What the students have been learning about

Although it is only Week One, a great deal of learning is already happening at St John’s.

Yesterday we celebrated NAIDOC week. Richie Allen and his daughter Shanice came in to run exciting activities that helped us to deepen our understanding of traditional indigenous culture.

We made bracelets from raffia using a traditional method. Shanice told us that it is also used to make baskets and fishing nets. It was challenging but some students were very good at it! 

Richie came into some classes and showed us different symbols used in Aboriginal Art. Then we had to remember what they were! It was tricky but so much fun!!!

He also played the didgeridoo and we had to guess what animal sounds he was making. That was tricky too!

Spending time exploring different aspects of indigenous culture helps everyone to feel more connected to our First Nations people.

Many years ago I was privileged to attend an indigenous professional development opportunity near Narooma. It went for three days and involved curriculum, prayer and meeting with the local indigenous people.

The most powerful experience was being taken to the top of, what was then called, Mt Dromedary, now Mt Gulaga, and being told the story of the area.  

https://tilba.com.au/gulaga-mount-dromedary/

We had to wear a red string around our wrists to indicate we were entering sacred ground. When I sat on the rock looking out towards the ocean there was a moment when I leaned back and placed my hands flat on the rock. It was gently humming. I pulled my hand away with shock and did it again but it had stopped. 

In that very brief moment I was able to feel a connection to the earth that I had not before. I believe that may have been a brief insight into the deep connection to country that indigenous people feel. It was certainly a God moment for me.

I have always treasured this experience. 

Colossians 1:16

16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him.