Assembly and Smoking Ceremony

Our first whole school assembly for 2024 was privileged to be opened by a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country from Traditional Custodians from the Bunurong Land Council. Josh West invited students to walk through the smoke of Black Wattle, Manna Gum and Cherry Ballart with purpose and to feel its cleansing qualities. April Bright from Year 11 introduced Jillian West by paying respect to Elders past and present and asking us to care for Country. 

Jillian delivered an inspiring Welcome to Country that encouraged us all to reflect on the power of education and the importance of celebrating difference and newness. Josh then played the Yidaki for us and included the call of the kookaburra that is connected to Jillian’s father. Staff and students alike were moved by the experience. 

Cassandra Fernando, MP and our 2023 Dux, Avi Singh joined us in celebrating the achievements of students.

Many thanks to Avi, Cassandra, Josh, Jillian and the Bunurong Land Council for this wonderful Welcome to Country - an inspirational way to celebrate the start of a new year of learning, community, contribution, and care!