NAIDOC fun at Cooloongup

Cooloongup Primary School held its annual indigenous assembly on Friday morning to help celebrate NAIDOC week.

Students, teachers and invited guests packed the assembly hall to enjoy performances from the Kaa Kaa Middars dance group and a special didgeridoo performance by student Zac Smith. The Kaa Kaa Middars student dance group was started three years ago after a group of parents called for an indigenous assembly.

The students learn traditional indigenous dances, but also incorporate modern dance moves and songs into their performances.

The group performs around the Rockingham area and has been busy helping with other NAIDOC celebrations in the area.

The performance on Friday showed off acrobatic skills and the dancers were joined by former Cooloongup students who are now in Year 7 at Rockingham Senior High School.

Cooloongup Primary School principal Gail Sampson said the assembly was a great way for children to explore Aboriginal themes and culture.

‘‘I think you can see they have good fun,’’ she said.

‘‘They get the cultural influence but the modern music helps them get engaged.

‘‘It’s holding onto the heritage but also allowing them to be young people.’’