Chaplain's Corner
Ciao Everyone,
Did you and your family manage to enjoy some of the great outdoors over the holidays? We certainly had some lovely Winter days! It’s great to see your children’s smiling faces again.
What a wonderful ITALIAN DAY we all shared in as a COMMUNITY on Thursday! Grazie Mrs Catta! Congratulations also to all the students on a wonderful assembly. A sense of COMMUNITY is so important for our lives.
Last week was NAIDOC WEEK, a celebration of our wonderful Indigenous community and opportunities to learn more about their culture. Did you manage to participate in some of the activities? NITV (National Indigenous TV) ON CHANNEL 34 is dedicated to Indigenous news, films, and other programs – a great resource which I often watch.
I have been involved with a number of Indigenous students and their families and am always fascinated by their sense of community and their knowledge of and respect for the land on which we all live. These two elements are regularly depicted in Indigenous art through various symbols.
Below is a copy of a drawing by Indigenous artist, Safina Stewart, which I encourage you to print for your child/ren to colour. Perhaps you could have a family discussion around Indigenous culture and the symbolism in the drawing below.
Safina Stewart has been an active member of her local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through her art and family. She endeavours to develop and use her art in ways that encourages awareness, wholeness and hope.
SYMBOLISM IN THE DRAWING:
- CAMPFIRES symbolise the strength of community
- CONNECTED CIRCLES to signify pathways for partnership
- PEOPLE as individuals and groups making difference
- Sets of FOOTPRINTS walking together for reconciliation
- The cool FIRE in cultural burning that cleans and replenishes the Land
- MOUNTAINS highlight the beauty of the landscape
- A RIVER symbolises the Spirit that gives life to country and community
I hope that you have a great term ahead. Stay well & stay safe!
Robyn Mulholland (School Chaplain)