NAIDOC Week: From little things, big things grow

NAIDOC Week: From little things, big things grow

Indigenous Student Programme Coordinator Micheal Spratt

Scotch College celebrated NAIDOC with many colourful and educational activities organised by Indigenous Student Programme Coordinator, Micheal Spratt.

At the start of the week, boys from our Indigenous programme went down to the Junior School to teach students how to dance the kangaroo and emu. They talked about the land surrounding the College and what it was used for before Scotch was built. We ended the session by putting paint on the Junior students and explaining the meaning behind why we wear it.

Middle School celebrated NAIDOC Week by learning about the importance of art in Aboriginal culture. We asked the students to create rock art by using Indigenous symbols or coming up with a design which tells a story that is symbolic or meaningful to them. The students put a lot of effort into making their rock art which resulted in some great designs and stories.

Senior School students joined in the NAIDOC Week activities by completing a sand mural despite the inclement weather. We discussed the importance of celebrating NAIDOC Week and how we can further strengthen our relationships and benefit our society by learning about our First Nations people.

The Friday Assembly marked the end of our NAIDOC Week celebrations with elder Barry Winmar doing a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.

A special mention to Mr Hindle who ran the chapel service during the week. Mr Hindle spoke about some of our shared history and the importance of the Uluru Statement from the heart and the potential for change which this offers. He also spoke about the importance of listening to voices other than our own, particularly voices which have previously been left out or silenced, if we are ever to fully understand who we are and heal as a nation. Reconciliation is a process that should involve all Australians, and that process begins with a deeper understanding of our shared past and the cultures which have maintained this land for so many years. Mr Hindle played some of the song,

‘From Little Things, Big Things Grow’, to emphasise that each of us has a part to play. The message is that any change, no matter how big or small, will help us build a better future together.

Senior School sand mural