NAIDOC Week kicked off early at Challis Community Primary School, with a NAIDOC opening ceremony that reflected the school’s embodiment of “a year-round relentless drive to ensure our students are continually learning about these themes.”
Hosted and led by a group of Aboriginal students, the assembly highlighted this year’s NAIDOC Week theme of “Get Up, Stand Up and Show Up”, including personal interpretations of that theme by six senior students.
Joined by Matt Keogh MP and representatives from Curtin University, as well as principals and Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers from surrounding schools, the event was the culmination of months of planning and preparation.
Challis Primary 2022 NAIDOC Coordinator Sarah Musumeci said the event was kicked off with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by an alternative national anthem sung by the whole-school that recognised Indigenous Australians as Australia’s First Nations.
“Our NAIDOC Assembly was incredibly powerful and moving,” Sarah said.
“To hear this sentiment echoed from little pre-primary students, right through to our most experienced teachers, was inspiring.
“Led by the deadly Aunty Sarah Kearing, our Challis Girls Dance Troupe, “Kwobidak Djookan” put on a spectacular performance which included six cultural dances that told different stories.
“This assembly was an important opportunity to nurture the pride and sense of self-esteem our First Nations’ students feel, as well as spotlight their continuous strength, talent and excellence.”
Matt Keogh MP said the assembly was both moving and celebratory.
“I was proud to present the school with brand new Australian, Torres Strait Islander, and Aboriginal flags,” Mr Keogh said.
“I also spoke about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, how important it will be towards reconciliation, and how the Labor Government is committed to implementing it in full.”
