The first was to mark NAIDOC Week, which always falls in the school holidays and the second was to ring in Education Week. 

Hosted by Whitton-Murrami Public School, students from Gralee School, Wamoon Public School and Yanco Public School all attended and got right behind the activities. 

There was Aboriginal face painting, traditional Indigenous games and sessions with Wiradjuri man Mark Saddler, who is from the Bundyi Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge program. 

An official ceremony, attended by NSW Director of Public Schools for the Griffith network, David Lamb, was held. 

Student leaders, staff and community members from each school were also recognised, with special Education Week awards handed out to a select few. 

Whitton-Murrami Public School principal Duncan Adams was pleased to have the small schools joining together for the event. 

“All of the students have had a ball, but they also understand the importance of the day,” he said. 

“In the classroom they learn about Aboriginal and Indigenous history and all of the observance days such as Mabo and Sorry Day. It’s also been a great privilege to have Mark Saddler here with us too.”

Education Week is a state-wide, annual event that celebrates the importance and achievements of public schools. Mr Adams said small schools were right up there with achieving outstanding outcomes for students. 

Whitton-Murrami Public can boast the likes of the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the federal House of Representatives in Linda Burney as coming from their ranks. 

Mr Adams said small schools would continue to have a place in the community. 

“We’re achieving some great things at these schools … students are given a tailored education that meets their needs,” he said. These thoughts were echoed by Mr Lamb, who said he tried to spend as much time as possible at these schools. 

“I love coming out to small schools and seeing what they have happening and witnessing their achievements,” Mr Lamb said. 

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Education Week in Leeton | Interactive