Hello, my name is Alyssa Latham, I am a year 8 scholar from St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls. I was asked to take notes about the performances that took place during the student showcase and how each performance made me feel.
The Moorditj Mob dancers from Wesley College performed a beautiful dance which displayed Indigenous Australian wildlife. They also wore white ochre body paint to help represent the history and culture of Indigenous Australians.
Olman Walley’s Welcome to Country delivered some inspiring words in both English and Noongar language, explaining that borders didn’t separate people but brought unity between the mobs. The chant of the ocean in Noongar language also set a calm and relaxed mood while keeping people intrigued.
Sounds of the Didgeridoo and tapping sticks by Trinity College Students was humorous, joyful, enjoyable and moving.
Jalen Coppin, Master of Ceremony, used humour in Aboriginal language and English.
Ngala Maya dancers from Penrhos College wore white ochre body paint, headpieces and accessories representing the colours of the Aboriginal flag. Tree branches were used from local cultural flora which was intriguing and calming.
The showcasing of merchandise was vibrant and inspiring, telling stories through art.
Student Councillor and Head Girl Jorjah Walley, gave an emotional going-home speech/reflection about family and culture, which was inspiring, relatable, thoughtful, and descriptive.
Student councillor, Tyson Crawford, also gave a heart-warming, thankful, inspiring, impactful and motivating speech.
Aquinas College students performed a cultural dance which evoked feelings of calm, serenity and relaxation. The use of body language to depict the movements of kangaroos and wildlife, which was amazing. An inspirational quote from this was “we like to see ourselves as kangaroos as they can’t jump backwards and can only jump forwards”.
The Youth Leadership student collaboration “From little things big things grow” was upbeat, moving and inspirational. Given it was their first performance together, they were very confident in front of the large crowd.
This event was the highlight of my day/evening and was full of fun and joyful performances and speeches. On behalf of all the students I would like to thank MADALAH and the student council for organising this event and I would also like to thank the students and special guests that spoke and performed on the night!
