Marrung

Caring for Country

'Take only memories, leave only footprints.'

'When we look after Country, Country looks after us.'

'Caring for Country' is a term used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to describe the deep connection they have with the land, sea, and sky. It’s more than just looking after the environment; it’s about understanding that the land is a living entity that provides for us and, in return, needs our care and respect. For over sixty five thousand years, Aboriginal people have practiced sustainable ways of living, ensuring that the land remains healthy for future generations. We are so fortunate at WPPS to have such a beautiful environment at school and in our surroundings. It's important that we don't take this for granted by continuing to look after Country. 

A selection of Children's books with themes of Caring for Country

Caring for Country At Our School

During CBL last term, our Grade 1 and 2 students took a particular interest in this area, learning about sustainable practices through reading books, writing letters and creating signs to encourage everyone to Care for Country. Importantly, they modelled what this looks like in the playground. Even after the CBL focus, we have had a passionate group of students continue working hard to make sure everyone takes responsibility for keeping our school free of litter. 

Pictures of students caring for Country and sharing stories they have written about caring for Country during the Term 2 CBL Big Idea of 'Country'.

Ways We Care for Country at WPPS

SAKG: Our students grow and use the food they harvest to create delicious meals. Scraps are used in the compost or fed to the chickens.

Recycling: Each classroom/area has a paper recycling bin. Our Grade 6 students and teachers work hard to empty these bins into the bigger skip.

Yard Clean Ups: Every few weeks students clean up the yard, ensuring it is free from litter. We do find litter in this time, so it's always a good reminder about putting our rubbish in the bin. 

The Wominjeka Garden: This is a special place where students can learn about the importance of Country. The garden, featuring a beautiful rainbow serpent and an Acknowledgment of Country sign, is a reminder of the cultural significance of the land we are on. It’s a space where students can reflect, learn, and connect with the environment around them.

Plants in the Playground: Mrs Crawford and Jonah love making sure our garden is full of native plants. We've loved seeing how respectful our students have been with letting these plants establish by not running over them or pulling off their branches during games at playtime. 

Green Team: Each class has a green team representative, championing sustainability in their classroom. These students have gone on excursions to learn about how they can protect the earth

Learning from First Nations Knowledges: Through our curriculum, we explore Aboriginal perspectives on caring for the environment. This includes learning about traditional land management practices such as firestick farming, which has been used for thousands of years to promote healthy ecosystems.

Acknowledging Country: Every time we gather for a school assembly or event, we begin by Acknowledging Country. This practice helps us remember that the land we learn and play on has been cared for by Aboriginal people for generations and that we too have a role in protecting it.

Caring for Country isn’t just something we do at school—it’s something we can all do in our daily lives. What are some ways you can help care for the land, skies and waterways of Australia?

Do you have any other ideas about how we can care for Country at WPPS? Reach out to me, your class Green Team representative or a School Ambassador/Captain.