WADA TJARRA ‘To ComE Together’ Loredana Boyd, Primary Curriculum Coordiator
The children, while gathered in the community circle, were introduced to a Gayip. In traditional and contemporary Aboriginal society celebrations this may involve allowing any children present to play games. Many of these games traditionally had a very serious and practical purpose – to train the young so they could be effective hunters. The Year 3 students had the opportunity to participate in some of these through rotations. Whilst gathered in a community circle students considered the natural and man-made aspects of the environment. They sang a traditional lullaby from the Torres Strait Islands and explored traditional activities such as a swinging a bullroarer (Kandomarngutta), boomerang decorating and throwing, spear throwing (wee tweet) and using a football made of wallaby skin stuffed with grass (Chuboochuboo).
Year 3 students take part in an Indegnous craft activity
Incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures is an important part of the Australian Curriculum Priorities and the Year 3 students were able to incorporate this into a wonderful part of their 2 day camp. The Year 3 Camp at the College site, Mokborree, is much anticipated by the students as it is their first overnight school camp. On day one, Students participated in workshops getting to know the surroundings and appreciating the natural beauty of the site. Day two’s schedule was a new introduction, the title of the workshop was WADA TJARRA, meaning ‘To Come Together’ was given to the workshop. The workshop incorporated the Term 4 History Inquiry unit on Celebrations and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history component. The essential questions which underpin the History unit on Celebrations were; what is a celebration, how do we celebrate, why do we celebrate and do we all celebrate in the same way? This formed the basis of the day 2 activities. It was a perfect opportunity to consider the history of the area visited, in relation particularly to the Wathaurong people, traditional owners of the land. The session began with an Acknowledgement of Country. The Year 3 students were involved in exploring and developing an understanding of the Aboriginal history of the area, as well as cultural aspects such as a welcome, a blessing by Wathaurong elder, Betty Pike, and a spiritual smoke ceremony. The children learned about the three flags: Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, focussing on the significance of the colours and designs. Flags signal a welcome for Indigenous people and are a powerful indicator of community partnership and demonstrate commitment to reconciliation. 12 AD ASTRA ISSUE NO 123
These experiences provided an opportunity to respectfully connect with the beautiful, natural surrounds of Mokborree which continued through follow-up classroom and art room activities. A significant contributor to the event was the award winning Julia Ditterich who has extensive experience in the teaching of Indigenous Perspectives in school curriculum. Julia is passionate about the history and culture of Australia’s Indigenous communities and we are grateful to have her expertise in the development of an ELC to Year 6 program to acknowledge these communities as a part of our curriculum at The Geelong College. This blessing has been written by an Aboriginal Elder, Betty Pike and was used to end the session.
To all who walk this land, May you stand tall as a tree Be as gentle as the morning mist And be as strong as The earth under your feet. May the warmth of the campfire Be in you and may The creator spirit Of the Wathaurong people Always watch over you. (Adapted from Australian Blessing, E. Pike 2003)
The Mokborree setting provided the Year 3 students with a fabulous environment for developing an understanding of Aboriginal history