Connections to Country

Koorie Big Day Out

We had a number of our Koorie students attend the Koorie Big Day Out, where they learnt about different programs and entry assistance into many universities and TAFE institutions. The students heard from successful young Koorie locals who had (or are still completing) their university degrees and were able to ask them any questions they had. Students gathered a lot of information and enjoyed a free lunch with native ingredients, but the most fun was dancing with the crew from IOPHIPHOP, an Indigenous outreach program.

Incursion

Leslie Briggs from WKY Events visited the college recently and facilitated two sessions for our Koorie students about the history of traditional Indigenous sports games. During our session, students learnt about two different games, Marngrook and Buroinjin.

'Marngrook was originally played with a possum skin ball and the rules were strikingly similar to the rules of AFL today.'

'Buroinjin is a ball game that was played by the Kabi Kabi people in southern Queensland. The game was played with a ball made of kangaroo skin called buroinjin. The rules are simple, limited and easily understood which allowed for a unique social cohesion to be formed through organised play. For those not taking part, spectating formed another important element, with onlookers marking their applause by calling, ‘Ei,ei’.'

Once students learnt about the history of the games, they put their knowledge and skills to the test. 

Reconciliation Week 

We celebrated Reconciliation Week with our First Nations students, families and community members. It was wonderful to connect and share stories together and we look forward to strengthening these relationships in the future.  

Welcome

We would like to welcome Hayden and Chloe who have joined the Koorie Engagement Team. Hayden and Chloe will be working alongside our Koorie students and supporting our Koorie families alongside Emily Vernon.

The Koorie Engagement Team

Emily, Hayden and Chloe