Its Week 7 and already it has been a very busy term. Here is a snapshot of what’s been happening in Gooroon;

2019 Anniversary of the National Apology - 13 February

We acknowledged the 11th Anniversary of the Apology to Australia Indigenous Peoples in our Morning Prayer. It is a significant date in the history of our country and it challenges us to learn from the past, so that we can change the future.

2019 Year 7 Camp - 14 February

Uncle Thomas attended the Year 7 Camp held at Bangalee Scout Camp. Some of our Year 10 students were also at Camp organising the activities - canoeing and water sports. Aunty Christine and Aunty Jo came out for the day to catch up with our new Year 7’s. They were having a awesome time.

2019 Open Night - 20 February

Our boys Dance Troupe started the night with a Welcome Dance to welcome all that came to experience our school. They continued dancing throughout the night in front of Gooroon showing their skills and passion for Aboriginal Culture.

2019 AIME Festival of Mentoring - 25 February

Six students from Year 11 & 12 travel to Wollongong University to experience AIME’s Festival of Mentoring. 200 Mentors from all over the world (Americas First Nations, African- Americans, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, South Africans), gathered to talk about culture, education and success. Our students participated in activities and shared their stories. It was a wonderful leadership experience for the students that participated and the day provided an amazing mix of cultures.

Year 9 Camp - 7 March

Uncle Thomas and Aunty Christine spent the day at the Year 9 Camp held at Coolendel, which is right on the Shoalhaven River. Abseiling, canoeing and water sports were the order of the day. Everyone had a great time.

Diocesan Education Mass - 7 March

Six students represented St John’s at the Diocesan Education Mass held at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow. Jiah King and Adam Elliott played the Didgeridoo for the Mass. Madison Doosey, Georgina Hooke,
Ky Nolan-Cooper and Hunter Woods from our Dance Troupes along with Dancers from John Terry Catholic High School joined together to perform a sweeping Ceremony to commence the Mass and then performed a Welcome Dance. The students only had one practice on the day and we were very proud their wonderful performance.

Attendance at our wednesday afternoon homework centre has been strong and we encourage all of our Aboriginal students and their friends to make use of the opportunity each week.

Still to come in Term 1

21/22 March - Close the Gap - Presentation at Assembly and Sausage Sizzle
27 March - Parents Meeting for 2019
29 March - Evonne Goolagong Foundation - Indigenous Tennis Day
9 April - Waminda Girls Program
TBC Footprints on Country Day 1

Mr Chris Hall 
Indigenous Education Coordinator