The entire school attended a flag raising ceremony at the outset of the day.

The school captains assisted a local elder with the welcome to country, before a didgeridoo display by a local indigenous musician and the cutting of the NAIDOC Week cake.

Then, within the blink of an eye, the assembly area was vacant as the enthusiastic youngsters split into their regular classes and set off for the day’s activities.

Awaiting them was a range of active indigenous games on the oval, artifact viewing in the library, face painting in the hall, storytelling in a designated classroom, as well as supervised damper and paddy cake making by the school’s fire pit.

The South West Rocks Rural Fire Brigade was also on hand entertaining and educating students about fire safety.

The youngest students, kindergarten to grade two, were out enjoying the morning session, while the older students learned about the significance of NAIDOC Week in class. 

The older children would get their chance to have some fun in the afternoon.

In a positive initiative by the school, each teacher gave awards to two children who were seen to enjoy the NAIDOC celebration and engage in the various activities throughout the day with vigour and in the appropriate spirit.

Member of the school’s NAIDOC planning committee and grade 3 and 4 teacher Tamie Miller believes it’s imperative the students understand the significance of NAIDOC Week.

“Indigenous Australians have contributed immeasurably to our society,” Ms Miller said.

“This country’s first people have a rich and vibrant culture, and it’s important we all acknowledge their historical heritage.

“Many of our students are indigenous and it’s vital that they understand and maintain their cultural links.

“With that in mind, this year’s NAIDOC Week theme of ‘Our Languages Matter’ is especially relevant because it recognises the essential role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages play in their cultural identity and transmission of spirituality, stories and history.”