Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education News
NAIDOC "50 Years of Deadly"
Schools across the Diocese continued to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
"Fifty Years of Deadly", celebrating five decades of the movement, community leadership, and Indigenous excellence with various cultural activities from the amazing Dhirrabuu Art Gallery, Indigenous Games from Uncle Nick Levy, Challenging Language Kahoot and Games with Miss Levy at St. Joseph’s School Glen Innes.
There were Native Grains Language & Story workshops with Aunty Kerrie learning about native grains Ganalay and Guli to make flour from Yinarrma and Amazing Race with Ms Whalan and staff at St. Joseph’s Warialda.
Community elders lead the Flag Raising, challenging Language and Culture Khoot by Ms Levy, fun Indigenous games and Dreaming stories led by deadly staff top off with the 4 C’s Awards for Country, Culture, Community and Curriculum for students at St. Mary’s of the Angels Guyra.
St Nicholas Tamworth celebrated by traditional dance performances by the McCarthy Catholic College Dance Group, a Smoking and Welcome to Country by Councillor Marc Sutherland and presentation of the Dhirrabuu awards to particularly deadly students. While at St Patrick's Walcha, Uncle Mark Atkins took us on the journey of the didgeridoo and where it has taken him around the world He then lead the boys group explaining to them how to make a didj, while the girls learnt the art and significance of weaving.
St Michael’s Manilla were immersed in First Nations art practices and identity, building a deeper understanding of cultural heritage. Students learned about the significance of story telling through listening to the story of The Super Snake then creating their own stories via rock art, they wove as well as created their very own Mitch Tambo Headpieces, highlighting how contemporary Indigenous culture thrives today.
The heart of celebrations was a powerful contemporary dance performance that St Michael’s students dedicated months to mastering.
"When we care for Country, Country cares for us."
The performance told the sacred story of a life-giving storm breaking across the land—bringing rain to replenish streams, rivers, and billabongs, and awakening the native animals.
There are still more celebrations to come this term and next with some of our schools. Looking forward to sharing their stories of celebrations soon.
Indigenous Literacy Day Save the Date
Join ACS celebrating National Literacy Day on Wednesday 2 September 2026 with our schools. Further information will be forwarded to schools soon to join in the fun celebrating “ Country is our Teacher”
