School celebrates Wadawurrung project

OCEAN Grove Primary School is inviting the community to celebrate the completion of its “Rekindling the Wadawurrung Spirit in Ocean Grove” project in an event at the school today (Friday, May 31.

The event, which begins at 2.30pm and includes a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, is being held as part of Reconciliation Week.

Working in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, the project brought together Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay O’Toole, First Nations students, school leaders and the school’s Visual Arts teacher Jo Chapman.

Ocean Grove Primary School wanted to celebrate and honour the rich heritage of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wadawurrung people.

This initiative was made possible through a First Nations Cultural Heritage Grant provided by the City of Greater Geelong.

The centrepiece is the front entrance gates of Ocean Grove Primary School, which have been transformed with a Creation Story, titled “Dja.” In Wadawurrung language, “Dja” means “Country”.

The artwork pays homage to the profound connection between the school and the land on which it stands.

Two tunnels in the school’s inclusion playground, “Djila-Tjarri,” meaning “play” in Wadawurrung language, offer an engaging and educational play experience for students, incorporating traditional symbols, and contemporary art.

“The most rewarding part of what I do is giving kids a sense of pride, a sense of connection and leaving something significant behind that they can always hold close to them while they attend this

school,” O’Toole said.

“They leave a legacy for future generations to be able to connect to also, that’s what makes this so special.”

Ms Chapman was grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with First Nations community members and artists.

“This is the power of art and culture in education,” she said.

“It not only enriches the learning experience of our students but also serves as a beautiful symbol of reconciliation and respect for Wadawurrung and the First Nations community.”

Earlier this year, the school staff engaged in Cultural Education sessions led by Wadawurrung man Ashley Skinner to deepen their understanding of First Nations perspectives and to create an inclusive environment that fosters reconciliation and cultural education.

“We as a staff and school are trying to learn with and from the community so we can better educate and create stronger cultural understanding for not just our current students but the

generations to follow,” school principal Scott McCumber said.