What our National Flags Represent.
At the Flag Raising Ceremony, Jeannie, Vincent and Pearl from Yr 5/6 spoke about the symbolism of the three National Flags.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag was designed by artist Harold Thomas and has become a widely recognised symbol of the unity and identity of Aboriginal people. The top black half of the flag represents the Aboriginal people of Australia, the yellow circle in the middle represents the sun and the bottom red half of the flag represents the red earth of Australia. Jeannie.
Vincent reported that the Torres Strait Islander Flag was designed by Bernard Namok. The blue panel across the middle of the flag represents the waters of Torres Strait, and the green panels above and below represent the land. The black stripes relate to the Torres Strait islander people. There are five main groups of Islands which are represented by the five pointed star. This star is white to symbolise peace, and it is also a symbol for navigation. The star is surrounded by a white dhari, which is a traditional headdress of the Torres Strait Islander people.
The Australian National Flag was first flown in 1901. The Union Jack in the upper left corner represents the history of British settlement. Below the Union Jack is a white Commonwealth star. It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Southern Cross is shown on the flag in white. It is a constellation of five stars that can only be seen from the southern hemisphere and is a reminder of Australia’s geography. Pearl.
Flag Raising Ceremony, PHPS 31st May 2019
School Council President’s Welcome.
Welcome to the launch of our school’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
In raising these flags at Princes Hill Primary School, and on behalf of our community, we extend a visual acknowledgement of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation who are the traditional owners of the land on which our school stands.
As we have learnt from the Year 3/4s’ thoughtfully presented Reconciliation Assembly, we are in the middle of National Reconciliation Week. This is a time for us all to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to reaching a reconciliation in Australia grounded in respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Kirstie Parker, a Board Member of Reconciliation Australia says:
A reconciled Australia is one where our rights as First Australians are not just respected but championed in all places that matter.
Reconciliation is not just a week, it is a continuous journey. With these flags we are reminded that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.
I extend a special “Hello” to Jacob and Jeannie Griffin. We look forward to hearing your thoughts about the flag’s significance.
Thank you to the group of parents who have worked to support our school to find new ways to grow a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives, and thank you to everyone who worked together to bring about the installation of these new flag poles.
We hope that these flags raise awareness of our indigenous history and future, and inspire discussion around our own kitchen tables at home, and discussion across our wonderful community.
Hannah McVean. School Council President.
Instrumental Music Concert, Friday June 14th 2019.
‘It’s the best way to show what we have been doing in music.
I love the big Finale with the whole school community participating.’ Zoe Yr 5/6
I love the way our Winter Instrumental Concert is such an expression of warmth and joy at a time of the year when we are busy completing work, and are preparing to reflect on and celebrate our students learning. Thank you to all the students of our Instrumental Program who performed so beautifully on Friday evening: you deserve a hearty BRAVISSIMO!
We opened the concert with a Dance Medley which featured each instrumental group playing popular dance tunes, The Russian Girl, The Can-Can, Heel and Toe and Skip to My Lou. The medley ended with all our combined ensembles repeating The Russian Girl, starting it really slowly, and repeating it over and over: each time getting faster. We reached such a great cruising tempo that Christian (Yr 5/6) was inspired to dance the traditional Russian squat-Kick Preesyadkee Dance. We were delighted to have the additional flare of the accordion which was played by our guest musician Anthony Schulz.
Many of the students performed in small groups with their teachers, and it was fantastic to see students meeting the challenge of playing solo. We enjoyed a wide variety of music ranging from traditional folk melodies, pieces arranged from the Classical repertoire, and arrangements of contemporary popular songs. There is a great sense of achievement, relief and pride expressed by the students after they have performed. Sometimes, as they are waiting to perform in the wings off stage, they admit to feeling nervous or doubtful, and that is something that travels with us, in varying degrees, no matter what our performing or presenting context may be. Over coming these waves of uncertainty with the support and encouragement of their friends and teachers is such a valuable experience. If you feel nervous, I think it’s a sign that you really care about what you’re about to do! I was so happy for everyone.
Our big Winter Warmer Finale was a community sing along of Dancing Queen by Abba. These days, we are lucky to be able to flip a switch and sing along to a backing track, but there is plenty more sparkling vibe when you can sing along to a live band made up of our teachers and friends. My thanks to Sasha, Mitchell and Rose (IM teachers) and guests Arlo (Yr 5/6), Anth Schulz and Nick and Max Tsiavos, and to our fabulous audience and students. We sure can lift the roof off the Gym. … and for a 70’s hit, I can safely say it was “Grouse Fun” …
Let’s hear from the students…
‘I really liked The Russian Girl because everyone was playing together. I really liked the audience sing along for Dancing Queen and that the teachers played together’ Aurelie Yr 3/4
‘I enjoyed being in the audience and seeing everyone perform.’ Matilda A. Yr 3/4
‘The concert was a great success.’ Louis Yr 5/6
‘I like playing in groups because it made the sound go out more. I liked having the teachers play along.’ Aliye Yr3/4
’Substantially amazing…’ Itsara Yr 5/6
‘I liked when I got to do my solo and stuff that was a bit challenging.’ Lexie Yr 3/4
‘I liked how everything was well prepared, and the help we got from back stage.’ Marnie Yr 3/4
‘It was SO fun.’ Arlo Yr 5/6.
A big heart felt thank you to all: Our wonderful Instrumental Music Teachers, Mark, Sasha, Mitchell, Kylie and Rose. Thank you to staff for assisting on the night, Matilda, Mel, Steve and Tonia. Thank you to our MCs for the evening, Louis and Zoe, and also to Raveena, Siena and Deyar for setting up the audience seating. A big thank you to Richard and Leon for sorting out the sound and lighting.
Thank you to our parents and carers who support the IM Program.
Deb: Music Artist in Residence, Instrumental Music Co-ordinator.
‘Teach music because it acts in a unique way on the heart, mind, soul and spirit of the child, stimulating thought and imagination in very special ways’
Richard Gill.