School unveils vibrant yarning circle

A new yarning circle was recently unveiled at South Hedland Primary School, in respect for local Indigenous culture and students.

This significant event marked the culmination of a two-year collaborative effort between students, teachers, staff, and various community groups, including the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation. 

Deputy principal, Adeline Monaghan, said the idea for the yarning circle originated during the 2022 NAIDOC Week celebrations.

"We wanted to create a space where students could share stories, learn, and connect with each other in a meaningful way,” she said.

“The yarning circle, a traditional Aboriginal method for communication and community building, seemed like the perfect fit."

The Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation worked closely with staff and students at South Hedland Primary School to design and create the intricate artwork surrounding the yarning circle.

The artwork is a vibrant reflection of Indigenous art and culture, designed to help the school community understand and appreciate the heritage they represent.

"The collaboration happened because we all shared the same vision and put in a lot of hard work," Adeline said.

"The Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation was super supportive from the start, offering their expertise and resources.

“Our teachers, students, and staff were just as enthusiastic, and this teamwork was crucial to making the project happen."

Students were deeply involved in many stages of the project. They participated in design workshops with volunteer artists from the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation, contributing ideas and creating artwork.

This involvement allowed students to take pride in the project and see their contributions come to life.

"Students learned a lot about Indigenous culture and the significance of the yarning circle," Adeline said.

"They learned about traditional storytelling, community values, and the importance of cultural respect and collaboration."

At the opening ceremony, on 17 May, Indigenous Elders acknowledged what the students had created.