Warners Bay High School has a Junior AECG who meet once per term and are involved in cultural activities both at school and off site at various locations. The school promotes inclusivity and has a strong partnership with Kumaridha Local AECG and our local primary school's cultural groups.
Our top highlights were:
NAIDOC celebrations
On Thursday, 27 June, NAIDOC Week celebrations were held at Warners Bay High School (WBHS). Year 7 and Year 9 students attended the ceremony, along with members of the Junior AECG, their families, representatives from the local primary schools and community members. The ceremony was led by Junior AECG students, including the current JAECG Presidents, Memphis and Alex and Year 12 students Nikita and Tyneisha. The Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags were raised and the National Anthem was sung by Paige and Chloe. They were accompanied on guitar by Jacobe and didgeridoo by Immanuel. The Hunter Sports High School Aboriginal Dance Group joined us to perform some traditional dances. Jaiden spoke about the significance of NAIDOC Week and Ben spoke about this year’s theme, "VOICE, TREATY, TRUTH”. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a fabulous cake was cut and there was a delicious morning tea, followed by workshops facilitated by wonderful presenters from Speaking in Colour. Students were involved in weaving, painting and storytelling. It was a lovely day and a wonderful way to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2019.
The success of our students has inspired us to plan further changes to our approach in 2020, such as the introduction of a multi-disciplinary production team and a school media team.
Possum Skin Cloak Workshop
Junior AECG students from WBHS and Warners Bay Public School worked with Cherie from Speaking in Colour to make a possum skin cloak. The students spent five days learning about possums, sewing the pelts, and creating and burning the design onto the cloak. There was a lot of yarning and laughter over the five days and some great connections were made. The students presented the cloak to the executive staff and told the story behind the design. They have developed a contract for the use of the cloak.
Sorry Day 2019
On Monday, 27 May, Warners Bay High School Junior AECG students led a whole school assembly to commemorate National Sorry Day. Students provided insights into the Stolen Generation and the impact on families. A candle was lit and a minute of silence was observed to remember those affected. Year 11 student Memphis also delivered a poem by Meriki Raelene Parkinson Fraser about reconciliation and the importance of new beginnings and positive relationships between all people.
Successful maths tutoring program
Several Years 8, 9 and 10 students participated in a weekly maths tutorial program. This program assisted with their understanding of maths concepts and resulted in improved outcomes.
Wollotuka’s IBelieve Program
Jaiden and Lillian represented Warners Bay High School at the Graduation Day for the ‘IBelieve’ cultural immersion initiative. The students were presented with their Certificates of Achievement and spent the day celebrating cultural connections. The Wollotuka staff delivered a delicious lunch after the students participated in some Indigenous games. Kristy provided weaving experiences while Kieran shared his story about grasping opportunities and believing in yourself. His story was an inspiration to the students who developed a strong awareness about further study options.
