The Lake Cathie Public School continues to build a strong relationship with the Aboriginal community with the official opening of its Acknowledgement Garden.
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The opening was on Thursday, December 7.
Aunty Rhonda Radley provided a blessing ceremony with students providing a dance.
The school's leader of Aboriginal education Kelly Jesser said the garden was an exciting part of their journey as a school community.
"We've developed a strong relationship with the local Gathang Language Group through our school sporting team names," Ms Jesser said.
"The garden is a really exciting part of our journey. We have now taken that journey to its next step.
"This garden will eventually be the front entrance to our school. We want that (entrance) to be really strong and proud as a symbol of our connection to the country and to the land.
"This garden shows our respect for the land of the Biripai people."
Ms Jesser said the garden had been 'a long time in the making' and lent heavily on the skill and designs of Jamie Donovan.
The steel structures had been about six months in the making, she said.
Once opened, the garden will feature more native plantings.
"It has been a very nice project all round," Ms Jesser said.
"Aboriginal education should be celebrated in all schools, irrespective of the number of Aboriginal students within each school community.
"This is an opportunity for all school students to learn about the local Aboriginal language and culture."
Ms Jesser described the Acknowledgement Garden as a solid foundation of the school's working relationship with the Aboriginal community.
"It is a long running connection and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship," she added.
Aunty Rhonda closed the ceremony with "Nyiirun Gathay Wakulda" which means `let us all go together as one'.