GOOROON NEWS
It has been a busy start to the year for the Gooroon Team with twelve new students starting Year 7. As usual, there has been plenty going on
2020 ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL APOLOGY - 13 FEBRUARY
We acknowledged the 12th Anniversary of the Apology to Australia Indigenous Peoples in our Morning Prayer and in Assembly in Week 4. Acknowledgement of the past is a key to unlocking the hope of the future. It was wonderful that members of our community were able to join us for this special occasion.
OPEN NIGHT
Our students performed dances throughout the evening while our staff and students highlighted the work done by Gooroon to support learning at St John’s. It was a busy evening and thanks for a job well done must go to all involved.
YEAR 7 CAMP
Uncle Rory joined the Year 7 students at the camp at Bangalee along with some Year 10 students who ran the ‘Bush Ramble’ activity. This was an opportunity for storytelling and yarning.
NAIDOC ART PROJECT
Local artist Kerrie WIlliams continues to assist on our art project in preparation for NAIDOC Week. Visual Arts students Tyrah Wellington, Mya Ellis, Lily Thomas-McKnight, Chloe Couley and Riley Sutherland are working under Kerrie’s guidance to produce four fabulous banners to be used during the assembly presentation.
CLOSE THE GAP SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND ASSEMBLY PRESENTATION
Students and staff assisted with a sausage sizzle with the aim of continuing awareness of the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign. This successful event was followed up by a presentation at assembly this week. While there have been some successes in the campaign, there is still a long way to go and it is important that a high level of awareness of these issues is promoted.
ADAM ELLIOTT DONATION
Adam has recently left St John’s to join the Royal Australian Navy. We wish him every success in his career. As a parting gift to Gooroon, Adam donated a wonderfully decorated didgeridoo. This didgeridoo was made by Adam during a school workshop last year and also completing all the artwork himself. We sincerely thank Adam for his generosity.
CONFERENCE
Gooroon staff recently attended a Diocesan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference in Mittagong. Over the course of two days, many topics were covered and many productive discussions were held with the aim of strengthening the level of support that St John’s can offer for our students.
GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION
Uncle Leland accompanied the Year 10 Geography excursion to Ben’s Walk. Leland was able to give students and staff an insight into some of the local cultural aspects of the site, providing an added depth to the learning on the day.
PRESENTATIONS OF YEAR 12 ABORIGINAL STUDIES CLASS MAJOR WORKS
This week, Year 12 Aboriginal Studies class presented their major works, a culmination of research and community engagement. Students interviewed elders to assist in the development of a log book which was then used to complete the major work. Unfortunately, due to the current situation with COVID-19, our invitation to community members to attend had to be withdrawn.
Several events have also been cancelled. Our dance groups had been invited to perform at the Sydney Opera House this week. Students were also due to perform at functions for Harmony Day and a Nowra Community Event for Close the Gap. Other scheduled events have had to be postponed for now.
Mr. David Muller
Gooroon Coordinator