Wooli Public School welcomed more than 170 kindergarten to Year 2 students from several Clarence Valley schools when they hosted the 2023 K-2 Traditional Indigenous Games at Wooli Sports Oval on September 6.

Aided by a group of South Grafton High School students through the Clontarf Program, which encourages supportive relationships between pupils in a safe and engaging environment, participants took part in a number of modified activities and games which were based on the skills and learning resources taught to First Nations children hundreds of years ago.

Principal of Wooli Public School, Matthew Neal said games including kangaroo, gunane, and kai, incorporated ball throwing and catching abilities, planning skills, and motivational exercises, which also encouraged teamwork between the students.

“It was a great way for the students to interact with one another while learning and practising a diverse range of skills,” he said.

“It provided younger students with an opportunity to form friendships with older students from South Grafton High School, and it was also a brilliant opportunity for the older students to provide leadership roles while assisting the younger students through a range of different activities.

“It was fantastic for Wooli Public School to host the event, and we’re looking forward to hosting it again in 2024.”

First held in 2017, the K-2 Traditional Indigenous Games experienced ongoing interruptions in previous years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with staff and students emphatically embracing its return in 2023.

“Any event like this which brings schools together and encourages students to work and learn together is very beneficial,” Mr Neal said.

Mr Neal also wished to acknowledge Wooli Public School teacher Rebecca Essex for her collaborative efforts during the K-2 Traditional Indigenous Games, and P&C members for their kind contributions which ensured the event was a great success and enjoyed by all.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 13 September 2023.