Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been learning about different art mediums with local Torres Strait Islander elder Aunty Annie this term. We went for an excursion to the Rockhampton Base Hospital to see one of Aunty Annie’s large, vibrant art pieces on display. The artwork depicted the Torres Strait Islands, the weather, the local flora, and the local fauna. The girls were very interested by the colours used and the details in the picture. They were even given a challenge to find three dugongs on the picture (some were very subtle).
On Friday 24 February, our boarders celebrated a special 'Elder’s Dinner' organised by Boarding Supervisor MJ and Chef Kent. Those in attendance were served traditional foods such as coconut pumpkin dumplings, coconut saffron yellow rice and damper, just to name a few. Our boarders had the opportunity to mingle with the elders and make some new connections. There was lots of music, laughter, and dance with smiles all round. The Torres Strait Islander girls performed some wonderful traditional dances whilst dressed in their vibrant island dresses. This was a great way to introduce our elders to the Girls Grammar community and an awesome initiative for our First Nations students to share their culture with friends and visitors.
Over the weekend we will have three Year 10 students participate in the Lloyd Mcdermott Rugby Development Ella 7s Tournament. Tahlya, Veronica and Rosie are among 35 girls across the country who have been selected to play in the under 16s competition. The tournament is being held in Sydney and Tuggerah. We wish the girls all the best for this tournament.
Shania Conlon
Indigenous Liaison Officer