At the beginning of September, a planned week of events exposed students to elements of Aboriginal culture and history. A Library display highlighted the literary works of Indigenous writers and to present the works of fiction and non-fiction held within the Library; many of the items were borrowed by school members. This display coincided with Indigenous Literacy Day, a topic discussed in reading classes.
On Monday 3rd September, selected students from all three sub-schools (Primary, Middle and Senior Schools) met with Jason Barrow, Cultural Awareness Officer from Edith Cowan University to discuss the Acknowledgement of Country used at meetings and events. Mr Barrow began by introducing himself and explained his Aboriginal heritage before asking students to consider their ancestry. Students discussed the scenario of a new family moving into a neighbourhood, the protocols of welcoming the family, and the boundaries and respects that should be given. This scenario and the concept of heritage and belonging connected the student’s thinking with the reasons for acknowledging the country on which we stand, and giving respect to the traditional custodians.
Mr Barrow discussed with students the possibility of creating their own Acknowledgement of Country scripts based on such topics as the Noongar seasons, geographical and biological differences in our region. Students have since written creative scripts to be used at future events.
On Wednesday 5th September, Year Seven students were able to participate in a collective painting task creating four canvases with visitors from the Fremantle based company, Urban Indigenous. Two artists visited the school and spoke with students before formulating designs on canvas. The designs showed elements of our supportive school community, student movement throughout the day, our surrounding coastal area and the diversity of people within our community.
During a full year meeting, our guests spoke with students on the Noongar Seasons, a topic that linked with the curriculum units of Science and Art studied this term. The concept of six seasons that aligned more accurately with the climactic and natural changes of our region were seen as sensible and more precise than the four seasons to which we often refer.
The two projects undertaken at our school engaged students and staff. Our goals of educating and reconnecting students with the Acknowledgement of Country, its importance and significant to us was achieved. The creation of new scripts over time will see current and upcoming students understand not only the importance and connection Aboriginal people have with the land, the seasons, and perhaps Dreamtime stories related to the area, but with contributions to future partnerships as Australians.
The students have shown much pride in their combined efforts on the artworks displayed in the school as a reminder of the richness of Aboriginal culture, the wealth diversity brings to a community and the results collaboration can achieve.