Since January 1999, Marian Catholic School as been enriched with the cultures and teachings from the Torres Strait.
Students of indigenous and non-indigenous backgrounds reconciled together to make a multi-cultural dance group, which is known as Marian Catholic School Torres Strait Island Dance Troupe. The Dance Troupe is under the guidance of our indigenous teachers,Therese Cowley and Kerry Tatnell.
The children are taught traditional languages through singing and dancing, as well as through other cultural activities; which include weaving, art, cooking and gardening.
Due to the interest and enthusiasm shown by individual students, auditions are held at the beginning of every school year for any students wanting to join the Dance Troupe and to replace those who have left. The students practice each week during their lunch time.
The Dance Troupe is popular and very well known throughout the Catholic Schools that form the Townsville Diocese. Each year the troupe is asked to perform at a number of Catholic Schools in Townsville and also travel to perform during NAIDOC celebrations. The Dance Troupe has been invited on many occasions to perform at numerous community events throughout Townsville City.
