It is hard to believe we are halfway through the school year already. It has been wonderful to see the children grow, learn, build confidence, take on challenges and make connections through the first half of the year. We are looking forward to seeing what unfolds as the year goes on.

We finished last term with our beautiful Winter Festival. What a gift it is to come together as a class community to honour and celebrate the children and the changing seasons. We experienced the perfect balance of full hearted, whole class, joyful singing and quiet reverence, and we were even lucky enough to see some shooting stars.

Last week we had a fun and full NAIDOC week! We were all grateful to participate in the whole school opening ceremony with Mudjai, as well joining with Hummingbee Kindy for some dancing with Waangenga. It was a true privilege to be joined by some Elders from Cabbage Tree Island for some singing, dancing and feasting! The Kindy children showed great interest and respect and we gifted the Elders baskets of homemade biscuits and fruit from the School Farm and our Kindy gardens. We also made some woven bracelets that were prepared by Tegan Murdock; a Barkindjti, Yorta Yorta, and Dhudaroah woman. We learnt so much from all of these experiences, through listening, watching, moving, singing and sharing, and we look forward to these connections continuing into the future.

We have been learning new songs about the Bundjalung seasons. We have just said goodbye to Waringu the cold season and are welcoming Yarrgehhmbu, the windy season. Kara, our Hummingbee Kindy teacher wrote this season’s song:

It’s Yarrgehmbu, the Windy Season
Wattles blooming everywhere
Yarrgehmbu, the Windy Season
Feel the sea breeze in our hair.
Feel the sea breeze in our hair.
Bingings (turtles) swim in Crystal Creek, they’re warming in the sun,
Bunihnys (echidnas) walking in a row,
Yes, Yarrgehmbu has come…
It’s Yarrgehmbu, the Windy Season
Wattles blooming everywhere
Yarrgehmbu, the Windy Season
Feel the sea breeze in our hair.
Feel the sea breeze in our hair.
When rains do fall on the mountains tall,
Wayilahr (black cockatoo) calls near the sea.
Baawie (whales) swim by Nguthungulli
Yes, Yarrgehmbu is here.
It’s Yarrgehmbu, the Windy Season
Wattles blooming everywhere
Yarrgehmbu, the Windy Season
Feel the sea breeze in our hair.
Feel the sea breeze in our hair.

With warm regards,
Kat Barwick (she/her)
Birdsong Kindergarten Teacher