Principal's message
Dear Families,
The theme for NAIDOC week this year was "For our Elders". The week provided us with the opportunity to learn about, celebrate and honour the culture and traditions of our First Nations people.
We started the week with a whole school gathering in the gym. This provided everyone with the opportunity to begin to develop some common language and explore the theme.
Whilst we were gathered, Ms Alanah spoke about what NAIDOC week is about, defined the word 'Elders' in different languages, provided an opportunity to listen to, and connect with, the sounds of the digeridoo. We also listened to Ms Emma read the text 'Family' written by Aunty Far Muir.
To conclude our gathering, there was a screening of a cartoon, 'Aussie bush tales'. This was the story of 'Moort the Elder demonstrating how to find emu eggs to children.
Throughout the week, students were engaged in a number of learning experiences both in their classrooms and the Library. These included weaving and exploring Indigenous symbols.
Whilst the focus of NAIDOC week is on our First Nations people, as we know, Elders play a crucial role in a child's life regardless of their cultural background.
Elders have a wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over their lifetime. They can share their wisdom, life lessons, and stories with children, providing them with a broader perspective on life. This helps children develop a deeper understanding of the world and make more informed decisions as they grow.
Our Elders can also serve as role models for children. Through their behavior, values, and actions, they can instill important virtues such as kindness, empathy, respect, and perseverance. Children observe and learn from their elders, shaping their own character and values based on their interactions.
Our Elders can also offer emotional support and stability to children. They can provide a sense of security, comfort, and unconditional love. The presence of a caring elder can help children develop a strong sense of belonging and attachment, which contributes to their emotional well-being and overall development.
They also carry the traditions, customs, and cultural heritage of a family or community. They can teach children about their roots, language, history, and cultural practices. By preserving and passing down these traditions, elders help children develop a sense of identity and pride in their heritage.
Elders often serve as mentors and guides, offering valuable advice and guidance to children. They can help children navigate challenges, make important decisions, and provide support during difficult times. Elders' guidance is particularly valuable due to their life experience and the perspective they bring to various situations.
Interactions between generations foster a sense of connectedness and promote empathy and understanding. Spending time with elders helps children develop a greater appreciation for different generations, promotes intergenerational relationships, and reduces age-related biases and stereotypes.
As we know, Elders are often great storytellers. Through storytelling, they pass down cultural and family history, folklore, and important life lessons. This tradition of oral storytelling helps children develop their imagination, language skills, and understanding of moral and ethical concepts.
It is wonderful to witness the connection and relationship between our students and their Grandparents at the school gate. Whilst many of our children have Grandparents and family Elders overseas, it is wonderful that this relationship can now be maintained by the use of social media.
To the Elders in our students lives, we acknowledge you, and thank you for the positive contributions you to make to their lives.