Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs

Deadly Day of STEM

Last week Miss Swain and Ms Farrugia took  First Nations students to RMIT University for a Deadly Day of STEM. On arrival, students were greeted by RMIT University workers and students, as well as Uncle Ian Hunter. Uncle Ian Hunter spoke to the students about his upbringing before taking them on a cultural walk where students learnt the traditional uses of Indigenous plants. Students were then fed delicious doughnuts before going into a nursing workshop. Here students were taken to the ‘hospital wards’ where they completed the glitter test and tested for heartbeats. After this, students moved into the science laboratories to extract essential oils from Indigenous plants. For lunch, students had pizza before moving on to the last workshop in the Food and Innovation Laboratory. Students were asked to use their noses to decipher the smells of lemon and lemon myrtle. Overall, it was a great day for students and teachers alike. 

Stronger Me, Stronger Us

Students participated in their 4th and final session of the Stronger Me, Stronger Us Program. As always, students were fed a delightful breakfast before partaking in cultural activities. Our First Nations students bonded by participating in a multitude of games before completing a mock interview with a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS). Here students learnt how they can be assisted by VALS and what to do if they find themselves in trouble with the law. Next term students will have a graduation where they will receive certificates. 

Yarning Up Strong

Students in 'Yarning Up Strong'  have started decorating the Koorie classroom by designing and painting the doors. Students have worked together to create a space that is representative of them as well as inviting and safe for all Koorie students. Students are working together with Weenthunga Health to appreciate and embrace their culture and womanhood. 

Yarn Club

Over the past couple of weeks, Yarn Club has been inviting all students to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Miss Swain and Miss Hazlett have taught traditional Aboriginal games, the Dreamtime story of the Rainbow Serpent, as well as created bush bouquets. Within these activities, students dodged soft balls, which traditionally would have been blunted spears in the game of boorna jokee; added their painted handprints to a serpent to demonstrate reconciliation and togetherness; and made bouquets using local indigenous plants. 

By Stephanie Swain  - ATSI Program Leader

& Katelyn Hazlett - Koori Educator