Kaya, Wanjoo Mandoon Bilya Koolangka Mia
Hello and welcome to Helena River Waldorf School!
Helena River Waldorf School sits upon Whadjuck Nyoongar land along the banks of the Mandoon Bilya, or Helena River that borders the school grounds. Here, Ngoolyarks (Black Cockatoos) roost in the ancient Djarraly (Jarrah) trees and Yaakin (Long-Necked Tortoises) swim in the cool waters of the Bilya (river). Amongst this beauty, the Koolungar (children) play and learn.
At Helena River, children, families and staff of Helena River have been deepening their connection to Country, Culture and Language through some wonderfully authentic and meaningful activities that have been intentionally immersed into the school day and curriculum.
Lucy Arnall (Aunty Lulu), a collaborative creative musician, storyteller, mentor and proud descendant of the Kungarakan (NT) and Bibbulmun Nyoongar (WA) peoples has been working with students, staff and the school community to deliver a series of on-Country learning experiences and festivals.
Aunty Lulu is helping children and staff to learn about three important truths. Firstly kaartdijin’ ‘knowledge’ sharing, and the responsibility of being learners and keepers of the knowledge. Secondly, the importance of djinninyn-‘seeing’ learning to truly see, not just with their eyes, but also with their koort (heart) and wirrn (spirit) and lastly, waangkan, ‘speaking’-telling the stories, sharing their discoveries and speaking to Boodja, their nature kin.
During Aunty Lulu’s regular visits, the children and teachers experience the joy of time on Country, on the banks of the Mandoon Bilya, Helena River. They listen, share and engage in a different kind of learning, one that allows them to let go of the normal school day rhythm and be present.
Another immersive experience has been carefully guided by Arron Warrjirri-Yarra Yarran, a respected Nyiyaparli-Nyoongar woman from Ethel Creek and Roy Hill in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Arron grew up in Geraldton and the Southern Wheatbelt Regions of Western Australia and is a renowned artist, and the founder of MaOchre Gallery in Midland, Western Australia. Arron has been working with the children during the first half of the year to create six gorgeous mosaiced letters that read ‘Wanjoo’, or ‘Welcome’, with every letter representing one of the Nyoongar six seasons. Each class from 1-6 have worked with Arron to design a letter and the sign now proudly stands at the very front of the school, welcoming everyone!
Lastly, staff have been engaging deeply with truth-telling and authentic learning guided by an incredible young Indigenous woman Jacinda Blurton. Jacinda is the Director of the Sister Kate’s Home Kids Aboriginal Association and is a stolen generation descendant. Jacinda works with Stolen Generation survivors and youth in the areas of generational trauma and truth telling.
These meaningful and authentic experiences are providing students, staff and the wider community an opportunity to engage in a living process, one that requires a revitalised approach, an active listening and meaningful reflection. We are grateful to Aunty Lulu, Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association, Arron and Jacinda for their wisdom, care and guidance as we walk the path to Reconciliation at Helena River Waldorf School.
