05 Aug 2022
Students at Ngunnawal Primary School enjoyed a day of cultural learning this week to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with the theme ‘My dreaming, My future’.
Historically the 4th August was used to celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families at a young age, without knowing their birthday – the Stolen Generations. Today, this date celebrates the strength and culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.
To celebrate and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day this year, students at Ngunnawal Primary gathered together as a whole school for an assembly and participated in cultural activities within their classes.
Throughout the day, students listened and learned from Ngunnawal Elder Richie Allan and his daughter Shaenice. They participated in cultural activities, learnt songs in Ngunnawal language, and about traditional symbols used in storytelling. Richie is also a proud grandparent to one of the students and the school. Ngunnawal Primary School Principal, Rebecca Turner said “by listening and learning, we can build respectful relationships which we can then preserve and pass on this cultural knowledge to others”.
Community and connection is extremely important to the Ngunnawal Primary School community. Koori preschool students invited their families to share morning tea and participate in cultural craft activities, donated by Gungahlin Child and Family Centre who have a strong partnership with the school. Manager of Gungahlin Child and Family Centre, Gerard Nolan said, “Ngunnawal Primary School demonstrates amazing cultural awareness and commitment and its always a pleasure to partner with them”.
“Ngunnawal Primary is committed to developing empowering partnerships between the school and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community”. Being able to acknowledge, embrace and engage the community has positive benefits for students and families at our School”, says Early Years Engagement Partner, Nat Munoz.
