28 May 2014

On the 26th May every year, ceremonies, marches, speeches and presentations are held around the country to commemorate Sorry Day, the day all Australians express regret for the mistreatment of Aboriginal people. Last Monday, Murwillumbah School commemorated National Sorry Day with an authentic performance from the Yulluburri Bacunnijiel Aboriginal Dance group. The students were enthralled by the stories told through dance about their local area, the costumes and the music created from the Aboriginal clapping sticks. A highlight was when students were asked to become involved in the ceremony by participating in a dance and having their faces painted in traditional Aboriginal colours. We were especially proud to have the Dance group perform as three of our students, along with their fathers, are dancers in the troupe.
A number of classes also took the opportunity to celebrate by creating some Aboriginal art works which were presented at the whole school assembly on Wednesday. We are also holding a writing competition for years 3-6 and colouring in competition for years K-2 in the lead up to NAIDOC Week. Stay tuned to find out how we will celbrate NAIDOC week in the last week of school.