First Nations

Day 5 of 6 at Yarra Ranges Tech School

On June 3rd nine deadly students attended their second last day at Yarra Ranges Technology School. It was also the second last opportunity for students to work on their projects until they presented them at Showcase Day. The morning started with the BAAN group (a third-generation First Nations family) discussing their history and culture. Students then went into project making and finalising their projects. See images below of the BAAN group presenting and projects from Ruby C. and Jackson W., which is H-Wing classroom signs!  

Day 6 of 6 at Yarra Ranges Tech  – Showcase Day!

12th June was Showcase Day! Students showcased their work to parents, peers, Principals and employees from the Department of Education. This day is a highlight in our calendar, as students feel fulfilled, proud and extremely connected to Culture and Country. In the images below you will find:

• Gem K.D. - creation of a Main Office sign for Lilydale Heights

• Mason J. - project of a collection of Koorie stickers 

• Rory O. - design of traditional bush tucker list for Foods teachers and classes to follow

• Ella B. - 3D project of Bunji the Eagle 

• Ruby C. and Jackson W. - classroom signs that include English and Wurundjeri language of animals for all H-Wing classes 

We had such an incredible day and we are so very proud of each student. We look forward to working with Yarra Ranges Tech School next year. 

National Reconciliation Week 

As we gathered to commemorate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) from 27th May to 3rd June, staff and students reflected on the importance of unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. During SELF classes, students worked to complete reflective tasks based on this year’s theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” a theme that urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.      To celebrate this week all students had the opportunity to partake in traditional weaving (see images below) which is how our First Nations people made baskets, artwork, purses/bags and mats. We also completed a kicking competition on the oval, as our beloved AFL game originated from a traditional Aboriginal ball game named ‘Marn-grook.’ Marngrook is a Gunditjmara word for ‘game ball.’ Originally our First Nations peoples played with a possum skin ball as early as the 1800’s. Unfortunately, no student was able to kick the footy into the bin the first time around! We had such an incredible NRW and students completed a range of activities in SELF. Staff and students also had the opportunity to purchase traditional foods at our Café during this week. We can’t wait for NRW next year already! 

Key significant dates on the calendar:

• 7th – 14th July – National NAIDOC Week

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 the next newsletter update!