NEWS

KUMAMADJIN
ART

Dear Principal and Staff

Cordial greetings from the School at the foot of Mt Buffalo. We hope that your year is coming to a smooth and satisfying conclusion. Through this little communique we'd like to 'touch base' and broadcast a little more news (good and bad) in regard to our project. You may recall that the YAYIP concept aims to bring a little more fulfillment into the lives of Australian youth, especially our indigenous students. You may like to refresh your knowledge of the project by visiting our website at:
http://porepunkahps.vic.edu.au/yayip/

Our project took off in 1997 with students at Wandiligong and Porepunkah making illustrated placemats based on interesting aboriginal words. We called it 'Kumamadjin Art'. Kumamadjin meaning coming together

Last year at Porepunkah we moved to working with plywood and wood burners. The children created keyracks and drink trays with each item featuring an aboriginal word plus its meaning and an attractive illustration. These were duly lacquered and presented as gifts to parents and friends.

This year's project although getting underway succesfully was interupted by disaster. Project coordinator Laurie Ginnivan was involved in an horrendous road accident. Whilst turning off a highway his vehicle was struck from behind by a tip truck and thrown into the path of an oncoming log truck. The two trucks totally demolished the car but miraculously Laurie managed to survive. After 12 weeks hospitalisation he was again able to join the YAYIP activities.

In 1997 and 1998 we set about sharing the idea with about 40 schools across Australia, mainly in the north. Most of this was done by personal visit and all schools were both courteous and interested in our proposed project. The executive chairperson of ATSIC, Mr Ray Morrison has also been very supportive. Next year we are considering using linen and fabric paints so please give us a call, fax, letter or e-mail if you'd like to take part. Please also provide us with comments and feedback

Finally special thanks to Michael McGirr SJ from Jesuit Publications for his photo of Gabrielle Muller from Balgo Mission which is our feature photo. Thanks to the Barry Holden and his students in grade 5/6 at Porepunkah for their enthusiastic participation in the YAYIP trials. Thanks also to Mr Lindsay Clapperton the Principal at Porepunkah for his considerable web design and computer skills. And in conclusion Ansett Airlines of Australia for whose generous allocation of frequent flyer miles permitted coordinator Laurie Ginnivan to take the YAYIP concept to over 40 schools across Australia.