NAIDOC Celebrations at St Ursula’s College
15 July, 2024
St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, celebrated NAIDOC Week with the official re-opening and blessing of their Yarning Circle and Darumbal Garden.
Held on Friday 12 July, special guests included Darumbal Elder, Uncle Billy Mann, Aunty Jo-Anne Mann, and Natalie Semple and Phillipa Johnson from Rockhampton Catholic Education Office. Year 9 student, Billie-Jo, welcomed all guests to Country, and College Assistant Principal – Mission and Identity, Ms Kathy Strelow, led attendees in prayer.
St Ursula’s Community Support Officer, Katrina Whitham, explained the significance of a Yarning Circle and then invited Uncle Billy to bless the Yarning Circle and Darumbal Garden with a traditional Darumbal Smoking Ceremony. The event concluded with traditional dances and songs performed by First Nations students.
Earlier in the week, St Ursula’s students and staff acknowledged the significant of NAIDOC Week with a full College assembly on Monday, and a group of students and staff also attended the regional NAIDOC Mass at Holy Family Church on Tuesday.
Congratulations to Laney (Year 8) and Shaneil (Year 11) who were recognised for their efforts during the Capricorn Coast’s NAIDOC celebrations on Friday 5 July. Laney was awarded for her Sporting Excellence, while Shaneil was recognised for her Leadership.
