NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This national week occurs during the first week of July each year, our school holidays, so at Chisholm we celebrate it this week.
This year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”, celebrates the unyielding spirit of Indigenous communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. For further information about the week or theme, please visit these links that illustrate the continued importance of our First Nations culture to the lives of all Australians. Please read here what it means personally to our Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Amy McGuire, who shared this with staff and is happy for it to be shared with you.
In particular, this week is predominantly about creating further opportunity for our Aboriginal Education students to celebrate culture. In support of this, they will be joining students from St Mary’s College Broome at the WA Museum Boola Bardip and take part in a walking Aboriginal cultural tour in the City of Perth. The St Mary’s students are here to exhibit in the CEWA STEM Showcase at Chisholm and will join our students again with families for dinner and a yarn the same evening. This continues the City-Country Partnership that began last year with Chisholm, St Mary’s and Sacred Heart Primary School.
The wider Chisholm community was invited to listen deeply (Dadirri) and engage in meaningful dialogue to recognise and value the heritage that enriches our nation. Activities included gathering around the smoking fire pit at Ngalla Maya Kadidjiny (Our Place of Learning) yarning circle, praying together as one voice, participating in PCG activities exploring the theme, enjoying NAIDOC themed cookies and cupcakes and a variety of Indigenous perspectives in Learning Areas.
Pope Francis reminds us that the culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is precious, with much to offer the Catholic Church around the world. He says, “Your culture, which shows the lasting genius and dignity of your race, must not be allowed to disappear. Do not think that your gifts are worth so little that you should no longer bother to maintain them. Share them with each other and teach them to your children. Your songs, your stories, your paintings, your dances, your languages, must never be lost.”
Through our collective efforts, we will further our knowledge and understanding of the stories, traditions and achievements of the oldest living culture in the world, that of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
College Prayer in Noongar:
Mamani yira nyin, kadjan maar-barang Chisholm Catholic College. Dalanyiny koorta-djinoong yeye kadidjiny moort noyt.
Caroline Chisholm ngala birdiya woort-koorl
Koort dook-nyin karlak-iny. Kaya-wah.
Caroline Chisholm: Pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts: Forever.
Ms Taniya Rodrigues
Deputy Principal – Community
