We're part of a great team of Rotary Clubs that are making a difference. Check out the extract from "Books in Homes" newsletter "The Bridge." Congratulations especially to Pam Pritchard of RC Turramurra.
FEATURE STORY
The Moree Project
The Principal of Moree East Public School, Lorinda Potter, invited my colleagues and me to a Thank You Celebration at the school on the 20 July 2022. Two Rotary clubs – Chatswood/Roseville and Turramurra – had co-sponsored two market umbrellas to provide much needed shade in the play area. The event was officially callled The Opening of the Umbrellas and nine members from the two clubs travelled to Moree for the event.
The celebration started with a group of students giving the ‘Welcome to Country’ in their Gamilaraay language. Lorinda thanked us, not only for the umbrellas and for organising 67 iPads courtesy of another school, but also for the Books in Homes program, which is sponsored by six clubs and two Districts.
We opened the umbrellas that had been beautifully decorated with the students’ artwork. The school then presented us with a thank you cake, and Peony Daniels, the teacher who coordinates Books in Homes at the school, and I cut the cake together.
The next night, we were invited to join members of the Rotary Club of Moree for dinner at a local restaurant.
On Friday 22 July, the group was privileged to join the school for the culmination of their NAIDOC activities. The day started with a whole School Assembly where students gave the ‘Welcome to Country’ and sang the National Anthem in their own language, with Uncle Matt, the school’s Aboriginal Senior Leader (Knowledge Keeper), playing the didgeridoo. Students presented and talked about the work they had been doing, which was all related to their Indigenous culture.
In the afternoon, the students enjoyed a variety of cultural activities—Uncle Matt's stories of the boomerang and didgeridoo, face painting and art, craft and music.
It was an unforgettable three days.
Our next goal is to renew our sponsorship for the Books in Homes program for 2023.
Any support would be greatly appreciated.
Written by Pam Pritchard, Program and Foundation Chair, and District Scholarship Chair, Rotary Club of Turramurra Moree East Public School is sponsored by Rotary Districts 9650 and 9685.
