Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026
As Australia celebrates 50 Years of NAIDOC under the theme: The Next Generation, Strength, Vision and Legacy, students took time to reflect on the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is always a meaningful opportunity for learning, but this year carried particular weight. Fifty years of NAIDOC is a reminder of the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the importance of truth telling and recognition, and the responsibility we all share in continuing to listen, learn and walk forward with respect. Across the week, students were encouraged to engage thoughtfully with this history and to consider how legacy is built over time through culture and community.
Reflecting on 50 Years of NAIDOC Week Themes
Across Wednesday’s PCT, each Homeroom explored a different decade in NAIDOC’s 50 year history. Students were presented with information and themes from each decade, helping them see the connections across time and the ongoing significance of NAIDOC.
A speaker from each Homeroom shared insights about their allocated decade, and students were invited to reflect on what they had learned by writing their thoughts on a paper hand. This created a visible and meaningful reminder of the learning taking place across the community, with each reflection contributing to a collective expression of understanding, respect and connection.
A Performance That Brought the Week to Life
On Thursday, our celebrations concluded with a powerful cultural dance performance by Aquinas students from Years 8 to 12. While this was not ther full performance group, the students brought energy, pride and presence to every moment.
Sachjein introduced each student and guided the audience through the performances, which included the Spirit Dance, Emu Dance, Kangaroo Dance and a vibrant Celebration Dance to close. Their enthusiasm was unmistakable, but so too was the sense of respect behind each movement.
It was a memorable way to end the week. A reminder that learning is at its best when it is shared, lived and felt.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, Catholic School Community, cultural learning at school, Featured, NAIDOC Week, NAIDOC Week at Santa Maria College, Santa Maria College Perth, student cultural performance, student reflection and learning, truth telling and recognition
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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