Ngartuitya Ngadluko (‘for the children’ in Kaurna) is a one-day expressive arts program offered by Catholic Education SA to Year 2-5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Catholic Schools. Held at stately Carclew in North Adelaide, the program was run twice in Term 4 due to high demand, and attended by 77 students, 30 teachers and 17 parents/care-givers.
Student Engagement
Students were rotated through a series of workshops conducted by local Aboriginal artists. Ceramic tiles, dot painting, jewellery-making and music/dance/language activities were enjoyable experiences that thoroughly engaged and challenged the students, as well as some of the parents!
Sense of Achievement
The students were proud of their artistic achievements in producing colourful narrative paintings and decorated quandong seed bracelets! There was also a sense of anticipation as they left, because they were looking forward to the delivery of their ceramic tiles which needed to be fired in the kiln. Each student also received a certificate as a memento of their participation in the 2014 program.
A Great Experience
Ngartuitya Ngadluko provides a wonderful opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to gather together and celebrate their cultures through creative visual arts activities, while at the same time, learning new skills and making new friends! As well as developing a closer relationship with their students, the Focus Teachers are able to network with each other, engage in professional conversations and get to know Team members and parents in an informal setting.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Team hopes to offer this program again in 2015.
Reception students who join a 2024 mid-year intake at a Diocesan Catholic school will get free tuition in Terms 3 and 4.
