THE Wonthaggi North Primary School welcomed Aunty Melissa McDevitt from Bunurong Land Council to officiate Reconciliation Week as part of their approach in incorporating Aboriginal perspectives into the curriculum.
Aunty Melissa held a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country on the school grounds and shared stories and experiences. As a whole school, students during Reconciliation Week were engaged in activities that promote understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture.
Reconciliation Week in schools is an important time for students to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal culture and history. It is a time for students to reflect on the past, recognize the injustices that have occurred, and work towards building positive relationships with Aboriginal communities.
Acting principal Kathy Jones said we’ll be incorporating Aboriginal culture into our thinking and values; the students have also been studying Australian singer and musician Judith Durham’s new ‘Australian national anthem – ‘Lyrics for Contemporary Australia’, with students analysing the meaning behind the lyrics.
Schools can help to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all people are respected and valued. Reconciliation Week in schools is an important step towards building a more harmonious and respectful future for all Australians.
The students at Wonthaggi North Primary School proudly showcased their study of indigenous artists at their special Reconciliation Week assembly, displaying their own artwork that incorporated a variety of art elements, with texture and colour being two key components.
Texture in indigenous art is often created through the use of different materials such as bark, feathers, or beads, which add a tactile quality to the artwork. This can create a sense of depth and dimension, adding richness and complexity to the overall composition.
Colour is a crucial element in indigenous paintings, with many artists using a vibrant and bold palette to convey their cultural heritage and connection to the land.
The students were representing the symbolic colours that hold deep meaning within indigenous cultures, representing elements such as the earth, sky, water, and fire.
Studying indigenous artists and hearing from Aunty Melissa McDevitt from Bunurong Land Council can help to foster greater appreciation and respect for indigenous culture and its important role in preserving cultural traditions.
The culture classroom leaders also had the opportunity to address the assembly and share what they each enjoyed about this year’s Reconciliation Week theme ‘Now More Than Ever’, with most sharing the experience of the smoking ceremony was their favourite.
Aunty Melissa McDevitt shared that the meaningful and educational experience helps to foster a sense of unity and inclusivity within the school community, as the students are the ones to share the story for generations to come.
