On Tuesday 16 June Holy Family Granville students were visited by the Jarara Indigenous Education Unit to learn about Indigenous history and culture as they helped design an owl mascot for the school.
The Jarara Indigenous Education Unit works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families across primary and secondary Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta.
Led by Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Aboriginal Education Assistant Josh Sly, Holy Family students learned about aboriginal art styles as they produced beautiful artworks which will form the basis of a school owl mascot.
"It was an amazing experience from my point of view so I can only imagine how the students felt being able to engage with the history and culture", said Coordinator of the event, Josephine Edwards.
"I can't wait to see the final art!"
Holy Family Granville students Sienna, Sukkum, Morgan, Jerry and Zivelle provided an enthusiastic reflection of their experience and the creation of their owl mascot.
See all the photos from this event
The meeting
As excitement rained over us we headed to the staff room to greet our visitors. Awaiting us were Josh and Julie from Jarara. Josh welcomed us with a traditional play of the didgeridoo/yidaki. At the start we introduced ourselves to each other and talked about the fact that we were all born in different countries and this makes us a part of the multicultural family.
During our time with Josh and Julie, we did not just enjoy editing and adding onto our original design but Josh and Julie also taught us many new interesting facts about their art style in Aboriginal culture.
What we learnt about Aboriginal art styles
One thing that we learnt was that the didgeridoo got its name from the common rhythm and the sound it can make.
We also learnt about many Aboriginal art styles and different aspects of Aboriginal lifestyle. Aboriginals had many different ways to create artworks using mother nature. They used crushed rocks (ochre and sand stone) and water for paint, and carved into trees without harming them. The Aboriginals most commonly used earthy ochre colours such as red, brown and orange. Aboriginals are not allowed to collect ochre unless permitted to. Many rare ocher colours could only be collected by tribal elders and significant members of their tribe. Rare colours included purple & blue rocks, that could only be found in specific places.
Aboriginal artworks were also organised into categories.
There are artworks only some families, genders or people can do. An example of this is the bush medicine artwork. This art style was specifically for females so men were unable to create this genre of art (which disappointed Morgan and Jerry because they loved this style).
As we all are aware, dot painting is a popular form of Aboriginal art. It has many meanings and is very pleasing at first sight. It uses many different colours such as Red, Orange and Yellow. When dot painting first originated it was used to cover up information that only specific people could know about. The different sized dots are used to conceal a message and have evolved into the wonderful art it is now. Using the dots to cover up the picture was to help the person remember what they needed to.
Using this new knowledge and working with Josh, we added Aboriginal elements to our design. We added things to our design to represent our connection as a school, to the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is built. We now wait in anticipation for the completed design from Josh and Julie and can’t wait for this to be shared with us!
We had a great experience and would like to thank Josh and Julie for sharing their talents and culture with our school.
Learn more about Holy Family Granville Learn more about Jarara
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
![Catholic School Open Days - Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta]()
01 Feb 2025
Catholic School Open Days
We are enrolling now! Attend your local Catholic school's Open Day to find out more.![ARTiculate HSC Visual Arts Showcase Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese]()
Instagram | CSPD
More News
20 May 2025
From CSPD Instagram
🌟 TV STAR IN THE MAKING!🌟 Ryan from St Anthony's Primary Girraween took the spotlight on the TODAY show's 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' – and absolutely nailed it! 🧠🎉 From tackling tricky science questions on photosynthesis to naming Australia’s first Prime Minister, Ryan wowed the nation with his smarts, confidence, and cool under pressure. We couldn’t be prouder – way to represent, Ryan! 🙌📺👏 #stanthonysprimarygirraween #cspd2025 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #todayshow #areyousmarterthana5thgrader Be sure to check out Ryan's school, St Anthony's, on their website to find out about the excellent education on offer.
