Last week was NAIDOC, the National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration. The 2020 theme was Always Was, Always Will Be, to remind us that Indigenous peoples have cared for this continent for millenia. Students across YSS participated in a number of NAIDOC-related activities, including learning a Yuggara song and dressing in the Aboriginal colours of red, white and black at last week’s free dress day. Funds will be donated to SEED, the Indigenous Youth Climate Network. Seedmob.org.au. The School also launched its new Acknowledgement of Country in NAIDOC week that was written in collaboration with the students.

YSS has also begun a wonderful partnership with Yeronga State High School. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families were invited by YHSH to attend a BBQ in the park between our two schools to celebrate Indigenous cultures.

Yerongpan descendant Elder Uncle Desmond Sandy opened the celebration by giving a traditional Welcome to Country.  This was followed by the Yuggara Chepara Dancers led by his daughter Deborah Sandy. The dancers welcomed all by sharing traditional songlines and an interactive head, shoulders, knees and toes teaching us some Yuggara language in the process. It was a beautiful afternoon and YSS and Kalari look forward to working with YSHS into the future.

Yuggara word of the week

Mara – hand – to remind us that we all need to give each other a helping hand.

What is Kalari?

Kalari means ‘message stick’ in Yuggara language and is name of the YSS Indigenous Working Group.

Kalari aims to increase the acknowledgement and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history at YSS, through an inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and in line with the YSS school values.

Kalari is made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous volunteer parents and anyone can join! For more information or to get involved about contact Aren Healy at mamaaren101@gmail.com.