Learning Language


"walawaani njindiwan"

In 2019 the Jervis Bay school (JBS) board, along with local community members and staff, came to the decision to teach a traditional Aboriginal language; the dhurga language that was traditionally used on the East Coast of NSW. Selected staff members participated in a two-day workshop with Patricia Ellis and joined in partnership with local schools and the wider community to start the beginnings of the Jervis Bay school local Aboriginal dhurga Language Program.

In 2020, we introduced dhurga language into our curriculum and its use is evident throughout the school.

Each class has a weekly dhurga lesson thanks to a partnership with the Vincentia High School language team. 'dhurga with Jono'  is one of our favourite times of the week. Language is re-enforced in all of our classes through our Country as Teacher learning framework.

All aspects of the dhurga Aboriginal Language Program are linked to the outcomes in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standards (NQS) and the K-6 Australian curriculum.

dhurga words

Walawaani njindiwan - Welcome everyone! - mirigaan (dog) - djunnga (octopus).