Catholic students take part in leadership program including exposure to Aboriginal culture
A unique leadership program was held last week for Year 6 students from every Catholic primary school in Sandhurst Diocese's Goulburn Valley Deanery.
Schools from Shepparton, Nagambie, Numurkah, Tongala, Kyabram, Nathalia, Tatura, Cobram, Mooroopna and Rushworth all took part in the day, which aimed to promote leadership, cultural diversity and social justice.
Students participated in workshops at Mooroopna Oval and visited the Bangerang and Rumbalara cultural centres. Presenters from the Bangerang and Yorta Yorta communities ran the workshops for students to experience traditional storytelling, cultural expression, indigenous games, contemporary music and indigenous heritage.
St Luke's Catholic Primary School principal Stephen Hicks said the leadership gatherings were an important part of the programs that run in each of the schools.
``Traditionally, our schools have gathered our Year 6 students together as part of the leadership programs to let them know they're bigger than the school _ they're part of the diocese and part of the community as well,'' he said.
``We try to help their skills by giving them life-changing experiences. We've usually tried to get them together in smaller clusters, and this is the first time students from the 12 schools have got together.''
Sandhurst Diocese's senior education officer for indigenous education Bernadette McPherson said the day would give students a strong idea of Aboriginal culture.
``It's about being strong in reconciliation and knowing the story of the Aboriginal people, appreciating the culture and being a knowledgeable voice,'' she said.
``We consulted Aboriginal leaders in the area and they've given us ideas on who to have involved today, and it's gone brilliantly.''
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