School
31 July, 2026
Inglewood Community Came Together to Celebrate NAIDOC Day at St Maria Goretti
Close to 130 students gathered at St Maria Goretti School on 15 July to celebrate NAIDOC Day with a vibrant program of cultural activities, learning and connection.
The event brought together students and educators from St Maria Goretti, Inglewood State School and Inglewood Childcare & Kindergarten, along with special guests from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Tawana Carmody, Education Officer: First Nations Education, and Lee Ann Weekes, Education Officer: Mission and Identity.
The celebration provided an opportunity for the broader Inglewood community to acknowledge and celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while deepening understanding of First Nations perspectives.
In her welcome address, Principal Liv Osborne highlighted the significance of NAIDOC Week as a time for all Australians to learn about and celebrate the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.
“This year’s National NAIDOC Week poster, Paralpi, reflects movement, energy and continuity, carrying the stories of Ancestors forward while celebrating the creativity and cultural power of the next generation,” she said.
“The artwork reminds us that culture is living, thriving and continuing to grow as it is passed from one generation to the next.”
Throughout the morning, students participated in a series of activity rotations designed to celebrate culture, creativity, storytelling and connection to Country. Activities included fire starting and rice grinding, weaving, First Nations games, storytelling experiences, sand art featuring traditional tracks and symbols, dance and movement activities, nature art, clay art and First Nations-themed educational videos.
Working in mixed-age animal groups, students moved through seven different stations, encouraging collaboration, curiosity and engagement while learning about diverse aspects of First Nations cultures.
A standout feature of the day was the creation of a community mural titled “Our Hands, Our Story.” Every student contributed a handprint to the artwork, symbolising shared experiences, collective learning and the strong connections that unite the Inglewood community (Photo above).
The mural quickly became a powerful visual representation of the day’s theme of coming together to learn, share and celebrate.
“Throughout the day, all students contributed their handprint, creating a beautiful and meaningful artwork that reflects our shared journey and the strength of the Inglewood community,” Mrs Osborne said.
The event showcased the value of partnerships between local schools, families and community organisations in creating meaningful opportunities for cultural learning and reconciliation.
Students embraced the chance to try new activities, learn from one another and develop a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions, stories and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Beyond the cultural learning experiences, the day provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the partnerships that exist across the Inglewood community. Bringing together close to 130 students, along with staff and families from St Maria Goretti, Inglewood State School and Inglewood Childcare & Kindergarten, fostered connections between learners of all ages and highlighted the value of working together. Through shared experiences, collaboration and celebration, the event reinforced the strong relationships that support young people as they learn and grow within the Inglewood community.
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