This year, Namoi Valley Christian School is undertaking an exciting and meaningful collaboration between two important events on the school calendar: NAIDOC Celebrations and National Science Week. By bringing these two celebrations together, we aim to honour the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples while also promoting curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through science. During NAIDOC Day at NVCS, students will have the opportunity to participate in a vibrant, hands-on learning activity that combines Indigenous knowledge with scientific exploration. As part of this activity, students will explore the traditional use of native Australian plants, focusing particularly on their aromatic and medicinal properties. Guided by this knowledge, they will engage in a practical process to produce their own soap products using native scents such as lemon myrtle, eucalyptus, tea tree, and sandalwood. This experience not only highlights the sustainable practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples but also supports students’ understanding of chemistry, botany, and product development within a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) framework. The activity is designed to deepen respect for Indigenous perspectives while encouraging innovation and scientific inquiry. Through this fusion of culture and science, students at Namoi Valley Christian School will be empowered to see the value of integrating traditional knowledge systems with contemporary scientific approaches, helping to foster a generation of learners who are both culturally aware and scientifically literate.
Promotion of authorised NAIDOC week event per ASTA discussion with David McIntyre.