19 May 2025
Staff Formation Days 2025
19 May 2025
From CSPD Instagram
❤️💛🖤Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior Students Forum 2025❤️💛🖤 Hosted by CSPD's Jarara Cultural Centre and St Columba's College Springwood this special event was a day of culture, connection and possibility for students from around the diocese. Highlights included a keynote address 🗣️ from renowned Aboriginal author and justice advocate, Thomas Mayo; a student panel; cultural workshops and dances🪃🦘🔥; and a pathways expo. 🥰CSPD is committed to supporting all students to succeed. To learn more about the work of our Jarara Cultural Centre in walking with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students visit out website: ==>parra.catholic.edu.au/learning/specialised- learning/jarara @columbasdoves @thomasamayo #cspd2025 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #jararaculturalcentre #aboriginalandtorresstraitislander #seniorstudents #pathwaystosuccess #careersexpo #culture
18 May 2025
Photos from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese's post
🎒Still in high school and already uni grads!🎓 St Luke's Catholic College is very proud of this group of senior students who recently completed Academy U - a first year university subject on Leadership in Complexity. 🎉 🏫 The program not only gave the students a taste of what uni is like, but they’re also eligible to receive a conditional offer to study at Western Sydney University and are invited to apply for a scholarship. Even better, the subject they’ve completed can count as credit towards their future degree! 🥰 👏 A special congratulations to Mishwa and Anika, who graduated with distinction - what an achievement! 🤯 The future certainly looks bright for these students and we can't wait to see what they do next. 👀 To learn more about the incredible learning opportunities at St Luke's visit their website: ==> stlukesmarsdenpark.catholic.edu.au/why-us
18 May 2025
From CSPD Instagram
We're so incredibly proud of the efforts of all our schools who were involved in the Caritas Australia Big Water Walk fundraiser. Over $100,000 raised to help provide clean water for those less fortunate than us here in Australia. #cspd2025 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #westernsydney #parracatholic #caritasaustralia #bigwaterwalk #fundraiser Caritas Australia Diocese of Parramatta
17 May 2025
Photos from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese's post
❤️💛🖤A day of CULTURE, CONNECTION & POSSIBILITY❤️💛🖤 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior Students Forum 2025. Hosted by CSPD's Jarara Cultural Centre and St Columba's Catholic College, Springwood this special event was an inspiring experience for students from around the diocese. Highlights included a keynote address 🗣️ from renowned Aboriginal author and justice advocate, Thomas Mayo; a student panel; cultural workshops and dances🪃🦘🔥; and a pathways expo. 🥰CSPD is committed to supporting all students to succeed. To learn more about the work of our Jarara Cultural Centre in walking with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students visit out website: ==> parra.catholic.edu.au/learning/specialised-learning/jarara
17 May 2025
From CSPD Instagram
A bit of rain💦 didn’t dampen spirits or the healthy attitude of parents, staff and especially so many students (and even local police👮🚓) for National Walk Safely to School Day🚶♀️🚶♂️💛, showing just how important it is to stay active and safe on our roads. 👟🚦🛣 From holding hands on footpaths to stopping, looking, listening and thinking before crossing 🚦, today was all about building healthy habits and smart road safety skills. 👏 Remeber to always Stop, Look, Listen, Think, everytime you cross the road. Walking is fun. It's a great way to stay healthy, engage with children and our local community.💗💞 #cspd2025 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #hawkesbury #walksafelytoschool #police #hakwesbury #richmond #glenmoreparkmums @stmonicasrichmond @natwalktoschool
16 May 2025
Photos from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese's post
