Indigenous Perspectives

WELCOME TO COUNTRY

Holy Family Catholic Primary School recognises the rich Indigenous history of our region. We recognise that a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and shows respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s First Peoples.

Holy Family Catholic Primary School recognises that a Welcome to Country is where a traditional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian or Elder welcomes people to their land. We understand that an Acknowledgement of Country may be performed by anyone.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We have our own Acknowledgement of Country, which acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land around our school and shows respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s First Peoples. The following is read regularly at special events at Holy Family Catholic Primary School.

“Holy Family Catholic Primary School would like to acknowledge the Wiradjuri people, the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to the Elders both past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.”

'ABORIGINAL EDUCATION WORKER'

Holy Family School values the staffing position titled 'Aboriginal Education Worker'. This full-time Teacher Assistant position is funded to provide educational support to students and assist the school in developing Aboriginal perspectives across the curriculum. Our AEW works with students, teachers, parents and community members.

REFLECTION

Pope John Paul II address to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (Extract)

Delivered at Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs, NT (29/11/86).

Dear Brothers and Sisters

It is with great joy for me to be here today in Alice Springs and to meet so many of you, the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders of Australia. I want to tell you right away how much the Church esteems and loves you, and how much she wishes to assist you in your spiritual and material needs.

  1. At the beginning of time, as God’s Spirit moved over the waters, he began to communicate something of his goodness and beauty to all creation. When God then created man and woman, he gave them the good things of the earth for their use and benefit; and he put into their hearts abilities and powers, which were his gifts. And to all human beings throughout the ages God has given a desire for himself, a desire which different cultures have tried to express in their own ways.
  2. As the human family spread over the face of the earth, your people settled and lived in this big country that stood apart from all the others. Other people did not even know this land was here; they only knew that somewhere in the southern oceans of the world there was “The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit”.

But for thousands of years you have lived in this land and fashioned a culture that endures to this day. And during all this time, the Spirit of God has been with you. Your “Dreaming”, which influences your lives so strongly that, no matter what happens, you remain for ever people of your culture, is your own way of touching the mystery of God’s Spirit in you and in creation. You must keep your striving for God and hold on to it in your lives.

THE WIRADJURI STORY

Holy Family School recognizes the Wiradjuri story.

The Wiradjuri is one of the largest groups in New South Wales. It is often referred to as the Wiradjuri nation. Its country covers an area of some 60,000 square kilometres. The Murray, Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and Macquarie rivers are in its territory. The Wiradjuri has more than 30 separate clans.

First contact between the Wiradjuri and white settlers was thought to be in 1813 with the crossing of the Blue Mountains. As the British took over Wiradjuri lands for their pastoral properties, tensions mounted. The Wiradjuri had less and less land to live on. War between the Wiradjuri and the British broke out in 1822 and 1824 in the Bathurst area. Governor Thomas Brisbane declared martial law.

Windradyne emerged as the great Wiradjuri leader. He was born around 1790 and died around 1829. Windradyne led his warriors on raids against the British. He also held a peace meeting at Parramatta with Governor Brisbane announcing that the fighting should cease and peace begin.

SOME WIRADJURI WORDS

babeen = father
baluung = to die
gindhaay = to laugh
guuni = mother
Wagga Wagga = crow

ABORIGINAL PERSPECTIVES

  • Holy Family School encourages the integration of Aboriginal perspectives in all areas of the life of the school. The school seeks to develop in the students, a thorough understanding of Aboriginal culture. The school also seeks to develop a genuine sense of acceptance of all people who make up the Australian culture.
  • Holy Family School respects the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ contribution to Australian society. The school aims to build this understanding in the students.
  • An Indigenous Garden at the front of the school exists to remind us of our commitment to teaching Aboriginal perspectives.
  • The school proudly displays numerous Aboriginal artifacts and items made by the people of the Barwon River area.
  • The school regularly invites Aboriginal performers to share their story with the students. This often includes dance, artwork, music and story telling.
  • The school acknowledges NAIDOC Week and incorporates this into the term calendar.
  • The school proudly displays locally made Aboriginal artwork.
  • The school uses extensive Aboriginal teaching and learning resources including kits, poster sets, DVD’s, texts and feature books.
  • The school enters rugby league teams in the Annual David Peachey R.L. K.O. competition. (David Peachey is an Indigenous athlete and former NRL player.)
  • The school's Indigenous students participate in the local Bathurst Naidoc Schools Sports Day.

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