Connections to Country

Earlier in the term some of our Koorie students attended Rubicon Outdoor School for an action-packed week of activities. Students participated in a high ropes course, river drifting, caving, mountain bike riding and abseiling.

The students also visited Coranderrk Aboriginal Station which is located on Wurundjeri Country and the adjoining cemetery. The station was established for the people of the Kulin Nation, an alliance formed by five language groups - Woi Wurrung/Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Wadawurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung - but was home to many other mobs as well. Students learnt about the history of the mobs who lived and worked on the land. Coranderrk was officially made a reserve in 1863 and it quickly became Victoria’s biggest reserve as well as a thriving farming community. The students enjoyed time to wander through the cemetery and viewed the plaque dedicated to those who had passed. Recognising family names of their own or peers from school, we couldn’t help but wonder if they were ancestors past.

On our journey back to school on Thursday afternoon students enjoyed a stop at Nangara Reserve - indigenous culture forms an important part of the reserve and the local area. Members of the Kurnai Brayakoloong people have contributed artwork to acknowledge the significant indigenous history of the reserve and surrounding areas. In teams, students raced around the reserve to locate certain landmarks and artwork in a bustling competition to be the first team to locate all pieces of the puzzle.

The camp was a fantastic opportunity for students to push themselves physically, demonstrating excellent teamwork whilst connecting with each other and Country.  

We would like to acknowledge and celebrate our Koorie students who have been elected to leadership roles across the college. Connie Pryor, Aiden Foy, Tieran Casey and Ciara Burgess are all student representatives for their perspective year levels elected by their peers. These students attended a leadership conference in Melbourne where they had the opportunity to develop essential leadership skills to help them become effective leaders in our school and community. Congratulations, we are so proud of you.

Emily Vernon

Koorie Liaison Coordinator