A sense of place

By Kelly Yates
STUDENTS at an Endeavour Hills school have teamed up to create a statement to recognise and acknowledge the Aboriginal people who were the traditional land owners of the school’s land.
The school community at Mossgiel Park Primary School gathered for an “Acknowledgment of Country” ceremony on Friday 30 July, with guests including City of Casey Indigenous Community Development officer Bryon Powell, Casey North Network Koori Education Support Officer Anastasia Reid and Adam, a local indigenous community worker.
The new school statement, which was created by the junior school council students, reads:
“We would like to remember that this land that you are standing on used to belong to the Aboriginal Bunerong and Wurundjere people. We are sorry that bad things happened in the past and we hope that everyone here can live peacefully together.”
The junior school council is made up of 12 students from Grades 2 to 6.
The statement, which was handed over to principal Jenny Scott during last week’s event, will be read at future school assemblies and formal events.
Lyn Pentland, the primary welfare officer at Mossgiel Park Primary School, said the students enjoyed the “respectful” ceremony.
“To be part of such a memorable occasion will be a highlight of the year for many of the students,” she said.
Mossgiel Park Primary School is also working on a long-term project to include Aboriginal perspectives in the school curriculum.