Connecting to Bollon Country
Leading with Strength
At our school we are creating a culture of inclusivity. This 'culture' refers to the way we interact in our classroom, school and beyond. We collaboratively work to provide inclusive practice and opportunities for ALL students. We may refer to 'culture' when we think about our Indigenous Community. Holistically, we are creating a positive culture for all students, staff and community. 
As a staff,
we work hard to provide inclusivity of all diverse learners no matter their background or situation.
With respect for our local, Traditional Kooma/Gwamu people, and our Indigenous students (local and visiting) we have been developing our local cultural knowledge so that we have a better understanding about
Indigenous Culture to include in our practice and pedagogy. We wish to celebrate, learn and enjoy our local Indigenous Culture for all students as part of our school learning, as a sustained, embedded, positive practice.
Palyah, Muthurburdoos, Udjerlahs and Gundenoos! Greetings men, ladies and children!
As a school we regularly Connect to Bollon Country with our local Traditional
Kooma/Gwamu Elder Mr Bill (Nullabill) Speedy and his wife, Judith Russell.
With permission from Uncle, children (gundenoos) have been participating in local cultural opportunities including the building of gunyahs (shelters), a yarn circle, a bower shelter, boomerang throwing, digeridoo (yidiki) playing, spear throwing, nature walks along the Wallam Creek learning about the scar trees, bush tucker and significant Aboriginal locations along the creek.
Our gundenoos have been learning the Kooma/Gwamu language with permission from Uncle. The children have learnt about the local Aboriginal legend of Moogalah the water spirit. It is said that you need to toss a rock into the creek to warn Moogalah that you are there. Moogalah will take children who venture into the creek without an adult.
Our students and staff value their connection to country and with the community.
Bill showing children how to build a gunyah. Pictures used with permission.
Spear throwing takes some skill! Just ask Steven!
Artist's impression (Mrs Lewis) of Moogalah as papier mache 'chinese-style' puppet for the school play, 2022.
Children enjoying the gunyah they helped to build.