CULTURAL INCURSION
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In Term 1, Year 7 students participated in the inaugural Indigenous Cultural Day incursion with Murrundindi Wurundjeri Ngurungaeta (Head Man of the Wurundjeri Clan of Melbourne). This cross-curricular learning opportunity covering English, Geography and Art was designed to foster an awareness, respect of and appreciation of Indigenous Australian culture. An integrated approach was adopted for students to understand how Indigenous Australian culture is represented in literature, art, geographical and historical frameworks. Through Murrundindi sharing this personal story, students learnt firsthand the significance of land and culture on identity and community. In the morning, students learnt how morals and ethics are taught through Indigenous stories and about the local element that is unique to them. Murrundindi focused on stories particular to the Wurundjeri Tribe and through this session students developed an appreciation of how cultural and individual identity and human connectedness is fostered through the practice of storytelling.
Connecting with the students’ growing knowledge and understanding of water supplies and geographical formations, the focus of the second session was the Yarra River. Learning about why and how it floods developed their appreciation of the interconnectedness of water with climate changes and human intervention. Understanding the importance of water supply for the survival of not only humans but other animals increased students’ appreciation of sustainable practices. The final session adopted a more handson approach. Through the direction of Murrindindi, students learnt to draw several culturally significant symbols that have been used to visually communicate some of the stories of the Wurundjeri people. Through this immersive experience students garnered a greater understanding of how art conveys meaning in multiple ways.
