And now a word from 

Mrs Richards...

NAIDOC WEEK 

This week, our school proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week, an important opportunity to recognise, celebrate and learn about the rich history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – the oldest continuing cultures in the world.

The 2026 NAIDOC Week theme 50 YEARS OF DEADLY celebrates the achievements of the past and reminds us that every generation has a responsibility to learn from history, respect culture and work together to build an inclusive Australia.

Throughout the week, students participated in a range of meaningful activities designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures. One of the most significant additions has been incorporating an Acknowledgement of Country into our weekly routines and meetings. This simple but important practice acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and demonstrates our respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their ongoing connection to Country, and the wisdom and culture they continue to share. 

Students also began learning and using words from the Bunurong language, the language of the Traditional Custodians of our local area. They practised greeting one another with “Wawa" (hello) and saying "Mulugu" (goodbye) as part of classroom role responses. Introducing local language helps students develop an appreciation of the enduring connection between language, culture and identity.

Across the school, classes enjoyed reading and discussing a range of First Nations stories, exploring the importance of storytelling in sharing knowledge, history and culture across generations. Students also created artwork inspired by First Nations artists and participated in a variety of craft activities that celebrated Indigenous symbols, patterns and connections to Country.

Importantly, students also spent time learning about the history and purpose of NAIDOC Week itself, developing an understanding of why it is celebrated and how it encourages all Australians to recognise and value the contributions, resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At our school, we believe that developing cultural understanding, respect and inclusion is an important part of educating the whole child. The learning that takes place during NAIDOC Week supports our ongoing commitment to building a community where diversity is celebrated, everyone's stories are valued, and students grow into respectful, informed and compassionate citizens. We are incredibly proud of the thoughtful way our students embraced the week's learning and conversations and look forward to continuing this important journey throughout the year.