These ceremonies remind us that learning is deeply connected to place, people and respect, values that will guide the School throughout the year ahead.
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School warmly welcomed the 2026 school year with two meaningful cultural ceremonies across our two campuses, honouring the deep connection to Noongar Country and reinforcing the School’s commitment to respect, reflection and community.
At the Wellard Campus, the School was honoured to welcome respected Noongar Elder and Deputy Mayor of the City of Kwinana, Mr Barry Winmar, who conducted a Welcome to Country and led a powerful Smoking Ceremony for students, staff and families. This significant cultural practice marked the beginning of the year with a moment of connection and renewal, acknowledging the ancestors who have cared for this land for generations and cleansing and protecting the shared learning space for the year ahead.
Mr Winmar is a valued friend of Peter Carnley Anglican Community School and has played an important role in many key moments throughout the School’s history. From the dedication of the Grace Chapel in 2022 to the first Smoking Ceremony held at the opening of Moortang Mia, the School’s special gathering place meaning “place of family”. His generosity in sharing culture and wisdom continues to enrich the School community.
Meanwhile, at the Calista Campus, the School’s youngest learners marked the beginning of the academic year with a beautiful Water Ceremony centred on renewal, life and belonging. On the first full day of attendance for Pre Kindergarten to Year 1 students, the community gathered to acknowledge that each day begins by walking on Noongar Country.
Aunty Marie opened the ceremony by acknowledging the significance of the history of this land as we are living on the oldest Country in the world. Local Aboriginal Kwinana women Chelsea and Aunty Marie guided the children as they dipped peppermint leaves into water prepared with bush medicine. Students gently spread the water on their faces and arms to symbolise renewal and rejuvenation, a reflection of new beginnings at the start of the school year.
Water, Aunty Marie explained, represents life itself. It sustains people, land and animals, nourishing the cycle of life and growth. The children then crushed the peppermint leaves and breathed in the fresh scent, engaging their senses in the experience of healing and connection.
Aunty Marie warmly welcomed everyone onto Noongar Country, sharing the significance of the land and a Dreamtime story about fire. The ceremony concluded with a blessing spoken in Noongar language, as Aunty Marie taught the community the words for “We are One,” which students proudly repeated in both Noongar and English.
Together, the Smoking Ceremony at Wellard and the Water Ceremony at Calista provided a powerful and respectful beginning to the year, grounding the School community in gratitude, unity and cultural understanding.
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School extends its sincere thanks to Mr Barry Winmar, Aunty Marie, Chelsea and all Elders who continue to share their knowledge and traditions so generously. These ceremonies remind us that learning is deeply connected to place, people and respect, values that will guide the School throughout the year ahead.