anigunyawelcome

THE NEWSLETTER OF KA-WUL & CLONTARF

Education & CulturalResource Centre

clontarffoundation

EDITION #1 FRIDAY 7 APRIL 2017

PROUD OF MY CULTURE WEAVING CONNECTIONS

FITZY’S FACT FILE CLONTARF SYDNEY TRIP

2017ABORIGINAL CALENDAR

Anniversary of the 2008 ApologyMON 13 FEB

National Close the Gap DayTHU 16 MAR

National Sorry DayFRI 26 MAY

Anniversary 1967 ReferendumSAT 27 MAY

Reconciliation WeekSAT 27 MAY - SAT 3 JUN

Mabo DaySAT 3 JUN

Coming of the LightSAT 1 JUL

NAIDOC WeekSUN 2 JUL - SUN 9 JUL

National Children’s DayFRI 4 AUG

International Indigenous DayWED 9 AUG

Indigenous Literacy DayWED 6 SEP

What do you like about working for the Clontarf Academy?I enjoy seeing the boys grow, develop & succeed.

Have you worked at any other Clontarf Academies?Yes, at Mt Austin High in Wagga Wagga.

What’s it like working with Joel and Clark?I really enjoy working with them, they are very friendly and have a great work ethic.

How did it feel to win the 2005 NRL GF with Wests Tigers?It was awesome and a dream come true!

Have you done much travelling overseas or in Australia?I’ve lived in England playing for Hull and in France and had holidays in Bali, New Zealand and Cairns, Melbourne, Broome, Perth, Byron Bay.

What is your favourite Australian Animal?Definitely the Kangaroo!

What’s the worst food you have ever eaten?It has got to be oysters and peas, ughhh!!

What are some of your favourite foods?Steak and lollies, especially red frogs.

STAFF PROFILE

DanielFitzhenryCLONTARF TUTOR

BY MACKENZIE SYMONS Y10

WeavingConnections BY KYA THOMPSON Y8

An Aboriginal girls weaving group was started in Term 1 last year through the Ka-Wul Centre. But the weaving was secondary to the girls meeting local Aunties and spending quality with them.

The group began with instruction from Aunty Cherie on the basics of weaving and soon they were producing beautiful bracelets, baskets and patches for a large figure of a long-necked tortoise.

The tortoise is being finished by Elders, school staff, students and parents and will be displayed at the Lock Up Gallery, Newcastle, from Friday 27 October. The long-neck tortoise was chosen because it frequents rivers and creeks in the Hunter.

The 20 girls in the group really enjoyed making these bracelets and baskets, but they also appreciated the relaxed and fun atmosphere.

Through weaving they got to know Aunty Deirdre, Aunty Jean, Aunty Rhoda, Aunty Denise and Aunty Shirley (deceased) very well. The Aunties passed on their many years of life experience to the girls.

This project would not have been possible without the support of Mr Kolatchew, who built the frame, and Mrs French and her art classes, who weaved numerous coils. Thanks for your generosity!!

ClontarfSydney Trip BY JORDAN JONES Y8

In March Y8 Clontarf students left Singleton at 7am to drive to Sydney to visit Taronga Zoo, Sydney Fish Markets and go on the Wave Rider.

At Taronga Zoo we were taken on a guided tour of the zoo and learnt about the Aboriginal heritage around Taronga Zoo and wider Sydney. We learnt about many animals, both those that could be returned to the wild and those that can’t be.

After our tour we had a few hours of free time to explore more of the zoo. When is started to get dark we were shown the cottage we would sleep in overnight - one we would share with lots of reptiles and given a tour of the nocturnal animals.

On Thursday we drove to Endeavour Sports High to join three other Clontarf Academies to play some sports and stay the night - which included lots of pizzas and watching the footy before going to bed.

We were up at the crack of dawn on Friday to get to the Sydney Fish Markets by 6:30am for a tour and hear how they help protect marine environments.

Later that day, on the journey home, we went to the Ryde Aquatic Centre for a session on the Wave Rider, which was a blast! We all had a great time and thank Clark and Daniel for all their hard work!

Proud ofmy Culture BY HANNAH STURCH Y9

My favourite part of being at school is when I get the chance to express and showcase my culture with other Indigenous people.

There are plenty of other Indigenous people at school that like to express their culture and are proud to get up and show it. At school assemblies and other events we get up, put on ochre and perform traditional dances.

When I’m doing Aboriginal dance I feel relaxed, proud and connected with my culture and my people. And I know that I belong.

I am also thrilled that it helps non-Indigenous people to appreciate Aboriginal culture.

Lastly, I am very glad that my school represents Aboriginal culture in such positive ways and they encourage us to get up, show who we are and express our rich culture.