Woy Woy Public School is proud of its close relationship with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and community. This year we will continue to provide our students with quality education and cultural experiences, which pay respect to Australia’s First People.
We are very happy to welcome back our Mingaletta Aunties this year, who will be working across the school on Wednesdays, sharing their culture and stories. They will be visiting each K-6 classroom several times this year, and will be visiting Guliyali Preschool and our Special Education Unit every week. They will also be adding Aboriginal perspectives to our Stage 2 History and Geography lessons. The Aunties are a valued part of Woy Woy Public School, generously giving their time each week to impart their cultural knowledge. Please feel free to say “Hi” next time you see them!
ABORIGINAL EARLY INTERVENTION TEACHER
Mrs Chloe Nebauer will once again be in the role of Aboriginal Early Intervention Teacher. She will be working across the school from Preschool to Year 6, supporting students in class with Literacy and Numeracy, working with the Aunties and Community, and organising cultural activities. If you would like to be involved, or have any questions about Aboriginal Education please contact Mrs Nebauer.
CULTURAL DANCE GROUP
All students including Non-Indigenous students, are welcome to join our Cultural Dance Group, which runs in the Hall on Wednesdays at Recess. Thank you to our Assistant Principal Mrs Williams who teaches students local Aboriginal dances, including a Welcome Song and a Women’s Dance. Students will perform these during NAIDOC Week, at special assemblies and at special events in the community.
Cultural Continuum Excursions will start again soon. This initiative unique to the Peninsula, gives our all of our Indigenous students a cultural excursion every year with students from the same grade in our neighbouring schools, Woy Woy South PS, Ettalong PS, Umina PS, Empire Bay PS and St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School. This year Woy Woy Public School will host Year 1, and have Uncle Tim Selwyn coming to share stories, dance and Digeridoo.
Teachers will be contacting the parents/carers of our Indigenous students this term to organise a time for PLP meetings. Each Aboriginal student in the school is entitled to a Personalised Learning Pathway (PLP), where the teacher, student and parents/carers meet to set goals for the student for the year. It also gives families a chance to meet the teacher and have a yarn.
Our beautiful front garden area is flourishing, with many plants now flowering and becoming edible. This year, some of our bush tucker foods will be incorporated into our cooking program with Mrs Williamson. Lemon Myrtle leaves, Warrigal Green Spinach and Native River Mint will be just some new tastes your children may try this year.
