United in Culture: Girls Grammar’s NAIDOC Week Highlights Connection and Tradition

Girls Grammar proudly embraced the vibrant spirit of NAIDOC Week with a series of rich cultural celebrations. The enthusiasm and participation from students, families, and staff made the week truly special.

To begin our celebrations, in Week 1, our primary school students participated in a NAIDOC colouring-in competition. Their artworks were a celebration of culture and imagination, with certificates awarded at the assembly for outstanding contributions.

(Below artworks: Emu – Indee Year 5 & Koala – Lucy Year 4. They weren’t certificate achievers but they provided amazing artwork)

Kicking off Week 2, our secondary students transformed the Paterson Reception area with thoughtful NAIDOC Scratch Art pieces, taking time to connect with, appreciate, and reflect on Indigenous art traditions.

(Pictured: scratch artwork completed by students)

Girls Grammar hosted our annual NAIDOC Assembly where our Torres Strait Islander students lit up the stage with traditional dance performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their communities. We were honoured to host Darumbal Traditional Owners Char Mann and Larnie Hatfield, who offered a heartfelt Welcome to Country and treated us to a traditional corroboree, weaving story, song and dance into an unforgettable experience.

The next day, a group of lucky secondary students had the special opportunity to visit our Year 3 and 4 classrooms for a culturally immersive story time experience. They shared carefully selected First Nations children’s books, sparking the interest of the younger students. The storytelling was enriched by vibrant illustrations, engaging discussion, and gentle reflection on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. This meaningful peer-led activity not only encouraged intercultural understanding but also fostered a sense of community and pride across year levels.

Over the weekend, our boarding students and many boarding families joined the St Brendan’s community at Yeppoon, where they immersed themselves in a vibrant mix of activities:

• 🎨 Painting

• 🌿Weaving

• 🥥 Coconut husking and drinking fresh coconut milk

• 🏉 Touch football

• 💃 Traditional dance performances

  
  

This event concluded in a huge display of culturally diverse food, showcasing traditional foods from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, thoughtfully prepared by students, parents and staff member MJ Dorante.

On Sunday, Girls Grammar boarding students welcomed a number of community Elders and Girls Grammar family members to a heartwarming dinner prepared by MJ Dorante and Kent Reid. The evening began with a traditional Welcome to Country by Darumbal custodian Hayley Williams and the Kuinmaburra Gadyu dance group, followed by another dazzling performance from our Torres Strait Islander students.

NAIDOC Week at Girls Grammar was not just a celebration- it was a journey of learning, connection, and pride. Our students embraced every moment, and families engaged deeply throughout the week, making this year’s events a heartfelt success.

Shania Conlon

Indigenous Liaison Officer