This year’s NAIDOC Week was a fantastic celebration of culture, community and connection across Esperance, with our students proudly representing Esperance Senior High School throughout a full week of Deadly events.
In the lead-up to NAIDOC, Clontarf, Stars and Follow the Dream students participated in three weeks of cultural dance workshops led by Wiradjuri dancer Cheeky Chandler Connell. Throughout the workshops, students developed their confidence while learning traditional movements and the stories behind the performance.
The cultural dance performance was a collaborative creation between students from Esperance Senior High School and Nulsen Primary School, who worked together to design and choreograph the routine under the guidance of Cheeky. The dance celebrated the unique connection between the Esperance community and Country, drawing inspiration from Kepa Kurl (Esperance) and its coastal environment.
The movements symbolised the ocean tides moving in and out, the rolling and crashing waves along the shoreline, and the search for the perfect fishing spot. Students portrayed the traditional practice of burley the water and baiting hooks before celebrating the excitement of a successful catch. The performance also honoured local marine life through movements representing Bardil (flathead) fish as it burrows into the sand.
Together, the choreography reflected the importance of the ocean as a place of culture, connection, sustenance and shared community knowledge, while showcasing the creativity and teamwork of students from both schools.
On Wednesday 24 June, Clontarf, Stars and Follow the Dream students attended the Community NAIDOC Celebration at the Esperance Indoor Stadium, hosted by Esperance Primary School. Our students demonstrated outstanding leadership by supporting the event in a variety of roles. Students enthusiastically operated the face-painting station, while the Clontarf boys helped prepare and serve sausages to approximately 1,200 primary school students attending the celebration. Their willingness to give back to the community was a credit to themselves and to ESHS.
Friday 26 June saw Esperance Senior High School host its own NAIDOC celebration. The day began with a special morning tea and cake-cutting ceremony in the library, where Aboriginal families, Elders, community members and students gathered to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC. The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past and the important role young people play in shaping the future.
Following the ceremony, the whole school gathered in the quad for a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Tores strait culture. Students were treated to a powerful didgeridoo performance by John Schultz alongside the Nulsen Primary School boys, followed by cultural dances performed by our Clontarf, Stars and Follow the Dream students.
The quad then came alive with a range of cultural activities and community stalls. Students had the opportunity to engage with local organisations, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy traditional foods including kangaroo tail, emu sausages, damper with jam, along with a variety of other treats. Fortunately, the weather held off, allowing everyone to enjoy the afternoon outdoors.
Esperance Senior High School extends a sincere thank you to our Elders, families, community members, partner organisations, performers and staff who helped make this year’s celebrations such a memorable success. Together, we celebrated culture, strengthened community connections and created lasting memories for our students.
Mrs van den Heever
Cultural Responsiveness Coordinator
