First Nations

Deadly Event 1: Healesville Sanctuary Careers Immersion Day

On Tuesday 20th November, our Koorie students from Year 10 had the opportunity to attend a careers day at Wurundjeri Woi Wurung Biik (the traditional name for Healesville Sanctuary). Firstly, students learnt the significance of Healesville Sanctuary; it is at the heart of what was once Coranderrk Aboriginal Station. Students were then exposed to various career progressions at the Sanctuary and behind the scenes work. The day finished by watching the Spirits of the Sky show and all students commented how grateful they were for this rare opportunity to learn on country. 

Linked below is further information regarding Coranderrk Aboriginal Station https://deadlystory.com/page/aboriginal-country-map/Community_Places/Coranderrk_Station

Deadly Event 2: Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) Camp at Melbourne University 

Previously, Miss Moschetti and eligible First Nation students completed written applications to attend the 2023 RISE Camp at the University of Melbourne. This program provides Indigenous students in Years 9 and 10 with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), in a culturally supportive and responsive space. Three of our students were successful in their applications and were on campus from  26th November to 1st December. As part of the 2023 program, RISE participants Ryekan J, Marram H, and Warragal H: 

• Received a deadly RISE t-shirt 
• Stayed on campus like a University of Melbourne student 
• Completed cultural activities
• Explored veterinary science, medicine, dentistry and health sciences

Students thoroughly enjoyed this once off experience and learnt so many deadly things! They said they would absolutely do it again if they could. We can’t thank RISE enough for all the hard work and the amazing opportunities that they provided our Koorie students. Linked below is further information regarding RISE at Melbourne University. Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) (unimelb.edu.au) 

Deadly Year 7’s for 2024! 

Exciting news - we have six Deadly Year 7 students coming to LHC in 2024!  Miss Moschetti has been busy meeting, greeting and welcoming our fantastic First Nations students to LHC.  We cannot wait to introduce more deadly students into our community and to see what 2024 at LHC will bring! 

Deadly Indigenous Mural – Merindah Gunya 

On 14th December the deadly and talented Bayley Mifsud, a proud Peek and Kirrae Whurrong woman, painted the most beautiful and bright Indigenous mural. Bayley’s business name is Merindah Gunya, which means ‘Beautiful Spirit.’ She is a new uprising artist, who only started her business six months ago. If you would like to visit her website, the link is here https://merindahgunya.com.au/

This mural took a full day of priming and nine hours of painting by herself and her sister Zali Mifsud. A plaque that tells the artwork story is on its way and will hopefully arrive before the next newsletter!    This mural can be seen from the office and has been months in planning. It has added such an inclusive and vibrant buzz around the school. Thanks to Merindah Gunya for this astounding piece of art, which LHC will enjoy for many years to come. 

Wrap up!

2023 has been such an amazing year for our First Nation students. Many students achieved personal, cultural, and academic achievements that need to be celebrated.   We have had to say goodbye to four First Nation students as Tahlia T and Johnny S finished Year 12 (a huge congratulations) and two moved schools. We wish you mob all the very best for your future endeavours.     During 2023 we have embarked on many deadly opportunities and will continue to do so in 2024. Please have a fantastic Christmas break and see you in the new year.

Key significant dates on the calendar:

• 26 January 2024 – Survival Day, Day of Mourning, Invasion Day 
• 13 February 2024 – Anniversary of National Apology 2008 
• 21 February 2024 – Internal Mother Language Day 

Taylah Moschetti - First Nations Advocate at Lilydale Heights College. Email her at taylah.moschetti@education.vic.gov.au if you ever need a yarn. Until next newsletter update!