First Nations Report 

As Term 2 draws to a close, it has certainly been a busy and rewarding term for our First Nations mob. Our senior students had the opportunity to attend the Deadly Aspirations Day, a fantastic event that celebrates culture, leadership, and future pathways. A particular highlight was seeing Lucas G and Tyler H receive their Year 12 certificates and hoodies in recognition of their achievements. As their leader, it was a proud moment to watch them being acknowledged and to reflect on their journey from shy Year 7 students at Woodmans Hill Secondary College to confident young leaders preparing for life beyond school. 

Deadly Aspirations Day is always a culturally enriching and enjoyable experience, and this year was no exception. Students participated in a range of activities and were able to explore numerous pathway information stands at the expo, speaking with organisations and gathering valuable information about employment, training, further education, and future opportunities. It was wonderful to see our students engaging with these opportunities while strengthening their connections to culture and community. 

We also came together as a whole school community to acknowledge and celebrate National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. Throughout the week, students participated in a range of Homegroup activities designed to promote understanding, respect, and reflection. These activities provided valuable opportunities for students and staff to engage in meaningful conversations about our shared history and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. 

During our Yarning Circle sessions, we focused on learning about the Stolen Generations and the lasting impact these policies have had on First Nations peoples, families, and communities. Some of our students courageously shared stories of their own family journeys, creating a powerful and respectful space for learning and connection. These moments remind us of the importance of listening to and valuing First Nations voices and experiences. 

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week are always significant occasions for our group. Continuing these conversations, not only during designated celebrations but throughout our everyday lives, is incredibly important. As First Nations people, it is vital that we continue to share our stories, honor the experiences of those who came before us, and remain proud of who we are. By keeping these discussions alive, we strengthen our culture, deepen understanding within our school community, and stay true to ourselves and our identities. These conversations and celebrations will continue in week 1 of Term 3 when we will be celebrating our NAIDOC week here at Woodmans Hill Secondary College. 

Finally, we were excited to begin our first session of the Nallei Jerring program with our younger students. This session brought together First Nations students from schools across Ballarat at the Ballarat Wildlife Park, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with other young people and strengthen community relationships. Despite the cold and wet weather, the students embraced the day with enthusiasm and had a fantastic time participating in a range of cultural activities and getting to know students from other schools. 

One of the highlights of the day was the chance to get up close with some of the park's incredible animals. Students enjoyed meeting and even touching some scaly and furry wildlife, as well as exploring the park and learning more about Australia's unique native animals. The day provided a great balance of cultural learning, relationship building, and fun, and it was wonderful to see our students representing Woodmans Hill Secondary College so positively while creating new friendships and memories.