Close the Gap Day

CLOSE THE GAP DAY

Last Thursday the 21st of March, each classroom taught a lesson dedicated to National Close the Gap day and Aboriginal culture. National Close the Gap day is all about raising awareness to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the same opportunities as non-Aboriginal people. Statistically, there is a gap in health, life expectancy and educational outcomes. Across the school, there was a buzz and excitement towards learning about our First Nations people. 

The preps listened to Aunty Joy Murphy’s picture story book ‘Wilam: A Birrarung Story’ and discussed the different animals that call the Yarra River home. Miss Young taught the preps some Woiwurrung words (e.g. Bunjil means wedge-tailed eagle, Waa means crow) and learnt all about our four houses – Birrarung, Myuan, Toolebewong and Barak. The preps discovered what each house represents and their meanings in Aboriginal culture (Birrarung – river, Myuan – wattle, Toolebewong – mountain and Barak – William Barak). 

The grade ones watched a video about ‘Close the Gap’ and designed a poster to promote the day. 

The grade two students also read Aunty Joy Murphy’s book ‘Wilam: A Birrarung Story’ and did some learning about the Woiwurrung language throughout.  

The 3/4 students had a big class discussion about what ‘Close the Gap Day’ means and why there is a gap. The students watched a video and created some lovely posters. 

Finally, the 5/6 cohort did a lesson about what ‘Close the Gap’ means. They watched a "Behind the News" clip about the meaning and now understand that there is a gap, why there is a gap and what needs to be done to close this gap. 

At WYPS, we believe teaching Aboriginal perspectives and history is so important and we will continue to teach our students about our First Nations people so stay tuned for many more updates throughout the year. 

Sophie Young

Teacher