Stewart House School

Changing Children's lives since 1931

Telephone02 9938 3822

Emailstewarthou-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Aboriginal Education

Meet Jack - our AEO

 

 

Jack is our Aboriginal Education Officer at Stewart House School.

We are lucky to have him on staff to share his passion for cultural education to all the students visiting.

A skilled musician, Jack provides hands on learning experiences for the students educating them through music, dance, cooking and storytelling. 

 

 

Aboriginal Education at Stewart House School

Welcome to our School Yarning Circle! This space is dedicated to fostering open dialogue, cultural exchange, and deep connections among students, staff, and the wider community.

Jack will often use this space to run lessons promoting it as a respectful environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. Whether you're here to listen, learn, or contribute, our Yarning Circle welcomes you!

We are lucky to have a rich array of indigenous artifacts on display in Jacks room.

These precious items, ranging from traditional tools and artworks to ceremonial objects, offer a unique window into the history and heritage of Indigenous peoples.

Our display isn't just about showcasing these incredible artifacts, but also about sharing the stories and traditions they represent. It's a great way for students  to learn and appreciate the diverse cultures that enrich our community.

Indigenous cooking is a celebration of the natural ingredients found in the Australian bush, often referred to as "bush tucker." This culinary tradition includes a wide variety of unique foods that have been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for thousands of years. Here are a few examples:

  1. Bush Tomatoes (Kutjera): These small, tangy fruits are often dried and used in sauces, chutneys, and as a seasoning in various dishes.

  2. Wattleseed: Harvested from Acacia trees, wattleseed is roasted and ground to produce a flour that has a nutty flavor. It’s commonly used in breads, damper (a type of traditional bread), and even desserts.

  3. Lemon Myrtle: This aromatic herb has a lemony flavor and is used to season fish, chicken, and various sauces. It’s also popular in teas and desserts.

  4. Kangaroo: A lean and flavorful meat, kangaroo is often cooked in stews, grilled, or roasted. It's a staple in traditional Indigenous diets and is now widely enjoyed across Australia.

  5. Bush Honey: Collected from native bees, bush honey is used to sweeten foods and is valued for its distinct flavor.

In our school, students have the opportunity to explore these ingredients, creating traditional recipes like:

  • Bush Tucker Chocolate: Combining native ingredients like wattleseed and bush honey with chocolate for a unique treat.
  • Damper: A simple, traditional bread that can be enhanced with native seeds and herbs from our Bush Tucker Garden.

These cooking activities help students appreciate the richness of Indigenous culture and the sustainable practices that have been used for generations.