On Thursday 23 August, we invited local Aboriginal Elders, community members, organisations and parents into our school for the official opening and dedication of our Yarning Circle and Bush Tucker Garden to Aunty Marg Lardner. We also unveiled a memorial plaque for Aunty Marg, to be housed in the front office.
Students, teachers and parents helped to rejuvenate and make over our bush tucker garden, with lots of new plants and painting of murals on all of our seating areas. We also unveiled the new Yarning Circle and Bush Tucker Garden signage, graced with artwork by two of our students, Chase Saban and Caitlin Casey, who were the lucky winner and runner up of our art competition.
Our signage, plaque and the employment of local Gumbaynggirr Artist Alison Williams were kindly donated to our school by Ready Mob. Ready Mob also provided anti-tobacco education, complete with activities and prizes. During the day we had a sit-down and consultation between parents, Elders and community members with staff and the principal to discuss future goals and focusses in relation to Aboriginal education.
The students also performed for the visitors, with our Aboriginal Choir singing local Gumbaynggirr songs. Students also performed a traditional dance about gathering and sharing food — they were accompanied by our Aboriginal Boys Didg Group. Our students worked hard on the day and the results reflect this hard work.
