A strong emphasis on agricultural learning means there are few state schools with a connection to the land like Murrumburrah High School.
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With any such learning though it is crucial for students to recognise and respect the first owners and caretakers of our land, the Wiradjuri people.
Such an understanding helped establish the school’s first Wiradjuri Language and Culture Day earlier this month.
Student groups from Years 7 to 10 spent an hour each with local community members and two Wiradjuri language tutors, Aunty Teish and Uncle Harry.
More than just a chance to indulge in some “kanga bangers”, students played games and engaged in activities designed to help learn basic Wiradjuri language.
The day was the brainchild of local Aboriginal community members and deputy principal Mark Jankovics, who drew inspiration from similar projects run in other schools.
“The tutors were fantastic communicators," Mr Jankovics said.
“They really helped to break down cultural barriers and increase understanding and awareness.”
It wasn’t just a day for teenagers either, as teachers got alongside their students and engaged in cooperative learning.
One fantastic outcome of the day saw students come up with the Wiradjuri name “bunmarra”, meaning creating and making, for the school’s former enviro block.
The Bunmarra Outdoor Learning Area will incorporate aquaponics, a bush tucker garden and more, and be a learning space available for any class.
Mr Jankovics said the day was so successful that the school is already looking at how to better incorporate Wiradjuri language into their curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
“The kids loved it and the local community was ecstatic, there are huge possibilities here,” Mr Jankovics said.
“We shouldn’t underestimate how significant language is to our community.”
Aunty Letetia “Teish” Harris agreed that whilst the day was only a taster, everyone involved loved participating and learning.
“It was basically a snapshot of our people, our language and our culture,” Aunty Teish said.
“Indigenous students took away pride and connection, and non-Indigenous students took away knowledge and understanding of this land and its people.”
Aunty Teish currently teaches Wiradjuri as a Languages Other Than English (LOTE) class at Young High School with Uncle Harry, which involves three language lessons and three culture and history lessons each fortnight.
She said she would love to see that happening at more schools but more teachers are needed.
A big focus of Aunty Teish’s teaching is the concept of “yindyamarra”, which essentially means respect, honour, and doing things the right way.
She has been teaching for about 12 years amongst other jobs and is excited to currently be teaching and studying at Charles Sturt University.
“Community knowledge is valued and its connected to cultural practice,” Aunty Teisha said.
“We want to see a style of learning that focuses on immersion, rather than being on the outside looking in.
“That is what creates pride and connection with Wiradjuri culture.”
Aunty Teish acknowledges the help of her elders and teachers, specifically Uncle Stan Grant, a much-respected Wiradjuri elder.
