AT Helena River Waldorf School, children, families and staff have been deepening their connection to Country, culture and language through immersive lessons with First Nations mentors.

A Helena River Waldorf School spokesperson says the school has built a strong connection to the Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association (BNAA) and member Lucy Arnall.

Ms Arnall is a musician, storyteller, mentor and descendant of the Kungarakan (NT) and Bibbulmun Nyoongar (WA) people.

“Ms Arnall has been working with students, staff and the school community to deliver a series of on-Country learning experiences and events that aligns with BNAA’s BoorYul-Bah-Bilya Program for healing Country, which is focused on the Mandoon Bilya,” the spokesperson said.

“Ms Arnall is helping children and staff to learn about three important truths.

“Firstly, kaartdijin or knowledge’ sharing, and the responsibility of being learners and keepers of the knowledge.

“Secondly, the importance of djinniny or seeing. Learning to truly see, not just with their eyes, but also with their koort (heart) and wirrn (spirit).

“And lastly, waangkan or speaking. Telling the stories, sharing their discoveries and speaking to Boodja, their nature kin.”

During Ms Arnall’s regular visits, the children and teachers spent time on the banks of the Helena River.

Staff and students would listen, share and engage in a kind of learning that allowed them to let go of the normal school day rhythm and be present.

“Thank you to Ms Arnall and BNAA for their commitment and engagement with the school,” the spokesperson said.

Another immersive experience is being carefully guided by MaOchre Gallery Midland founder Arron Yarran who is a Nyiyaparli-Nyoongar woman from Ethel Creek and Roy Hill in the Pilbara.

Ms Yarran is professionally known by her artist’s name Warrjirri-Yarra.

“Arron grew up in Geraldton and the Southern Wheatbelt Regions of Western Australia and is a renowned artist, and the founder of MaOchre Gallery in Midland, Western Australia,” the spokesperson said.

“Arron has been working with the children during the first half of the year to create six gorgeous mosaiced letters that read ‘Wanjoo’, or ‘Welcome’, with every letter representing one of the Nyoongar six seasons.

“We are so grateful to Arron for working with each class from 1 to 6 to design a letter. The beautiful sign now proudly stands at the very front of the school, welcoming everyone.”

Ms Yarran said it was a joy to introduce the children to working with mosaics and incorporating the Noongar seasons into the project.

“I think it is very important to learn about First Nations culture and how important the traditional ways (were for looking) after Country,” she said.

“Back in school in my day, we didn’t learn about our culture.

“It was (about) some other country and learning some other country’s language (but) not our own country.”

The spokesperson said staff had also been engaging with Sister Kate’s Home Kids Aboriginal Association director Jacinda Blurton during the cultural sessions.

Ms Blurton is a stolen generation descendant who works with Stolen Generation survivors and youth in the areas of generational trauma and truth telling.

“Our staff were deeply moved by Jacinda’s inspirational work and are so grateful for these opportunities,” the spokesperson said.

“These meaningful and authentic experiences are providing students, staff and the wider community an opportunity to engage in a living process, one that requires a revitalised approach, an active listening and meaningful reflection.

“We are so grateful to Lucy, Arron and Jacinda for their wisdom, care and guidance as we walk the path to reconciliation at Helena River Waldorf School.”