Brookman Primary played host to students from the Australian Islamic College last month, participating in a cultural program like no other.
The two schools have formed an ongoing Intercultural Students Exchange program, which aims to foster friendships between different cultures, despite a difference in traditional beliefs and practices.
Brookman Primary deputy principal Tania Rennie said the students enjoyed teaching the Islamic College students some Noongar words, traditional Aboriginal painting and storytelling.
“Brookman is a very multi-cultural school with students from a variety of backgrounds,” she said.
“Meeting children from outside of their friendship group helps them engage with other communities, as well as value and view critically their own cultural perspectives.”
College English teacher Idroz Shah said it was evident that the students of both schools benefitted from the experience and looked forward to the next trip.
“The students from Brookman Primary presented on this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, ‘Because of Her, We Can’ and showcased some of the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made,” he said.
“It didn’t take long for students to buddy up and collaborate on various Aboriginal artwork.”
On August 9 the Australian Islamic College will return the favour and host Brookman Primary students at its Thornlie campus.
The students will learn about Islamic traditions and practices, including learning some Arabic words.
