarra was a great Aboriginal warrior and leader. Jandamarra is really important to the indigenous people. He fought for his people’s freedom. Jandamarra lived in the Bunuba country of the Kimberley region in northern Australia.

Jandamarra’s life was full of adventure, bravery and courage. Jandamarra grew up on a station with his mother in the Kimberley region in northern Australia, where he learnt various skills such as shooting, horse riding and shearing. Jandamarra became friends with a European settler named Bill Richardson. Jandamarra became a tracker for Bill Richardson, helping hunt down Aboriginal people. Jandamarra broke down when he had to help arrest his own family and friends. When it was night time, Jandamarra shot Bill Richardson.

Jandamarra became a great fighter and leader. He led his people into battle against the European settlers. He fought against them for three years. Jandamarra used his deep knowledge of the bush to get out of capture. Jandamarra got shot multiple times while fighting. The day Jandamarra died, he got shot in the shoulder. He made his way to a cave, where he rested. An Aboriginal tracker working with the settlers found Jandamarra and shot him, killing him.

Jandamarra was a great warrior and leader for the Aboriginal people who fought against the European Settlers. He is still remembered today, especially by  the Bunuba people.

🐾 REMINDER! Melbourne Zoo Excursion 🐾

Wednesday 4 June 2025

9:00am – 3:00pm

As part of our Discovery unit on Natural Disasters, Grade 5/6 students will visit the Melbourne Zoo to take part in the exciting ‘Conditions for Survival’ program. Students will explore how extreme weather affects animals and enjoy time exploring the zoo grounds.

🔹 What to Bring:

• Recess, lunch, and a drink in a small backpack or bag
• Wear full school uniform

We’re looking forward to a fun and educational day at the zoo! 🦓🌿🦒

Please let us know if you have any questions.