Kaayi (Hello – Awabakal)

Yaama Ngindaay (Hello everyone - Gamilaraay)

Nungamanladi (Hello - Bardi)

Worimi (Hello – Dharug. Pronounced ‘Wurramee’)

Welcome to Term 3. I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday break.

We finished Term 2 on a high note with our school celebration of NAIDOC Week. It was so good to have some of our former students return to St Kevin’s to speak with the children about their experiences and pathways in the last few years. Lily, Emme, Giesela and Cristiano are making great progress with their sporting pursuits, and Antonio is doing further study to pursue his chosen career path. They are involved in their school and community cultural life, some currently working in childcare and hospitality. All are members of the next generation of Indigenous leaders, showing strength, vision and building upon the legacy of their Elders.

Term 3

There are several important days coming up in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education this term.

• Monday 4 August    National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
• Saturday 9 August   International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
• Wednesday 3 September   Indigenous Literacy Day

What is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day?

Children's Day is a time to come together and celebrate the incredible strengths, stories, and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This year’s theme is Little Footsteps, Big Future. This theme honours the journeys our children take as they grow - each step guided by culture, community and connection to Country.

It is the initiative of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and has been held every year on 4 August since 1988.

Why is it important?

The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are thriving and growing up strong in their cultures, with support from their families and communities.

However, a significant number of our children continue to face ongoing challenges stemming from colonisation and its effects. This includes discrimination, poverty, systemic removal, intergenerational trauma, dislocation from land and culture, and community disempowerment.

To achieve equality, we must approach these challenges through a holistic approach, considering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s wellbeing, safety and development.

© SNAICC – Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family services.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

9 August 2025

What is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples?

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is celebrated annually to honour and recognise the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples worldwide. This day is about appreciating their unique way of life and acknowledging their important role in our shared history and society. It's a time to celebrate diversity and learn more about the customs and traditions of these vibrant communities.

In 1994 the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples would be observed on 9 August every year. The date marks the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations.

As we commemorate the World’s Indigenous Peoples let’s acknowledge their ongoing physical and spiritual connection to their lands, care for the environment and respect for their Elders.

It’s clear that there is an over-arching theme across 4 significant events on the National Calendar, emphasising the strength and continuity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across many generations.

Reconciliation Week: Bridging Now to Next

NAIDOC Week: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day: Little Footsteps, Big Future

Indigenous Literacy Day: Strength In Our Stories - For Now & Future Generations

The children will learn about these special days in class in coming weeks.

Enjoy Term 3

Yaluu

Phil Taylor

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Teacher