Dear Minimbah families

Held this week, Perberkoong captured the unique spirit of our community. The word ‘Perberkoong’ was gifted to Woodleigh by Senior Boon Wurrung Elder N'arweet Carolyn Briggs. It means ‘come together’ or ‘unite,’ perfectly capturing the essence of our gathering. This celebration brought together all three campuses of Woodleigh, allowing us to reflect and celebrate our shared values and cultural heritage

The Foundation students delighted the audience with their gorgeous enactment of Nicholas Allan’s Jesus’ Christmas Party. Told from the perspective of the innkeeper, this hilarious tale highlighted the importance of patience and kindness. Despite his frustrations, the innkeeper learned to embrace the joy and wonder of the season, reminding us that things don’t always go to plan, but together we can work as a team and support one another.

Another highlight was the storytelling of Bunjil by Penbank Year 5 & 6 students, and musical performances such as 'Yinyarr Mulana Winyarr' by the Year 3/4 Cross Campus Choir, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions and talents within our community. The program also featured heartfelt reflections from students across various year levels, including Year 6 and Year 12, who shared their personal journeys and insights.

Even Minimbah’s mischievous elf, Clarke G, joined the celebration, cheekily hanging from a decoration and almost upstaging Rod as he welcomed everyone. Rod shared the entertaining tale about how the elf came to live on the shelf, tracing its origins back to the 1200s and informing us of many historical connections.

Performances of classic Christmas carols by Minimbah students and a special rendition of ‘You’re the Voice,’ by the Three Campus Choir, accompanied by a bagpipe solo, added to the festive atmosphere. This year's Perberkoong not only celebrated our cultural roots but also highlighted the collective effort and dedication of everyone involved, making it a memorable and meaningful event for all.

Where did the year go? As we count down the days and enter the final week of the term, we have more celebrations to look forward to. Next week includes the Year 6 Exhibition/Graduation, ECC Assembly, Final Assembly, and the much-anticipated Year 6 Pool Jump. These events will mark the culmination of a wonderful year and provide us with more opportunities to come together and celebrate our achievements.

Let's cherish these final moments of 2024 together.

KATE BIRD