Donation joy and cultural celebration at Blighty School

Relieving principal Kaila Murrowood said attending to make the donation on behalf of the Finley Second Hand Shop was Barry Dawe.

“Barry came to the school parliament and spoke with the students, encouraging them to make good use of the donation and emphasising the importance of learning and reading.

“Of their $1000 donation, the group has stipulated that at least $600 be spent on books to help update our library, which was refurbished 18 months ago.

“The other $400 will be donated to support students to attend school excursions.

“It’s arrived in time to help our stage 2 students who go to Ballarat next term.”

On Wednesday, the school then welcomed Roland from the Bangerang Cultural Centre in Shepparton.

Ms Murrowood said the original plan was to take students to the centre, but to keep costs low they opted for an ‘incursion’ instead. And she said it was a hit.

“Roland spoke about his culture and taught us some interesting things. For example, Bangerang artists don’t do dot painting, but use lines to represent their connection to water.

“He also told us about the coming of age ceremonies and the barter system, and he played the didgeridoo while students played along with clapping sticks.

“He also brought some possum and kangaroo furs to show us, which are etched with clamshells, and some weapons, and we even learned a few works in language.”

NSW students now have a two week break before the start of term 3.