Little creek stopped flowing, 

Her beds are all dry…

As we approach the end of Term 1, the creek and bush environments are as dry and parched as we have ever experienced them. 

When Class 1/2 went for our annual Bunuru trek along the creek in late February, sections of it had already ceased to flow, and the children took great pleasure in digging channels between some of the remaining pools in an attempt to help the water find its course. But a week later we discovered that our digging was to no avail, and so it has remained for the month of March. 

Usually by the time autumn equinox comes around there is a steady stream of water again, and we are building bridges across it; also fungi is beginning to pop up in unexpected places as we feel the moisture in the air as the evenings grow cooler. But as yet there are no signs that the first rains are about to bring in the change of season, and a mood of waiting and quiet anticipation pervades the dry bush environment.

Little creek is waiting

For drops from the sky.

Class 1/2 were fortunate to have Lyra’s mum Linda come and share her knowledge and skills in making bush baskets with materials from the bush. We went for a walk to see what plants would be suitable for basket making, and then had a go at splitting reeds and learning the technique for making cord from the materials. We have been honing our skills ever since, and look forward to spending a second morning with Linda for our final session for the term on Wednesday.

It has been heartening to see our younger Bush Kindy children develop in confidence and resilience over the course of the first term. A few who were new at the beginning of the year were initially quite nervous of the creek environment, and there were some challenges taking the group for short walks. But as the weeks have rolled by confidence and enthusiasm have grown, and the dry creek has enabled some adventurous exploring. 

Last week a special discovery was made by one of our younger explorers. Upon turning over one small rock among many in a particular stretch of the creek bed, she discovered a tiny djilgi sheltering in the moist sand. Djilgies of different sizes were found under different rocks. Of course, as caretakers of country great care was taken to place all creatures and rocks back where they were found.

Bruce Anthony