The school started the week exploring Dreamtime stories and discussing their meanings.

On Tuesday, Inverell High students Alex Jeffery and Miles Jerrard shared their skills with the youngsters in dancing and didgeridoo workshops. 

Alex, who danced at for the nation at the Opera House on Australia Day, was patient as she taught the S3 class a mixture of traditional and modern movements. Starting off as beginners, the girls progressed quickly through the afternoon session, and were keen to show off their new skills.

Miles told the S2/S3 boys about the history of the didgeridoo and its importance for the Aboriginal people as an instrument and a war cry. 

The group giggled as they struggled to mimic Miles’ technique. He said the key to learning the difficult instrument was to keep practicing. 

Miles was pleased to share his culture with the younger boys.

“They can share that with whoever they want and then that just keeps going and going and going,” he said. 

The celebrations continue on Wednesday, with parents and community members invited to the schools’ NAIDOC celebration assembly. A traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony will begin the morning, followed by a dance performance, the presentation of the NAIDOC awards and a flag raising. 

Macintyre High School will join in on Thursday for a basket weaving workshop and Inverell High students will run an Indigenous Games day on Friday. 

To see a story and gallery of Inverell Public’s NAIDOC assembly, click here.