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Celebrating Our First NAIDOC Day at IGS

On Friday 26 June, the IGS community came together to celebrate its first-ever NAIDOC Day, recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while embracing this year’s NAIDOC Week theme 50 Years of Deadly.

The day provided students across the school with opportunities to engage in meaningful cultural learning experiences, reflecting on the significance of NAIDOC and the ongoing importance of connection, respect and reconciliation.

The celebrations began with a Smoking Ceremony led by proud Aboriginal man and IGS parent Tim Bishop, bringing the community together to mark the beginning of a day dedicated to learning, reflection and celebration. Throughout the day, students participated in a rich program of workshops, cultural experiences and community activities led by First Nations educators and knowledge holders.

 

A group of children dressed in black clothing with white face paint and handprints perform a dance outdoors for NAIDOC Day, holding green branches, with adults and smoke in the background at IGS.
Three people stand outside for an IGS NAIDOC Day ceremony with green branches. One man has white paint on his face and arms, whilst others hold branches over smoke. People watch in the background.
A group of children with face paint and handprints on their clothes perform a dance with leafy branches at IGS for NAIDOC Day. Dressed mostly in black, they are outdoors, appearing engaged and joyful.
A woman kneels to paint a young girl's face at an IGS NAIDOC Day celebration, holding a container whilst surrounded by other children with face paint outdoors. The children and woman are dressed mostly in black.
A group of IGS children dressed in black with white face paint and handprints on their shirts stand together, holding green leaves, likely participating in a NAIDOC Day cultural or traditional event.
A group of children from IGS, wearing black clothes with white handprint designs and face paint, stand together holding green branches, appearing to participate in a cultural or traditional NAIDOC Day activity.
Two children wearing black shirts with white handprints and face paint stand in front of a pink wall, celebrating NAIDOC Day. One stands in the foreground with hands behind their back; the other is slightly behind, holding greenery. Smoke drifts to the left.
During a NAIDOC Day celebration at IGS, a man in a flannel shirt squats and fans smoke from a small ceremonial fire with eucalyptus leaves, whilst a woman assists. Pupils watch the cultural demonstration in the school courtyard.
A man covered in white paint stands near a smoking pile of leaves, holding a wooden object. Wearing a checked shirt, scarf, and trainers, he takes part in a traditional NAIDOC Day ceremony outdoors at IGS.
A man with a white cloth on his forehead holds smoking eucalyptus branches, celebrating NAIDOC Day. He wears a checked shirt and patterned scarf, standing in front of a black metal fence and a purple wall at IGS.
A man kneels, holding green eucalyptus branches, as a young boy covers his eyes in front of him during a NAIDOC Day ceremony at IGS. Surrounded by people and drifting smoke, they participate in the meaningful celebration.
Three girls in black clothing with white face paint spots are gathered closely at an IGS NAIDOC Day celebration, one kneeling and pressing her hands to another’s whilst the third looks on, engaged in a meaningful cultural activity.

 

Students explored Aboriginal languages and created jewellery inspired by First Nations culture, while Year 4 students took part in weaving workshops with Aunty Bianca Caldwell from Wiradjuri Dreaming. High School students gathered for a special NAIDOC Assembly before returning to Tutor Groups to further explore language, culture and the significance of totems with Aunty Leanne King.

Middle School students also participated in hands-on workshops with Koori Kinnections, where they explored traditional art practices, weaving techniques and bush remedies. These experiences encouraged students to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while learning directly from respected community members.

Families and members of the wider IGS community joined the celebrations during lunchtime, enjoying freshly prepared meals and browsing handmade crafts outside the Kelly Street Campus. The gathering provided an opportunity to come together in celebration while supporting Indigenous-owned and community-led initiatives.

 

