And now a word from 

Mrs Richards...

The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines' and Islanders' Day Observance Committee. Every year the NAIDOC committee comes up with a theme that runs through the week. This year's theme is “Keep the Fire Burning. Blak, Loud and Proud” and  celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous aboriginal cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define First Nations peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

We were fortunate enough this week to have a special assembly, attended by Mark and Josh from the Bunarong Land Council. They delivered a Welcome to Country and to formally introduce the Wominjeka sign created by Mrs Richard and the students in the Art Room, Mark and Josh explained the significance and meaning of the word Wominjeka. This is a word meaning “Welcome” but more accurately it means “Come with purpose. Come with respect”

We were also able to experience a very special and moving Smoking Ceremony with all children given the opportunity to have the healing smoke wash over them. 

Here is a summary of what is happening in the classes this week;

Foundation

Discussion about what NAIDOC Week is and the theme for this year which is Keep the Fire Burning. Blak, Loud and Proud. They used the story ‘Somebody’s Land’ by Adam Goodes as a Mentor Text, reading and discussing the story and then completing an "I See, I think, I feel" activity based on the story

Grade 1 

The Grade 1’s have learned about what NAIDOC stands for and why it is a significant week on our calendars. They looked at the Art logo design of Charlie Chambers (Jnr) who is a First Nations artist belonging to the Jarowair tribe from the Toowoomba, Dalby and Bunya mountain region. They looked at what the design represents. Grade 1 students looked at the Acknowledgement of Country and what that means to First Nations Peoples. The Acknowledgement is part of the daily/weekly routine in Grade 1.

Grade 2

The Grade 2’s shared a PowerPoint titled ‘What is NAIDOC week?’ to promote discussion and awareness around NAIDOC week. They also read the books ‘Why I love Australia’ by Bronwyn Bancroft and ‘Finding Our heart’ by Thomas Mayo. They will do the following Acknowledgement of Country on Mondays in their own classes and then move to doing it as a whole cohort in Term 4 in their cohort meeting each week.

Here is the land, here is the sky.

Here are my friends and here am I.

We thank the Bunurong people for the land on which we play and learn.

Hands up, hands down

We're on Bunurong ground.

Grade 3 

As part of NAIDOC week, Grade 3 students created a poster which demonstrated the learning from their core knowledge unit, ‘We Are One’.  Throughout the term, students have explored big questions such as: Who lived in Australia first and how do we know? What was life like for First Nations people before the arrival of the Europeans? How did traditional First Nations Australians live sustainable lives? How does The Dreaming help First Nations Australians make sense of their world?

Students have also learned more about: ‘Welcome to country’ and ‘Acknowledgment of country’; how ‘The Dreaming’ may help First Nations Australians make sense of their world; languages; the significance and meaning of totems, indigenous art and symbols; the journey of reconciliation with Australia's First Peoples; and how flags, symbols and colours can represent culture.

Students will upload their posters to Seesaw and they will be displayed in the classroom. 

Grade 4

The Grade 4’s discussed the history of NAIDOC week and read the story ‘Somebody’s Land”. They investigated Aboriginal Bush Medicine as it links to their Inquiry unit. They also designed an AFL jumper using Aboriginal symbols. SRC reps in Grade 3 will begin forums with an Acknowledgement of Country.

Grade 5

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, the Grade 5 students highlighted their term-long exploration of Indigenous studies. They delved into Indigenous history, the Stolen Generations, and read and watched "Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence." Projects on famous Indigenous Australians or initiatives, and learning about first-hand experiences of the Stolen Generations, were also undertaken. During NAIDOC Week, the Grade 5’s also presented an Acknowledgement of Country in their classes, with some students crafting their own. This celebration honours and acknowledges Indigenous culture and history.

Grade 6 

The Grade 6 students read a text called ‘Our Home, Our Heartbeat’. The book links with a song called ‘The Children Came Back’ by Briggs that samples another song written by Archie Roach called 'They took the children away'. The book is about celebrating indigenous people that have made a significant impact upon Australia.  They read the book and listened to the song.  The students will research a famous indigenous person using a scaffolded template.

The National NAIDOC committee have announced Samuawgadhalgal artist and educator Deb Belyea as the winner of the 2024 NAIDOC Week Poster Competition.