NAIDOC Week Led by Aboriginal Studies Class - The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

28 Jul 2025

I would like to congratulate and recognise the exceptional work of Emily Joan and the Year 11 Aboriginal Studies class in planning and delivering an excellent NAIDIC Week event. The NAIDOC theme of 2025: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Emily and her class had been planning this event since last term.

This NAIDOC Week celebration aims to honour and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides all members of our school community with an opportunity to engage in learning about First Nations cultures and histories and to participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on Earth.

This project reflects those values by embedding authentic community partnerships through collaboration with local Aboriginal Elders, artists, and educators, ensuring that Aboriginal voices are centred in both the planning and delivery of the event. The NAIDOC celebration also contributes directly to the school’s strategic directions, promoting a culture of courage, community contribution, personal responsibility, and academic growth.

During the event, all students participated in A Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Dharug Elder, Uncle Colin. There were various pop-ups including jewellery making, cultural indigenous food, weaving, indigenous art painting, and live performances. Some of the activities included:

● Raffia weaving (led by Aboriginal Studies students)

● Dot painting (led by a local Aboriginal artist)

● Language card game (facilitated by a community member)

● Traditional sports and knowledge systems games

● Jewellery-making workshop

● Didgeridoo demonstration and participation (Whylee Clulow)

● Storytelling/Elder tent: opportunity to engage with local Elder

The day ran brilliantly because of students educational knowledge, organisational skills, passion, commitment from the beginning. The students developed a project plan and scope of work, presented it to me as Principal for approval, made necessary adjustments and implemented their project plan.

Thank you to Karlene our Aboriginal Education Officer for her guidance and support throughout the successful day and looking after our Aboriginal Elder Uncle Colin and special guests. We also had Ms Amanda Smith, assist in the event as well.

Tim Lloyd, Principal

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