In the classroom

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre

I am writing this newsletter article from the Simpsons Barracks where our students are taking part in a Reconciliation Week AFL Carnival.  Earlier in the year the students designed jumpers for the carnival and Ruby, Kurt, Tatiana and Shakira had their jumpers selected to be used as the jumpers for the games.  They look great and each student spoke about their design and what it represents to them.  

 

Cliffton's face says it all.
Cliffton's face says it all.

Last week the students visited the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at the Melbourne Museum to view thousands of cultural artefacts that are held in underground collections rarely viewed by the public.  The MITS students were given access to these collections as well as a huge collection of animals that had been both stuffed and preserved in liquid.  While this was an incredible experience, there were some smells that did test a few stomachs.

 

The museum visit formed part of the term 2 art project that is being supported by Monash University - MUMA which has seen students learning and then applying photo editing skills using Adobe Photoshop.  It always amazes me how quickly students pick up new skills and I can't wait to see the end results of their work.  The students have been lucky enough to have the support of Artist in Residence, Haley Millar-Baker to help develop their ideas.

 

This week, I had the pleasure of taking a Persuasive Writing Class and I was so impressed with the students ability to develop strong arguments, both for and against about a range of topics.  The one topic that got them out of their seats was, 'Animals should be kept in a zoo'.  The arguments that they developed on both sides were well thought out and delivered with passion.  It was no surprise that they were so skilled at developing their arguments, with Ms. Sally inviting a couple of special guests into the MITS classroom to teach them how they use persuasion as a tool, to be successful in their daily work.

 

Finally, Dreamtime Week has been and gone and what a week it was.  The students were incredible representatives of MITS and their own communities as they mixed with the entire staff including the players of Richmond Football Club at the Dreamtime Lunch and among other things stood as the Guard of Honour for the Richmond players as they ran out in front 80,000 people for the Dreamtime at the G game.  

Ryan Martin