At our start of term staff meeting we reflected on how we have worked with Dharug Dhalang throughout the year.
We met as educators, many of us expert teachers but acknowledging we were poor learners, not knowing how to listen well enough to taste the Dharug Dhalang on our tongues. What emerged was that by our clumsy feeling-sensing into “language”, together with the children, we tangibly feel ourselves in relationship with bulgamatta (this mountain place) where we live amongst yarra (gum tree), guwara (wind) and gugundi (kookaburra).
We laughed a little like you do when playing with friends, and we felt a deepening quiet opening inside each of us that also threaded between us; of walking respect for what has been lost and for what is being restored.
Aunty Corina, on behalf of those gathered at our meeting and our community, didyarigurr. Also, to Aunties Jasmine, Venessa and Leanne, all women of ngalawa, ngubadi, marri madung and gunyalungalung, for the powerful gift of re-enlivening language and sharing so generously with all who live together on Dharug Country.
Originally a high school teacher in the public system, Lynn has also taught at TAFE and in community settings. In the Steiner context, she has previously been a kindergarten and primary school teacher. In addition to her roles as Chair and Principal, Lynn is High School Co-Ordinator, teaches Geography and History, and co-ordinates the Outdoor Education Programme. Lynn has a B. Arts (UWA) and a Dip. Ed. (WA Secondary Teachers College).
