Wolkara Elders Visit

Today we had a special visit from seven Wolkara Elders from the Blacktown/Lalor Park area who did some lovely activities with the children.

Aunty Daphne and aunty Deb showed children how to paint clapping sticks. The children were so involved in this activity and the Elders kindly donated 20 pairs of clapping sticks to our school which we will be able to use for school activities from now on. How special that the children got to paint these themselves!

Uncle Toddy played the Didgeridoo with such skill that there was a beautiful buzz in the air, giving us goosebumps on our skin. Music always has that effect on us right? It was good for children to experience that with appreciation of the music and the effect it had on them. Some children provided background music by tapping clapping sticks made of various kinds of timber.

We were very lucky to have Uncle Elvis, the author himself, read his books to the children. He humbly shared his story that he only started writing when he was past 40 years of age as he had no idea how to write. He received help from a teacher and he was so proud to have been able to publish his own stories.

Mel spoke about the Stitches program that the Elders run for mental health in the Blacktown area. They brought in hand-made dolls that are used in the program and kindly donated a doll and a story to our school. While they were at school, they enjoyed a lovely morning tea in this beautiful sunshine and made lovely connections with children and educators through chats and stories. We have built a meaningful connection with these Elders and we hope to continue this connection as a way of having someone to go to for advice, knowledge and a sense of community with the First Nations people.