Cultural Studies - Ms Foster

Wominjeka! This means welcome in the language of the Wurundjeri people. 

This term in Cultural Studies all grades have been learning about Indigenous Australian Culture.

PREP: Prep have had an introduction to who the Indigenous Australians are and why they are important. They have learnt how to say 'Hello' in different Aboriginal languages. Preps have also learnt what an Acknowledgement of Country is, and we have started to learn our Acknowledgement song - here are the lyrics - maybe you can sing it together! (Tune is Frere Jaques).

 GRADE ONE AND TWO:  Grade One and Two students have learnt about the ancient tradition of 'Welcome to Country'. We read the story written by Wurundjeri elder, Aunty Joy Murphy and created our own 'Welcome' posters for the Wurundjeri lands. They have also started to learn about the stories of the Dreaming, starting with the Rainbow Serpent from Arnhem Country.

GRADE THREE: Grade Three students have investigated the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people through the story Wilam.

They have also started to learn about some important people and moments in Aboriginal history, and how these events impacted the lives of Australia's first people. So far, we have read stories and listened to songs about the European arrival and activist, Vincent Lingiari.

GRADE FOUR:  Grade Four students have continued to learn about some important moments in Indigenous history including the Stolen Generations and the historic Mabo decision. They have been engaged reading stories and hearing songs about these important historical moments. The empathy and maturity shown by the grade Fours while learning this content has been admirable!

GRADE FIVE AND SIX: Grade Fives and Sixes have enjoyed learning about some 'Deadly Indigenous Australians'. We have discussed important parts of Indigneous culture such as 'Welcome to Country', and looked at highlights of some influencial Indigenous Australians. 

They have then chosen 3 famous Indigenous Australians to research and create a slideshow about. I look forward to sharing some of these at the end of the term.

The high level of cultural respect shown by all Grade levels when learning about our First Nation people is always admirable. We are proud that our students embrace diversity and learning about other cultures, even if it differs from their own. This is a positive reflection on our school, community, teachers and families.