Yarning Circle Opening Ceremony
The Rockhampton Girls Grammar School officially opened our brand new Yarning Circle Space on Thursday 27 April 2023 joined by Board Member, Jennifer Luck.
The Yarning Circle is a place to share. Whether it be conversation, memories, laughter, life experience, advice, grief, hardships or education. It’s a culturally safe space to yarn freely and informally without judgement. The Yarning Circle will boost morale, encourage conversation and is a physical representation of cultural sensitivity.
The space is open for use by all, within limitation. It is a space to be nurtured and respected. The Yarning Circle can be used as an outside classroom in times of discussion or meditation. It can also be used as a quiet space for reflection and contemplation.
Local Darumbal man, Trent White, joined us and actioned a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse the space supported by an all-female Darumbal dance group. This signifies a new beginning for the Yarning Circle area to be spiritually ready for its new use.
Nellabbey Attends STEM Camp
Over the recent school holidays, Year 10 student Nellabbey Warusam attended Griffith University’s STEM Camp. This program saw Nellabbey travel from Cairns to the Gold Coast for a total of five days. Nellabbey was a part of a select few students from all over Australia who were chosen to attend. During the program, students toured the Griffith University campus and were lucky enough to view the laboratories. They were also able to have information sessions led by field specialists such as botanists, engineers, chemists, and industrial designers.
The program provided the opportunity to learn the differences between high school life and university living and education. They learnt the basics from timetables and scholarships to academic and literary requirements and career pathway options. They also explored various STEM subjects and pathways and participated in a number of different educational activities. These included making slime and elephant toothpaste; flying on a giant swing, building a functioning catapult, and welding circuit boards to build their own flashlights.
Nellabbey thoroughly enjoyed her experience to attend the Griffith University STEM Camp. It has encouraged her to seriously consider and research viable tertiary studies options.
Shania Conlon
Indigenous Liaison Officer