What's happening in Stage 2?

Guest Speaker

Years 3 and 4 enjoyed our visit from local Aboriginal elder Jennie Gordon, " Aunty Jennie". We learnt some very interesting things about our local Aboriginal Culture and Country.

3S

• We learnt that the word “Mulwaree” means river and “Wollondilly” means river over rocks.
• When babies are born they are given a possum skin and it is replaced with a bigger one as they grow. The possum skins are stitched together with dried kangaroo sinew (tendons).
• The land is very special to Aboriginals and we should look after the land.
• They create rings in the tree branches using rocks. The rings are used as signs by the Aboriginal people. Eg. They can indicate that a waterhole is nearby.
• In the past they used trees to make their houses. 
• They use grass and strips of wood to weave baskets.  

4C

• The babies are wrapped in possum skins to keep warm. 
• When they skin the possum, they even leave the face and ears.
• Only the men are allowed to touch and play the didgeridoos.
• The Aborigines ate berries, grubs, kangaroos and possums.

3A

• Aboriginals scar trees to make landmarks.
• Aboriginals make ring trees to show where water is.
• We got to see clapping sticks with traditional Aboriginal art .
• Aunty Jenny is called “Aunty” as a term of respect and family togetherness. 
• Aboriginal people eat kangaroo and possums but use their skins for clothing.
• They use sharp rocks to skin animals. 
• Aboriginals use trees to make shelters.

4M

• We learnt the didgeridoo is only played by men, women do not play because indigenous people believe it is not good for fertility. 
• We learnt that tree carvings were used to identify waterholes. 
• We learnt possum skins were important for indigenous peoples. They were used for warmth and babies. 
• We learnt that Wollondilly and Mulwaree are indigenous words.