Students from Berkeley West Public School have become published authors and artists with the release of a new book, Boori Stories and Lizard Trackers.
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Launched on Tuesday, the book includes contributions from Aboriginal students who have documented their cultural experiences at the school.
Of the school’s 175 students, 37 have Aboriginal heritage.
Aboriginal education co-ordinator Hannah Norrie said it was important that the school recognised this in its teachings.
‘‘Most of the [Aboriginal students] didn’t know anything about their culture,’’ Mrs Norrie said. ‘‘We’ve had contact with local elders, helping us to understand language and history. The [students] have worked in our bush tucker garden, learnt about dreamtime, gone on an excursion down to Killalea State Park, written creative stories and reflected on the animals that represent them.
‘‘It’s sparked their curiosity and they’re asking a lot of questions.’’ The book, to be sold at the school for $5, would also serve as a valuable community resource, Mrs Norrie said.
‘‘It explores a lot of the history of the area.’’
