A message from Margie
Reconciliation news
We had a very meaningful Reconciliation assembly to launch the term last Monday. It was so touching to hear Deanne Hanchant-Nichols (known to the children as 'Auntie Dee') talk about how much our reconciliation work meant to her personally, as a Ngarrindjeri/Barkindji woman and an ex-student of Uraidla Primary School.
We launched the beautiful new Acknowledgement of Country sign located on Kidney Street, made by Hills artist Jerome Lyons. Thank you to the Parents and Friends for fundraising to pay for the sign, and to Deanne, Mickey O'Brien, and Jack Buckskin for assisting with the Kaurna language and sharing the story of the meaning of Yuridla / Uraidla for the sign.
We also opened the new Yuridla Piipawardli Reconciliation Garden. The garden beds and fountain were made with great care and creativity by Darren Bond, inspired by the mural that David Booth created with our students, which is displayed in the front office. Over 100 Indigenous plants were chosen and purchased by Lou Turner, Deanne, and Jo Higginson. Lou and Jo worked with the students to undertake the first stage of planting. At the assembly, Jo spoke to us about the importance of this garden as a space to learn about Aboriginal culture, reconciliation, sustainability, and the incredible biodiversity of this land. All of the students agreed to look after and respect our beautiful garden.
The next phase of our Reconciliation Action Plan includes inviting a number of Aboriginal people to come and share their knowledge of Bush Foods and other traditional uses of the plants with our students in the years to come.
The sign and garden have been years in the planning, and we feel so proud to now have these statements of reconciliation at the entrance to our school. I'd like to acknowledge and thank the members of our RAP working group: Anna Price, Beccy and Lou Turner, Sam Bateman, Jaya Thomas, Samantha Irvine, and Jess de Campo, for their inspirational ongoing reconciliation work at our school. Ngaitalya!
I’m deeply moved by this beautiful signage and the care that has gone into creating it to sit so perfectly with the garden. It is more than just a sign – it stands as a truly meaningful symbol of reconciliation, of respect, and of hope.
Seeing the thoughtful work behind the garden beds, the careful choice of plants, and the pride in the faces of those who helped to bring it to life is truly touching. Honestly, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I’d be standing here at my old school, witnessing something like this — a real and living example of reconciliation in action. It means more than words can say and I would like to heartfeltly thank everyone involved. - Deanne Hanchant-Nichols
Terrific Kids
Congratulations to our TERRIFIC kids from Term 3: Isabella and Henry. Everyone at Uraidla Primary School agrees you're both terrific kids!
Mylor Adventure Camp
I was so proud of our Year 2-5 students at camp last week. I know many of them were nervous to be away from home, and they showed great bravery in overcoming their fears and also in trying many new activities! See Troy's section for photos and camp news.
Quiz Night
I would like to congratulate our dedicated Parents and Friends group for organising another outstanding event with the Quiz Night held this past weekend (see School News section). I am always full of admiration for this group of energetic and creative parents, who generously give their time to create events to build community, which also raise funds for school projects to benefit the children. They raised over $5000 at this event alone! Thank you to all involved, including those in the community who donated items for the event. I'm so grateful for our wonderfully generous and connected community! ❤️
Have a fantastic fortnight, and enjoy the Spring weather, everyone! 🌷