Yanchep District High School Year 2 students using the talking circle.
Camera IconYanchep District High School Year 2 students using the talking circle. Credit: Supplied/Emma Goodwin         d435390

‘Circle’ connects students

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

Year 10 students built the circle under the guidance of Aboriginal Islander education officer Judith Birchall and Fast Track teacher Kate Melvin.

Mrs Birchall said circles were used in many traditional Aboriginal cultures and were still used today by a wide range of people wanting to communicate, share or simply come together as a group.

"The students discussed design concepts and with the help of the staff at Yanchep Garden Centre were able to create a circle using road base," she said.

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"Tree Stumps were donated by the Serendipity Gallery on Military Road for seating around the circle.

"The students painted recycled logs the colours of the Noongar six seasons and decorated them with pictures of animals."

Mrs Birchall said the students also gave the nearby Pioneer Cottage a facelift, creating a garden bed around it with Noongar plants specific to the area, donated by Yanchep National Park's volunteer centre.

This year, the Year 2 class (pictured) have been using the space to plan their week and discuss issues.

"Children are encouraged to sit and connect with nature during their lunch and recess breaks," Mrs Birchall said.

"Teachers are encouraged to use this space as an outdoor learning area."