Dora Houpis
Jackson School’s oval came alive on Thursday 16 September as pupils took little steps and students bigger ones when they relived former AFL player Michael Long’s iconic “Long Walk” for First Nations people.
Leading Teacher of Engagement Helena McAloon said the school had 15 Aboriginal students and the day’s activities focused on teaching all students about indigenous Australians.
“To really immerse them into the Aboriginal culture,’’ she said.
As well as the walks around the school oval and grounds, the 280 prep to year 12 students were treated to Aboriginal dancing and Welcome to Country and smoking ceremonies.
Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta sisters Simone and Nicole Thomson performed the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremonies on behalf of their mother, elder Aunty Zeta Thomson. Young indigenous dance group “Bandok Tati” or “small ant brothers” performed traditional dances wearing body paint.
The school is on Wurundjeri country.
Essendon Football Club representative also attended.
Ms McAloon said the day’s activities recognised the former Essendon footballer Michael Long’s “ iconic 650-kilometre “The Long Walk” from suburban Melbourne to Parliament House, Canberra, in November 2004 aimed at highlighting the plight of Aboriginals.
Jackson School, at 40 – 46 Mulhall Drive, St Albans, is a government special school that takes in students from Brimbank and Melton.
