ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
Growing Enriched Cultural Knowledge in Our Schools
Our GECKOS Team has been active in their commitment to increasing an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal people, their histories, culture and spirituality.
In 2019 activities have included –
- Staff Professional Development cultural awareness session with Marissa Verma from Bindi Bindi Dreaming
- Creation of an Aboriginal cultural perspectives ‘Purpose Statement’
- Year 5 students attending Whadjuk Gift at Mater Dei
- Co-ordination of NAIDOC Week celebrations
- Successful funding applications for the establishment of a Bush Tucker Garden
Aboriginal Perspectives and Cultural Awareness
In April 2019 Marissa Verma from Bindi Bindi Dreaming presented an Aboriginal Perspectives and Cultural Awareness session for all staff.
Marissa shared knowledge of Noongar culture and history with regards to connection to country to support staff to gain a better understanding of Noongar people and their history and cultural traditions.
WHADJUK GIFT
Our students took part in an amazing reconciliation initiative encouraging Year 5 students from a number of Catholic Schools in our surrounding suburbs, to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal histories and cultures. The project was instigated by Mater Dei staff who relied on students of the College to organise the event.
Year 5 students designed a logo for an Aboriginal Nation in Western Australia and voted on the design that best represented that region and community. 2019 was the first year that the ‘Stolen Generation ‘were recognised amongst our community' and Liwara student Harrison G had the honour of being chosen to represent victims, family and friends touched by these events in our history. Other artworks by students from Liwara chosen for the combined artwork were Zadie T, Tayla B.P and Jamie S.
The combined artwork for all students chosen is on display in the breezeway at the school.
BUSH TUCKER GARDEN
The Tucker Bush Schools Program has assisted our school in establishing our own bush tucker garden.
In 2019 Mark Tucek from Tucker Bush worked with our Year 4 students to plant and connect with edible native bush tucker plants. An additional planting was held in 2020 with children attending our Outside School Hours Care Program. Our garden has over 50 edible and native plants and this was made possible by generous funding from The Mercy Foundation and PALS.
In November 2024 our beautiful Bush Tucker Garden was given a facelift with the installation of our six refurbished Noongar Season poles which add a meaningful touch to the garden - see photos below.
Claire Butler (Aboriginal Artist) was commissioned to undertake the work on the Season Noongar poles. Claire's passion for Australian native wildflowers and wildlife combined with her storytelling through vibrant colors has truly brought the garden to life!
This project was made possible by the generous donation from our P & F Group, thank you!!
On your next visit to the school, please take the time to explore the garden and view the Noongar Season poles up close.
