STUDENTS from Thurgoona Public School donated a bit of gold last week to ensure the red, yellow and black has a permanent place on campus.
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The school celebrated NAIDOC week with an out-and-out extravaganza, with students donating a gold coin to wear clothes in the colour of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags in order to raise money for a new flagpole to fly the First Nations flag.
The students also enjoyed performances from Lucas Proudfoot, and had a kangaroo barbecue and johnny cakes for lunch.
A highlight of the day was year four student Mahlie Ingram's Welcome to Country, spoken in Wiradjuri language.
Thurgoona Public relieving principal Nadene King said it was important Indigenous culture was prominent.
“We have a large number of Indigenous students, it's good for them,” she said.
“The focus this year has been on us getting them to share their culture with the rest of the school.
“The students presented all their information on their own, a big feat in itself in front of about 600 people at our assembly.
“They also did a dance with some sign language, which one of our teachers trained them for.
“NAIDOC is an important time for our Indigenous students.
“We're really proud of Mahlie, who stood up and gave the Welcome to Country to everyone assembled here today in Wiradjuri language.
“A lot of people feel that old language is dying, but she proved them wrong and it was quite beautiful to listen to.”
The morning assembly was run entirely by the school's Indigenous students, and included a smoking ceremony and information regarding the theme of NAIDOC this year.
NAIDOC Week in 2018 followed the theme of 'Because of Her, We Can'.
Ms King said it was important that the school could fly the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander flag.
“The children have worn Torres Strait Island or Indigenous colours and donated gold coins to go towards our flagpole fundraising,” she said.
“That way we can fly the Aboriginal flag with pride next to the Australian flag.”