Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student News

Wii Gaay

On 27th and 28th October, Jaydah Duncan and Shaylyn Smith participated in the virtual Wii Gaay camp. It was Shaylyn's first experience of Wii Gaay, and the girls were supported by Shirley and Steven as they engaged with the facilitators, other students and their challenges over Zoom. 

The theme for this camp was 'Sacred Sites'. The Primary students from across the schools shared their knowledge about the different sacred sites within our diocese and across Australia; Jaydah was particularly excited to share Terry Hie Hie with the group. Jaydah and Shaylyn chose to complete their project on carve trees. Carve trees are those that may have had their bark cut out to be used for a material or tool before having an artwork or symbol carved into it to signify a significant site, boundary or ceremonial ground. Shaylyn and Jaydah used objects that were provided and added to this by searching for other materials from around the school. The girls worked very hard on their carve trees and did a fantastic job of presenting their work to the other students. 

Well done Jaydah and Shaylyn!

Team Comp

This term, we have started a competition where students have joined either Team Shirley, Team Jett or Team Steven to compete against each other to be the winning team! Students will receive a point for every day that they attend school, and at the end of the term, the team with the highest number will win a prize. Please encourage your child/ren to be a strong member of their team. There will also be prizes for students with a full attendance rate. 

Team Jett are still in the lead with 331 points! Shirley is in second place with 311 points, and Steven is super close with 310 points!

Winangali Meetings

We have unfortunately been unable to complete our Winangali meetings this year due to the ongoing restrictions of COVID-19. In lieu of this, your child’s Leader of Learning would like to have a quick phone call with you to touch base before the end of the year. This will occur from Week 4. Please expect a call from the school's phone number - 0267521577 or from a private number. 

Website

Behind the scenes, we have been working on a website for students and families to access events, support, language and other fun updates. The St Philomena’s Guwaa-li (meaning to talk/speak)Student Portal is a private website which only approved email addresses will be able to access. This will be the email address of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' parents and carers.  Students already have access to the website, as the link has been shared with them via their email. Parents and Carers will have the website shared with them tomorrow; please check your emails.