Student Showcase

Exciting news swept through Willmot Public School as students in the before-school ballet program, led by Principal Mrs. Bugeja, had the opportunity to work with performers from The Australian Ballet. This special visit was part of The Australian Ballet’s Education and Outreach program and aimed to enhance the school’s high potential and gifted students' initiative. Organised by Mrs. Hickey, this event offered young dancers a unique chance to learn from professionals, practice their techniques, and deepen their love for ballet and the arts.

The workshop was a source of inspiration for the students, who eagerly practiced alongside The Australian Ballet’s talented performers. The experience not only supported their development as young dancers but also fostered excitement and passion that is sure to last a lifetime.

The day’s highlight was the performance of From The Gadhu, a powerful and culturally rich creation by The Australian Ballet’s Education and Outreach team. This 20-minute contemporary piece is rooted in First Nations storytelling, exploring the symbolism of whale migration and themes such as respect for the land, intergenerational wisdom, and the balance of nature. Through the characters of Mischief Maker and Lore Keeper, the performance delivered a lesson on the importance of harmony, conveyed through expressive movement, evocative music, and vivid costumes.

The artistic collaboration brought together the talents of composer Tristan Field (Walbunja, Bidjigal, and Sri Lankan), choreographer Ella Havelka (Wiradjuri), and artist Latoya Brown (Krauatungalung, Djiringanj, Walbunja, and Bidjigal). Their collective expertise infused the performance with authenticity and cultural depth, paying homage to stories passed down by the Bidjigal and Darrawhal people for generations.

Acknowledgements also go to Bloch Australia for their generous donations of dance attire and ballet shoes. The impact of the ballet program on the Willmot school community has been remarkable, fostering greater student engagement and boosting school attendance. Due to the popularity of these before-school programs, the school has expanded its offerings to include a circus troupe, with plans for more enrichment activities in the future.

The visit from The Australian Ballet and the performance of From The Gadhu not only enhanced the students’ learning but also created an environment where cultural appreciation and creative expression thrive. Through such experiences, Willmot Public School continues to build a vibrant community where students can explore their passions and develop lifelong connections to the arts.

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week (20-27 October 2024) commemorates the passing of the Aboriginal Languages Act NSW 2017. The Act was the first of its kind, and NSW remains the only jurisdiction in Australia to have legislation that recognises the ongoing importance Aboriginal Languages and establishes mechanisms for a focused investment in their revitalisation.

'Language is sacred and connected to Country and culture. It brings together generations and ties together spirituality and identity. When we keep Languages alive, our Culture thrives.' - Aboriginal Languages Trust.

The language of the land that Willmot Public School stands on is Dharug. A long time ago Dharug was the language that was spoken across most of what we now call Sydney. Dharug is what is called a sleeping language and K-2 have been working very hard this year to wake it up by learning to speak it.

Students have been learning different greetings such as Warami Budyari Nhaady’unya, which means hello, it’s good to see you. They have also been learning Dharug commands such as listen (Ngarra), look (nhaala), stop (ngandu), sit (ngalawa) and are learning to use them in the classroom and playground. Students have learned how to say “my name is” (ngaya giyara) and are practicing saying it in a conversation. They have also been learning the numbers 1-10 in Dharug and have been playing what’s the time Mr wolf using the Dharug numbers.

The artworks are students writing ‘My name is’ in Dharug and then drawing a picture of what means the most to them.