Over the past eight weeks, our SAASTA Connect students have been involved in a variety of activities, building on their connection to culture and developing the 6 SAASTA KPIs. Last week, students reflected on the term, and wrote short paragraphs describing the success they’ve had as part of the program. Here are a few of our students responses:

One important thing I did during SAASTA Connect was the Reconciliation Breakfast. This involved cooking cakes and making breakfast for the Elders. I enjoyed this because I could connect with my community and be myself. It helped me learn about how easily Blak fellas could recognise each other. I found it meaningful because I could connect to my elders and make them laugh. This experience made me feel good because I could make the elders have a good time. One thing I will remember about this is how one of the Elders recognised me from my nan. Because of this, I now know how easy it is to get recognised by Elders. Overall, this experience was important to me because I got to make the elders laugh and I could connect to community - Chance M, year 8 

One important thing I did during SAASTA Connect was going to Nunga Screen and seeing the exhibition during Reconciliation Week. This involved watching short films at the Chaffey Theatre and looking at some beautiful art. I enjoyed this because I saw the artwork and learnt about the artist who painted them. It helped me learn about the backstories of their drawings and their meaning behind them. This experience made me feel good because I saw good art and it taught me about culture. One thing I will remember about this is the postcard I was given by the artist of one of their paintings, which was my favourite. - Mason B, year 8

One important thing I did during SAASTA Connect was going to the Chaffey Theatre, and watching the Nunga Screen and looking at some art. I enjoyed this because I got to see other peoples’ understanding of reconciliation. It helped me learn about what reconciliation means, and it was meaningful because it makes people think about others’ feelings about reconciliation. This experience made me feel happy that reconciliation applies to everyone. One thing I will remember is the artist Helen Stacey and because of this, I now have a better understanding of reconciliation. -Amalia R, year 9

What fantastic reflections of deep learning from our students. We look forward to sharing more with you next term.

Alistair Ward
Aboriginal Education Teacher