Cultural Immersion

Wii Gaay Learning Hub #2: 50 Pages of Deadly

Yaama ngindaay-uu, (Hello to you all,)

Chastity and I recently went for an inspiring, week-long Learning Hub on Darkinjung Country at Tuggerah Lakes. Grounded in our core values, our clever learners spent the week building their confidence, creativity, and cultural pride.

Here is a wrap-up of our incredible week following the five Cs: Country, Culture, Curriculum, Christ, and Challenge!

 C for Country

The week commenced with an enriching 'On Country' experience to ground our week in story, connection, and deep cultural reflection. Guided by welcoming local Darkinjung Ranger Allan and his knowledgeable team, our students and staff participated in a Smoking Ceremony and Acknowledgement of Country. Together, we visited several moving sacred sites:

• Bulgandry Aboriginal Art Rock Site: Viewing historical rock art etchings.
• Milyerra Fire Trail: Exploring the large tessellated rock platform and its ancient engravings.
• Somersby Falls: Taking in the calming views, sharing a quiet visit to a women’s site with Rangers Lara, Eileena, and Eva, and holding a Men’s yarn with Ranger Allan and Logan.

 C for Culture

On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAs) designed and led engaging Culture Circles. Tailored to the students' own Cultural Plan data, these sessions beautifully blended cultural and academic knowledge. Activities included:

• Exploring traditional Anaiwan language.
• Learning the cultural significance of possum skins and visual arts.
• Participating in didgeridoo lessons and basket weaving.

The cultural immersion continued on Thursday evening with a bush night walk led by local Ranger Matt. Students gained hands-on insights into traditional land management, care for Country, local wildlife and stories. We finished the night with Janita, who taught the students significant cultural dances.

 C for Curriculum

Stepping into the role of 'Illustrators in Residence'—following their work as 'Authors in Residence' earlier this year—our students made major progress on their '50 Years of Deadly, 50 Pages of Deadly' project.

Integrating Literacy, Numeracy, and Technology, students brought their research from Learning Hub #1 to life using Apple Pages and Procreate. Students published writing under the critique of Mrs Guest, built precise digital data graphs with Mrs Martin, designed custom background illustrations, and navigated professional publishing gates.

The week culminated in an inspiring 'Believe It Achieve It' presentation. Walking the red carpet (covered in gold, of course!), students unveiled their beautifully curated 6 pages and read them aloud for the first time. With many families tuning in via Google Meet, we celebrated our Year 6 Graduates as they:

• Received their traditional possum skins.
• Were gifted their 'light of the world' candles.
• Stamped their hands on the Wii Gaay cloth to mark their journey.

 C for Christ

Before departing for the train, we gathered as a believing community under the same skies and earth that have nurtured First Nations peoples for tens of thousands of years.

Together, we celebrated 50 Years of Deadly and marked the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s historic address to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at Blatherskite Park in Alice Springs. Reflecting on his enduring words—"The Church esteems and loves you…"—our liturgy focused on building a hope-filled future.

The students were sent forth with the Pope's encouraging words: "The hour has come for you to take on new courage and new hope... Open your hearts ever more to the consoling, purifying and uplifting message of Jesus Christ."

 Oh... and C for Challenge!

A week at Wii Gaay isn't complete without a few fun challenges to test our teamwork and determination! Check out how our students went with their goals:

• Catching waves and standing up during a surf lesson.
• Building a team raft (and working hard not to sink it!).
• Keeping bedrooms tidy at all times to win the daily room inspections.
• Following the daily creative room tasks.

Thank you to all of our staff, rangers, community members, and families for making Learning Hub #2 an unforgettable success!