iServi News | 2 July 2021 | Term 2, Week 11
In July each year, NAIDOC Week invites all Australians to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, sacred sites and the cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.
In celebration of NAIDOC week coming up on 4-11 July, this week our Homeroom Groups and Humanities classes engaged in a variety of activities to explore and learn about history, culture and tradition.
Our students were encouraged to connect with their surroundings and utilise natural materials to develop a nature bracelet. Indigenous Australian Peoples have long used natural materials to create unique and beautiful jewellery, this activity was inspired by their creations. Connecting with the natural environment is a great way to acknowledge the importance of conservation and respect for the land.
Ms Kalista Barilla
Teacher
In celebrating NAIDOC week at Servite, we participated in activities to honour and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures. NAIDOC week celebrates the healing of our country and nation by resolving injustices between our people. One of the activities we participated in was to create our own ‘Sea of Hands’ to respect and acknowledge the rights of the first people of our land. The whole school did their part to contribute to the finished piece. The colours of the hands were black, red and yellow to recreate the Aboriginal flag. The Year Ten Councillors then collected these hands, planned out and created the mural in our Alexis building to complete this activity. This mural is symbolic as it shows many hands in unison to create the flag showing everyone working together to heal our country.
Chiara Caccamo (SM2)
Year Ten Priory Councillor