St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School was just one of four schools across the state chosen to host ‘Artists in Residence’ recently.
In collaboration with Catholic Education SA and CARCLEW, the school was chosen to host three Boandik artists.
During weeks one and three of the current school term Sonya Smith, along with Suzy Smith and Sarah Smith, spent time with students at the Millicent school.
Students were given the opportunity to work with the artists more closely, exploring the local Marr cockatoo dreaming story, learning about language, culture and weaving.
These students then shared their learnings through art, dance and music at a special Indigenous Perspectives Assembly.
A mural was also presented to the school as a parting gift.
The Aboriginal Artists in Schools initiative is a community and cultural development project aimed to establish longer term connections between Aboriginal elders and artists with local schools.
Lead artist Sonya Smith said she had been teaching students the Boandik language version of ‘Heads, shoulders, knees and toes’ with the students.
“It’s been particularly special seeing young reception students come to life each time we work on Boandik Language and dance throughout the residency,” Mrs Smith said.
