04 Sep 2012
Under the Starry Sky?
The Peninsula Community of Schools (PCS) acknowledged NAIDOC Week 2012 with an event called "Under the Starry Sky" at Bilgola Plateau Public School. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.
The 13 schools from the PCS (3 high school and 10 primary) nominated up to 6 students from their school community and a staff member to participate in a series of activities to acknowledge NAIDOC Week.
The celebration held at Bilgola Plateau Public School began with students pitching their tents on the school oval. This was followed by a performance by Didgeribone in the school hall and then students participated in an art workshop creating a delightful piece of artwork which has been presented at their respective schools.
Following the indigenous art workshop the more formal part of the evening began. Staff and students were joined by Principals from the PCS schools, Rob Stokes MP for Pittwater, Mayor Harvey Rose Pittwater Council, Dave Lardner, DEC Aboriginal Education Regional Support Officer and other local Indigenous representatives.
A traditional smoking ceremony was performed by Uncle Max. As the smoking ceremony took place a Bilgola student played the didgeridoo and then a Welcome to Country by Neil Evers, a local descendant of the Guringai people was given.
Parents, staff and students enjoyed a BBQ dinner with delicious bush tomato relish. Following these activities students participated in Indigenous games and as the night sky unfolded students enjoyed Dreamtime stories under the starry sky.
After a goodnights sleep, students woke to a delicious breakfast of damper with jams such as Lilly Pilly Bush Tucker Conserve, Rosella Jam and Hibiscus Desert Quandong accompanied with Wattle seed , Lemon Myrtle, Aniseed Myrtle and Native Peppermint teas.
The tents were packed up after breakfast. Students and staff returned to school regaling stories about their wonderful experiences under the starry sky at Bilgola Plateau.