All students from kindergarten to year six participated in activities such as Aboriginal dance and music, local history and artefacts,  face painting using ochre,   painting and weaving, playing Didgeridoo, clapsticks, drums, traditional Aboriginal games including ‘Mer Kolap’ and  dreamtime stories and drama.

Welcome to Country was given by Uncle John Kirk who explained how important it was for all ages to recognise the contributions Indigenous people have made to Australia in the past and present and will make in the future.

Assistant Principal Nikki Lee said she was pleased with how dedicated the students were to their preparations for the celebration and how well they came together on the day.

“The students were incredibly engaged in all of the activities and there was a positive buzz in all learning spaces,” she said.

“The welcome assembly was especially moving and showcased the talents of our students.

“It was wonderful to see so many Ngoorabul Elders and Aboriginal representatives from outside agencies joining together to celebrate NAIDOC.”

Mrs Lee said the musical program of the day was especially enjoyable.

“The Girls Aboriginal Dance group had been studying Aboriginal dance and learning the dance throughout term three in their own time with the support of Karen Potter, our Aboriginal Education Officer and they were wonderful on the day,” she said.

“All students in K-6 learnt the song ‘Raining on the Rock’ to perform and the Drumbeat students from Term three accompanied the song and the dance.

“The acknowledgement of Country by students Aaliyha Fields and Layla Mackay was very moving as was the moment when Dainaighya Speedy (Year 2) and Jalinta Smith (Year 4) shared their thoughts on what NAIDOC means to them and to their family.”