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Earlier this term Summerland devoted a whole day to focus upon the amazing Indigenous history we have in our country, local area and school with a Trindy to Year 12 NAIDOC DAY celebration.

The aim of the 2016 NAIDOC theme 'Songlines' was to highlight the oral history of Indigenous peoples - through song, story, dance and art. And we had a exciting time doing just that!


Our event was honoured with an official 'Welcome to Country' delivered by Reverend Aunty Dorothy Gordon - an important moment that has never happened before at SCC. Our whole school assembly featured traditional dancing from Lismore Heights Public School's 'Deadly Dancers', performances from our Secondary Chapel Band, a verbal gallery tour of the amazing Infants and Primary artwork on display and insights from Principal David Roach and the keynote speaker Uncle Mick Holten. A particularly proud moment was when one of our Year 7 students, Jackson Simpson, addressed the audience with an Acknowledgement of Widjabal Country; and Summerland parent, Troy Freeburn concluded the ceremony with a 'deadly' word of thanks.


Despite the difficult weather conditions, the day unfolded as a time to explore, appreciate and learn more about the rich culture that Indigenous people are blessed with. Mook Harrington and his Solid Mob Team came along and ran sport activities, Troy Freeburn shared the skill of his timber artworks and face painting; plus Uncle Mick stayed the whole day to explain the weapons in his collection. The day was rounded out with a flavoursome Kangaroo stew lovingly prepared by Nick Weeks (who was also the Co-ordinator of the event), reading dreamtime stories around a (fake) campfire, creating class jigsaw murals and a historical look at the meanings of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

It was a day steeped in song, story, dance and art. A day for our Indigenous students to stand tall, feel proud and count themselves as celebrated amongst our Summerland Christian College community. A songline to remember.

~

 This 'deadly' story was contributed by Mrs Linda Langford, Year 3L teacher, and SCC story writer & SCC NAIDOC Day coordinator.

 Photos were contributed by Year 8 Student Angus Gray & SCC parent Jo Gosper.  (Thank you!)

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