In the lead up to NAIDOC Week, Year 4 Toovey participated in the COSPAR-K Paint the Sky Competition. The competition encouraged students to explore the ancient ways Aboriginal Australians observed the solar system to better understand and manage our precious natural resources. Students were asked to visually represent their knowledge of Ancient Aboriginal Astronomy, and our solar system, in an original piece of artwork. They were also asked to write a 50-word statement on what inspired their artwork.
St Mark's had two students, Indi Howe and Jay Brown, receive National Finalist awards and will have their artworks digitally remastered; and they will be featured at the 43rd COSPAR International Scientific Assembly in Sydney in January next year. The artworks will be displayed on the wall of the international Convention Centre, or featured on attendee name badges and lanyards.
In her statement, Indi said her painting was based on the 'Emu in the Sky' constellation. She said she really enjoyed doing it because she loves both art and painting. She used lots of black, with red, orange, yellow, green and dark blue for the Milky Way, and flicked on stars with white paint.
In Jay's statement, he used lots of dots and lines, as these are commonly used in Aboriginal Australian art. His work is based on the 'Seven Sisters', a constellation of stars that told the story of a man to tried to marry sisters of different blood lines.
Well done to all of Year 4 Toovey, with a special acknowledgement to Indi and Jay as National Finalists.
Want to know more?
Are you keen on learning more about NAIDOC Week, or would you like to attend a NAIDOC Week event? Check out these free resources from the City of Joondalup.
Working with Yelakitj Moort Aboriginal Association, the City of Joondalup has released five videos for NAIDOC exploring language and culture. Join Robyn Collard and Elder Marie Taylor and learn to count in Noongar language and pronounce tricky words.
View the City’s FULL PROGRAM of NAIDOC activities for the month of November here.
Learn more about JOONDALUP MOORO BOODJAR here.