by Tanna Draper Nagas

Last term after hosting our first Yarning Circle, our deadly mob of First Nations students have decided to get together and have a yarn regularly at our lunchtime club, Mob Mondays, that runs in Week A. During this time, we discuss ways to embed our culture into our school community, alongside a variety of other topics. Any allies that wish to attend are more than welcome!

This term, five of our First Nations students have participated in a new Koorie Student Program run by Yarra Ranges Tech School. The program has provided students with an opportunity to incorporate culture, innovation and technology. These students have collaborated with students from other schools in the area and have had the opportunity to be mentored by Indigenous mentors such as Corey Tutt, 2020 NSW Young Australian of the Year and Founder of Deadly Science.

Thanks to the help of our wonderful librarian Kerrie McMurray, students can now access the First Nations section in the library! Students are able to borrow books from First Nations authors that discuss a wide range of issues such as culture, identity and environment.

On Friday 30th April, The Minister of Education will be coming to our school for our ‘official’ opening of our new Sustainability Hub and the Town Square. A local Wurundjeri elder, Murrundindi, will be at the opening to perform a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony. In addition to this, representatives from the five schools in the Lilydale & Upper Yarra Education Plan will be in attendance to launch the Collaborative Indigenous Strategy. The strategy is designed for the six schools to work together to support the individual needs of First Nations students, as well as authentically embedding and celebrating First Nations culture and perspectives in our school community and curriculum.