13 Nov 2020
Under the guidance of QHS Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer, MegO, QHS ran a series of events for student, teachers, staff and the wider community throughout NAIDOC Week 2020.
As a school QHS integrate Indigenous perspectives every day in social outlets and education.
“This week is significant for our diverse school and is added to our agendas so we can further embrace our Aboriginal culture,” said MegO.
Celebrations included a whole school Assembly lead by Deputy Principal, Miss Loughrey, and students Sam Fechner and Dylan Smith, with a presentation by student Isabelle Davis. The Flag raising was conducted by Cloe Hancock and Sophie Payne.
Johnny Cakes with bush tucker toppings prepared by staff were served to each student and staff members to acknowledge Naidoc 2020. Theme is 'Always was, Always will be'.
The following is the Presentation given at Monday’s QHS School Assembly for NAIDOC Week 2020 given by Year 11 student, Dylan Smith.
“Yaama Yarradha gaba, gayrr naya Dylan Kamilaroi yurrandaali Walhallow-dhi.”
“Hello, day good, name I, Dylan from Kamilaroi nation, goanna totem from Walhallow.”
“I acknowledge we are on Kamilaroi land, Always was, Always will be.”
“I will pay my respect to the my elders, past and present, think about the hard times and happy times they encountered and I show my respect by listening to our stories and believe in the untold truth of our history. Sharing our culture and making all Australians aware of our past is an important factor of education and should be valued by all citizens.”
“I acknowledge the land and encourage all people to respect what she has given us.”
“Naidoc week is special to me because it shows Aboriginal people coming together and celebrating who we are. The culture practiced and reflected upon is beautiful to see and makes me feel comfortable and at home which plays into this year’s theme always was, always will be.”
“Gaba Nginda.”
“Thank you.”
Thank you to all participants and to the organisers of this weeks celebrations.