A group of IGS students sit in a circle in a classroom whilst one student stands in the centre holding ribbons. The students appear to be engaged in an interactive group activity or discussion for NAIDOC Day.
A teacher in a blue apron leans over a table to help a young pupil with string in a bright classroom during an IGS NAIDOC celebration, whilst other children sit and work on their own activities.
A group of children sit at a table at IGS, focused on learning to tie knots with colourful strings. An adult hand assists one child. Educational posters are visible on the walls in the background, celebrating NAIDOC Day.
A teacher stands next to two IGS students seated at a table, helping them with a hands-on activity involving colourful strings. In the background, a projection screen displays Wi-Fi details during NAIDOC Day celebrations.
A person wearing a navy blue and purple knitted hat holds up a piece of string, preparing to tie or work with it during NAIDOC Day celebrations at IGS, with blurred people and tables in the background.
A woman helps three seated pupils with a practical activity involving string or cords at a classroom table during NAIDOC Day. The pupils watch closely and participate in the task. Classroom supplies and a colourful poster are visible in the background.
A young child sits at a table, smiling and threading a blue string. Wearing a dark hoodie with the IGS logo, the child appears focused and happy whilst working on a craft project during NAIDOC Day celebrations.
Several children sit at a table in an IGS classroom, focused on an activity. Two boys in the foreground, wearing jackets and hats, work with blue string. Two adults stand in the background during NAIDOC Day activities.
A girl in a navy jacket stands holding colourful strings, engaging with a seated group of children in school uniforms inside an IGS classroom during a NAIDOC Day celebration. The children watch and handle the strings attentively.
Four IGS pupils in school uniforms sit in a circle, focused on weaving colourful strands of string for NAIDOC Day. One child wears a large white bow, and they all appear engaged in the hands-on activity.
A group of IGS students sits in a circle on the floor of a bright classroom, celebrating NAIDOC Day. Artworks and colourful decorations cover the walls, and large windows let in natural light.
A group of IGS students sit and stand around a floor covered with colourful fibres and yarn, weaving and crafting together in a bright, art-filled classroom to celebrate NAIDOC Day.
A group of students at IGS sit and stand in a classroom, working with colourful strings and yarn on the floor. Artworks and cards are displayed on the walls, creating a collaborative and creative atmosphere for First NAIDOC Day celebrations.
A group of IGS students sits in a modern lecture theatre with bright blue seats, watching a small group at the front arranging flowers on a table under a large circular ceiling light as part of NAIDOC Day celebrations.
Two teenage girls sit at a table by large windows at IGS, drawing with colourful markers on a sheet covered in doodles and writing. A bag of crisps is nearby, and city buildings are visible outside as they celebrate NAIDOC Day together.
A teacher stands helping a group of seated children with a craft activity for NAIDOC Day, handing out string. The IGS pupils, all in dark uniforms, are focused on weaving or tying knots in a lively classroom setting.
Two girls sit side by side in a classroom, focussing on a NAIDOC Day craft project with colourful strings. One wears a black jacket, and the other sports a black T-shirt featuring the IGS logo.
Two boys in IGS sports kits sit on chairs indoors, facing each other and smiling while holding colourful plastic strings, possibly making crafts. They appear to be engaged and enjoying the NAIDOC Day activity.
Two women stand at a lectern on stage with a purple IGS International Grammar School banner. One holds greenery and speaks during NAIDOC Day while the other stands behind her; both wear black outfits against black curtains.
A speaker stands at an IGS podium in front of a screen displaying NAIDOC Day 2026: 50 Years of Deadly at a Glamarra school event, with mentions of Ms Carr and Indigenous Education.
A group of children stand on stage holding leafy branches, with white paint marks on their clothes during the IGS NAIDOC Day celebration. Some look forward whilst others look down, as a projected sign is partially visible in the background.
Four children from IGS dressed in black with painted faces perform on stage for NAIDOC Day, holding green leafy branches. One child in front smiles and bends forward whilst the others stand behind against a black curtain backdrop.
A group of children from IGS in dark clothing perform a traditional dance on stage for NAIDOC Day, holding green leafy branches. Some have white face paint, and a presentation slide is visible in the background.
A group of children from IGS stands on a stage holding green leafy branches, some dressed in black with white paint. They are performing for NAIDOC Day, with a projected image partially visible in the background.
Children perform on stage for NAIDOC Day, holding green leafy branches and wearing black outfits with painted patterns. One child stands at the front, smiling and leading the group. A projector screen and dark curtains are visible in the background.
A young child in black clothes and blue socks smiles whilst holding green branches on a stage during IGS NAIDOC Day, with other children in similar outfits and face paint performing in the background.
A group of IGS children dressed in black perform a dance on stage for NAIDOC Day, holding leafy branches. They appear energetic and joyful, some crouching and others standing, all barefoot or in socks against a dark background.
During the NAIDOC Day celebration at IGS, a group of children in black clothes, some with painted faces and bare feet, hold greenery and perform a dance on stage as the audience watches from the foreground.
A man with a beard, wearing a checked shirt and scarf, stands on a stage during NAIDOC Day at IGS, holding a carved wooden object shaped like two fish. Black curtains hang behind him.
A display table with colourful hair scrunchies on sticks, Black dolls, postcards, dried plants, and a QR code stands out against a bright pink wall at the NAIDOC Day IGS market or event. A person in a grey tracksuit stands nearby.
Three young people stand at an IGS table displaying baked goods for sale indoors on NAIDOC Day. One is buying, while two are behind the table with packaged treats, a mobile, a speaker, and a laptop.
A woman stands behind a table with handmade crafts, engaging with three children and an adult holding a baby. The bright pink wall in the background features white text and an IGS sign, celebrating NAIDOC Day at International Grammar School.
Several people examine a display table filled with colourful handmade crafts and wooden items at an indoor NAIDOC Day event at IGS. A sign and a QR code are placed on an easel nearby.
People gather around a table displaying crafts and artwork at an indoor NAIDOC Day event. A woman in a red jacket and face mask interacts with others, while colourful signs and IGS banners are visible in the background.
Three children stand at a table with handmade crafts and cards for sale outside a pink IGS wall, celebrating NAIDOC Day. Trees and a street are visible in the background near IGS School International.

 

The 2026 NAIDOC Week theme 50 Years of Deadly marks an important milestone, celebrating five decades of NAIDOC as a national week of recognition and celebration. It honours the strength, resilience, achievements and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while encouraging all Australians to continue learning from and engaging with the world’s oldest living cultures.

Thank you to Aunty Bianca Caldwell, Aunty Leanne King, Koori Kinnections, our community volunteers and the IGS P&C for helping make this inaugural celebration possible. Their support helped create a meaningful day of learning, connection and celebration for our community.

Thank you also to Jade Carr Head of Indigenous Education for leading and coordinating this important initiative and helping bring our first NAIDOC Day at IGS to life.

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