With the permission and support of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, in 2019 É«ÇéÖ±²¥ began naming its Early Years classrooms using palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aboriginals.
The College embarked on this process in order to:
The pulana Precinct
The K-2 Precinct at the College is called the pulana Precinct. pulana (pronounced pu lah nah) is the palawa kani word for star.
The star is one of the key symbols within the College tradition – it is highlighted on the College crest and the tie of our formal uniform.
The star is a sacred and spiritual symbol for many faith traditions. In Christianity, the star is symbolic of divine guidance and protection. The star of Bethlehem represents God’s guidance, and the star of David is a powerful symbol of protection in Judaism. The star is part of the Salesian coat of arms and the Dominican coat of arms.
Kindergarten classes are called tuminana. tuminana (pronounced Too Mee nah nah) is palawa kani for Little Fairy Penguin. |
Prep classes are called larila. larila (pronounced Lah ree lah) is palawa kani for Platypus. |
Year 1 classes are called timita. timita (pronounced tee Mee tah) is palawa kani for Possum. |
Year 2 classes are called tuti. tuti (pronounced tu tee) is palawa kani for Sand Crab. |
luwutina Centre
Within the pulana Precinct is a special multi-purpose centre called the luwutina Centre (pronounced lu wu tee nah).
luwutina is palawa kani for Child.
The luwutina Centre is used for student gatherings, specialist teaching classes and group workshops. It also serves as the College’s space to conduct Before and After School Care and the Vacation Care Program.