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Raising our voice
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Students across the Junior School, like Charlotte (Year 1) are enjoying Indigenous literature.
Junior School Librarian, Mrs Ruth Thatcher is excited to share more stories from Indigenous voices.
The Junior School Library has been steadily increasing its collection of Indigenous women’s stories, whose courage to raise their voice, encourages us to use our own.
“We started the year by reading Indigenous stories to our Year 5 and Year 6 students, particularly women’s stories, who demonstrated the courage to make change, be counted and be heard,” says Ruth Thatcher, Junior School Librarian. “We wanted to explore some well-known figures such as Ash Barty and Cathy Freeman, but also uncover some hidden stories of courage, such as that of Patyegarang, a Darug woman, who many consider to be Australia’s first Aboriginal linguist.” Memorably, students read from the Children’s Book Council of the Year Award winning book “Heroes, Rebels and Innovators” learning of Fanny Balbuk Yooreel, a Whadjuk yorga (woman) of the 19th century, whose grandmother was buried under the then newly built Government House in Perth. Fanny walked through people’s houses as a form of protest, and she would shout at the gates of Government House. “We then watched the Statement of the Heart video, which explores the message of the Uluru Statement From the Heart. We asked how we might make change and be activists in our own communities and students wrote their own statements,“ says Ruth. “Through our discussions and the process of writing their statements, students shared in and appreciated diverse Indigenous perspectives, particularly those of girls and women, many of which were new or unfamiliar to them before our classes. It takes courage to expand your cultural and historical awareness, but in this respect, our students are leading the way for future generations of students.” Everyone in Australia has a say, has a voice, All they need to do is to make that choice. The First Nations People, the owners of our land, Have let us share their fields, their golden sand. The Indigenous people wish to have rights, And Australians wish to be equal, black, or white. Australia should be a country without any racism, One without discrimination or segregation. We should be happy; we should be free. A country made simply for glee. - Year 6 students
From the tops of the trees, To the depth of the ocean, It was always somebody’s land. - Thaleia (Year 6)
No matter culture or language, We are all the same in one way. The memories and traditions, Why don’t we listen? We want to be heard. Listen to our voices, let us be free. As a bird.
- Annabella (Year 6)