Being active🚶♀️🚶♂️👟🥾 and healthy and especially learning about and practicing road safety are such important things for students and parents... which is what makes National Walk Safely to School Day so great!😁🥰 Despite a bit of rain this morning💦🌧, it was wonderful to see so many parents, students, staff and even local police🚓👮 walking safely to school or having conversations about being a safe road user.🛴🚗🚌 Bethany Catholic Primary School, Glenmore Park and St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood were the focus of special stories about the day in their local newspapers.📰🗞🤩 Did you know, you should ALWAYS hold your child's hand when on the footpath, when crossing the road or when in a car park. Teach your child about watching out for driveways, walking facing traffic when there are no footpaths and always Stop, Look, Listen, Think, everytime you cross the road.🚦🛣 Another increasingly important lesson is to remind young people to avoid distractions like mobile phones, devices or toys. And remember, walking is fun. It's a great way to stay healthy, engage with children and our local community.💗💞 St Monica's Primary School Richmond
16 May 2025
The Big Water Walk 2025
16 May 2025
From CSPD Instagram
All our school communites, especially Emmaus Catholic College couldn't be more proud 🤩🥳or excited for Yer 12 student Layla Sharp who is one of seven Para athletes to receive the Kurt Fearnley Scholarship, recognising her potential for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.🏃♀️🥇🎖 What an incredible achievement! 😇🥰👏 Layla, a regular State and National champion, is the World Number 1-ranked female athlete in the T38 800m but has recently shifted her focus to qualifying for the 200m or 400m events at Glasgow.#️⃣1️⃣ The scholarship is named after Kurt Fearnley, one of Australia's most successful Para athletes, winning numerous medals across three Commonwealth Games and five Paralympic Games.🌏🌟✨ Layla was formally recognised at the Carbine Club of NSW Champion’s Lunch and inducted into the program at a session facilitated by Commonwealth Games Australia. #paraathletics #cspd2025 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #bluemountainsnsw #parramatta #kempscreek @emmauscspd @laylasharprunning_ @kurtfearnleyinsta @commgamesaus @commonwealthgames2026 @carbinensw
15 May 2025
Photos from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese's post
From classroom🏫 to clinic🏥: St John XXIII Catholic College alumna inspires the next generation 🩺🧸 We are so proud to see former student, Eilish A’Court (Class of 2019), who is currently studying medicine at The University of Notre Dame Australia and serves as Co-Chair of PANDA (Paediatric Association of Notre Dame Australia) return to her school to lead the Teddy Bear Hospital program! 💛 👩⚕️🩹Alongside fellow med students, she helped Kindergarten students learn about health, nutrition, and doctor visits — all while caring for a few cuddly (and slightly unwell!) teddy bears. 🧸 Inspiring work from a future doctor and incredible role model! 🥰 🙏 St JXXIII students learn the importance of giving back to the community. Learn more about the College at their website: ==> stjohn23stanhope.catholic.edu.au/About-Us/What-We-Offer
15 May 2025
The BIG Water Walk 2025
15 May 2025
Staff Formation Days 2025
15 May 2025
From CSPD Instagram
😁Who knew bridging the generation gap could be so much fun?🥰 Year 6 students from St John Vianney's Primary Doonside brought some very welcome conversation and entertainment to a nearby aged care facility. It was smiles all round as students and residents got to know each other. 👉 St John Vianney's Primary is focused on nurturing young people to make a positive difference in the world. 💻 Learn more on their website! #cspd2025 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #stjohnbvianneysprimarydoonside #doonside #agedcare #nursinghomevisit
14 May 2025
Photos from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese's post
What an incredible achievement🤩🥳 for Emmaus Catholic College Year 12 student Layla Sharp - one of seven Para athletes to receive the Kurt Fearnley Scholarship, recognising her potential for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.🏃♀️🥇🎖 All our schools communities, especially Emmaus, are immensely proud of Layla as she pursues her Commonwealth and Olympic dreams. 😇🥰👏 Layla, a regular State and National champion, is the World Number 1-ranked female athlete in the T38 800m but has recently shifted her focus to qualifying for the 200m or 400m events at Glasgow.#️⃣1️⃣ Kurt Fearnley is one of Australia's most successful Para athletes, winning numerous medals across three Commonwealth Games and five Paralympic Games.🌏🌟✨ Layla was formally recognised at the Carbine Club of NSW Champion’s Lunch and inducted into the program at a session facilitated by Commonwealth Games Australia. Kurt Fearnley Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games #paraathletics