Maclean High School

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River of Learning 10th Anniversary 2019

Ten Years of Learning and Inclusivity at Maclean High School 2019

Two aboriginal students in face paint

The tenth River of Learning Celebration Day was held at Maclean High School on Wednesday 29th May. Student’s art works were displayed at the Yamba Museum featuring the ‘River to the Sea’ theme.

Aboriginal education worker at River of Learning 2019 Art Show
Sam Kapeen smoking ceremony
Image: A smoking ceremony was conducted by Uncle Ron and Sam Kapeen
River of Learning 2019 display in the gym
Image: Each faculty developed displays that contained the Yaegl perspective.
Students singing River of Learning 2019
Image: The music group sang the chorus line to ‘I am Australian’ in Yaygirr language which was particularly breath-taking.
Aboriginal elder with students
Image: Elders acompanied students on Cultural Tours in Term 1
Rhonda Pitson
Image: Special thanks to Rhonda Pitson, previous Deputy Principal at Maclean High School, whose inspirational idea has become the River of Learning Celebration Day.
Aboriginal education worker at River of Learning 2019 Art Show
Aboriginal dancers
Image: Our Aboriginal dancers performed a cleansing dance.
Uncle Ron Heron
Image: Uncle Ron speaking to students at the River of Learning celebrations 2019. Click on the image to watch the full video.
Rhonda Pitson
Image: Official guests enjoyed a luncheon catered for by Year 11 Hospitality students featuring some local Indigenous cuisine.
Aboriginal education workers
Image: Tremendous role models for all our students.

Such an event would not be possible without the hard work of many people over several weeks to get things running smoothly. Firstly, a thank you to the Elders: Uncle Ron, Aunty Glenda, Aunty Rosie and Aunty Beris who accompanied the students on the Cultural Tours in Term 1. The school would like to thank Dee- Anne Kapeen and Dean Loadsman for working with the students and to the Yamba Historical Society for setting up the exhibition and collating all the artwork. Special thanks to Rhonda Pitson, previous Deputy Principal at Maclean High School, whose inspirational idea has become the River of Learning Celebration Day.

Lastly, such an event would not have been possible without the enormous effort, drive and commitment shown by our Aboriginal Education workers, who led and co-ordinated all the projects on the day such as dance, music, language, art, consultancy and logistics. They have also encouraged and inspired our students to ‘get out there and celebrate their culture’.  A big thank you to Sam Kapeen, Anjanette Warburton, Krystal Randall and Deborah Breckenridge. They are such tremendous role models for all our students.

Liza Hamilton

Deputy Principal Instructional Leader Aboriginal Students.

See all the photos in our Gallery

See the video here

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We would like to pay our respects and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to Elders both past and present.

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