WA Day is a historic moment in our state’s past and something to be celebrated in every school across Western Australia, in the same way we acknowledge other significant days on our annual calendar like Anzac Day. As one of Australia’s most culturally diverse States, home to diverse groups of Aboriginal people, as well as migrant communities from all corners of the globe, it is vital that every child understands the meaning behind our annual State day. Celebrating our cultural diversity is something that can assist in building a strong and harmonious society.
Here are some tips on how to engage your students at a WA Day assembly, and some suggestions around other ways to celebrate WA Day at your school.
Arranging a WA Day assembly
Hold a school assembly to celebrate WA Day on the Friday before the WA Day long weekend. A WA Day assembly not only teaches our students about the contribution of Aboriginal people to our history and culture, it unites us all. It allows schools to promote good citizenship, showcasing how everyone of us can make a positive impact on our community.
Some cool ideas to inspire your students:
Invite a guest speaker
Add an exciting element to your assembly by inviting a guest speaker who has made a positive contribution to your community.
Would you like to invite a Western Australian of the Year Awards alumni to share their story at your assembly? Check out the Western Australian of the Year Hall of Fame and email your interest to celebratewa@celebratewa.com.au.
Award WA Day Certificates
Present a WA Day Certificate in recognition of students who are making a positive contribution to the school and/or their local community. Check out the Resources section of this kit for WA Day Acknowledgement Certificates.
Unearth local heroes
Ask students to develop and present a short biography of someone in their family or their local community who:
- Inspires a sense of pride in what it means to be a Western Australian; and
- Has ‘given back’ to their community.
Students can present their biographies in a range of forms, from written stories and oral presentations to posters.
WA entertainment
Include WA-themed musical performances or readings of what living in WA means to students.
Serve a WA Day morning tea
Invite parents, grandparents and friends to celebrate with your students over morning tea. Showcase students’ WA Day inspired stories and artwork.
WA Day event invitations can be downloaded from the Resources section of this kit.
Other ideas to celebrate WA Day at your school
Here are some suggestions of ways you can celebrate WA Day in your classroom in support of your WA Day whole school assembly:
Lift lessons to another level
Download lesson plans and resources aligned to the WA Curriculum for Years 3 to 6 from the Department of Education’s Connect Resources site to engage your students in what it means to be Western Australian and promote a sense of community.
Organise a WA Day art show
Invite a local Aboriginal artist to create artworks with students, providing an opportunity to share stories and learn more about Aboriginal culture. Showcase the art at your WA Day assembly or morning tea.
Create a competition
Encourage students to demonstrate what it means to be an inspirational Western Australian by showcasing the meaning behind WA Day through a poem, short story or artwork.
WA photographic showcase
Ask students to bring in photographs of their favourite place in WA. Set up a display in classroom or assembly area as a discussion point.
Decorate your classroom
Dress your classroom up for WA Day with art and memorabilia. We have some great online resources that students can cut out, make and colour.
