ATSI News
Term 4 has been a very busy term for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students here at McCarthy. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Team would like to thank each of our deadly students for their commitment to our culture and how they strive to be loud and proud about who they are, and the way they represent our mob throughout the school.
Year 7 – 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Days
On Wednesday 24th November and 1st December, Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 participated in two Wellbeing Days which were facilitated by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Team alongside the School Psychologists.
Students participated in 3 workshops that focussed on Healthy Mind, Healthy Body and Healthy Soul. In the Healthy Body workshop, the students engaged in a discussion around making healthy food choices and had the opportunity to taste test some Native Bush tucker along with some very yummy Kangaroo Sausages.
In the Healthy Mind workshop, Tamara, one of our school psychologists showed students some grounding techniques to assist them when they begin to get distressed, they also created their own stress balls with rice and balloons.
In the Healthy Soul workshops, students discussed what helps them have a healthy soul as well as the term ‘Dadirri’ and what it means to have deep inner listening. Students also created their own smudge stick. Whilst creating the smudge sticks students shared their own experiences, stories, and knowledge of Native plants and some of their uses.
Year 9 and 10 were lucky to have Uncle Harry from the PCYC come and share his story with the students and discussed the importance of making good choices. Uncle Harry also discussed some opportunities available for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are interested in joining the Police Force
Overall, the two wellbeing days were very successful, and we want to thank our students for making the day so deadly!
ANU
Pre covid times last year, The Tjabal (chabal) Indigenous Higher Education Centre in conjunction with the Australian National University, Canberra was hosting an Autumn/Summer School for Indigenous students from across Australia, who have an interest in university studies.
To be considered for one of the 40 spots in the Summer School, the student needed to be:
- A current student in Australia.
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine
- Interested in arts, cultural studies, history, social studies, languages, business, commerce or law
- Addition with their application, they required a teacher recommendation and school support
We had 4 students apply from McCarthy, Emily Finucane (Year 11), Hallie Munro, Ethan Ross and Wyatt Allan (Year 10).
Recently the students were offered a spot to attend the program and we are excited to announce, all four students accepted the offer and will be attending the program from 5 – 10 December 2021. Unfortunately due to COVID students were mailed and their equipment and resources and will be participating via Zoom.
This week-long Summer School is to provide learning experiences to help inform students with their education and career aspirations and goals.
Expert academic staff, Indigenous university students and staff will mentor the students through a fun-filled program which promises rewarding experiences on and off campus.
Together we congratulate Emily, Hallie, Ethan and Wyatt and wish them all the best as they undertake this exciting opportunity.
Gomeroi Cultural Academy Graduation
On Friday 10 December, the Gomeroi Cultural Academy Graduation will be held at the Youthie. This year we had two students, Mackenize Lett and Brendan Irwin from Year 9, participate in the Gomeroi Cultural Academy (GCA). The students began their journey with the GCA at the beginning of the year. Throughout their journey, they have had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of Gomeroi Culture and develop stronger leadership skills. Brendan and Mackenzie have been able to grow and achieve their goals, which they set in their Cultural Learning Plans.
We would like to say how proud we are of both students for their dedication which is displayed in the numerous achievements both have accomplished. Over the past year we have watched both of you grow into strong young leaders, grow stronger in your connection to culture and seen your voice strengthen in pride. You are both incredible and deadly, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both.
Yarning - Circles in French
Maddy has been working alongside Mrs Monet, in Year 8 French running Yarning circles. The purpose of the Yarning Circle was to instigate conversations around the importance of Culture as well as begin conversations around the importance of connection to Country in Aboriginal Culture.
Weaving in Year 8 Technology
Year 8 Students have recently had the opportunity to experience a traditional part of Indigenous culture, putting a contemporary spin on weaving with Lisa and the Design Tech Team. Not only do they have a chance to create their own design but having a yarn, learning and understanding the significance of Australian Aboriginal Culture
Graduating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Lunch
On Thursday 9 December, we will be hosting a luncheon for our Graduating Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Year 12’s. We want to celebrate all your accomplishments and success in completing Year 12 in what has been a very challenging 2 years. We are incredibly proud of you all and send you all best wishes on the beginning of your next journey. You are all deadly representatives of your Culture and we can't wait to see what the future holds for you all.