Students bring the Boab Tree story to life

Students at Kalumburu Remote Community School have created artwork for a storybook about the Boab Tree, following a visit by Georgie Saunders from Outdoor School Victoria.

Local storyteller, presenter and artist Ian Waina also joined the visit, continuing his strong connection with the school.

Deputy Principal, Sam Wright, said the school has a strong link with Mr Waina, who returns to Kalumburu each year to teach students about Kwini culture.

“These opportunities are incredibly valuable for our Kalumburu students,” Miss Wright said.

“They give students the chance to connect with people and experiences beyond their local community while also learning in a way that is meaningful and connected to who they are.”

Mr Waina took the students from Kalumburu Remote Community School and from the Outdoor School on Country to the local community’s boab tree, sharing the story of why boab trees look like they do today.

Students explored the story’s message about the importance of modesty modest and not showing off.

They then painted what they saw on Country, creating artwork for a storybook.

“Much of their artwork was inspired by the boab tree and boab nuts, as these were things they were able to see and explore during their time outside,” Miss Wright said.

“Their paintings provided a creative way for the students to represent their experiences and what they had learned.”

Year 3 student Kean Unghango enjoyed hearing the story about the boab tree, as well as meeting the other students and learning about where they came from.

“I liked sitting under the boab tree with everybody and being on Country with new people,” he said.

“[For the book] I painted a boab nut.

“I want to see the book and show it to my family. I’m excited to see it.”

The artwork will be used in the book being developed in collaboration with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, which is expected to be released later this year or early next year.

Miss Wright said capturing and sharing these stories through a book provided students with an opportunity to help preserve these stories and ensures that they can continue to be shared with future generations.

“Most importantly, these projects give students an opportunity to have ownership of and participate in sharing the stories of their own land and community,” she said.

“We are looking forward to seeing the finished publication and, most importantly, seeing the students' artwork and the story come together in the final book.

“It was a really special experience to see students from both schools come together, learn from Ian and spend time on Country.

“It is a great example of how learning can happen outside the classroom and how important it is for students to have opportunities to connect with culture and country.”